Ever change out a port hole?

[nauti medic]

I have a '99 280ss that has two oval port holes on either side inside the cabin. They are the solid smoked plexiglass type. I am wondering if it is possible to change these out into a screen type port hole in order to get some added ventilation into the cabin. If so are there standard sizes for these and where do you think they can be purchased at. The boat is hidden away in winter storage so I can't measure it or look at how it is installed currently. Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[Russ Calasant]

Check out flounder pounder marine, they always have a bunch of portholes.

 

[fasttoys7619]

Hey nauti , this is cape coral guy ,aka richierich from fun on the fox , you should check out Kendor, marine surplus store in Franklin Wis , 40 min drive from Fox Lake , was just up there , they have a ton of opening port holes, all dif sizes and shapes , I just bought one for my aft cabin , they have an online store also and can ship , but i prefer to go in person

 

[nauti medic]

Hey nauti , this is cape coral guy ,aka richierich from fun on the fox , you should check out Kendor, marine surplus store in Franklin Wis , 40 min drive from Fox Lake , was just up there , they have a ton of opening port holes, all dif sizes and shapes , I just bought one for my aft cabin , they have an online store also and can ship , but i prefer to go in person

Hey there small world. I was actually going to drive up there soon anyways to look for some starboard or another product like it as well. Thanks for the reference, I guess I'll have to get to the marina and take some measurements (do you know if there is a "standard" size and or thickness? or I'll try to find a part number. I was hoping to find someone who could let me know if it could be done, what I'm in for, and any pointers. I'll let you know how it turns out and we'll be on the sand bar before you know it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

There's certainly no reason you can't do it. There's a good chance that you can find one that will match up to the hole and not have to do any cutting, or very little. If not, it really is no big deal to cut the hole bigger. Make sure you make all your cuts with radiused corners to avoid spider cracking. Take your time, use the template (or make one) - tape it up to the hull side and then back away and take a look to see if it looks right before starting your cuts. Of course, use a quality sealant like LifeSeal - DO NOT use 3M5200. Once you get the model of your particular portlight, you'll be able to find one that matches up.

 

[nauti medic]

Of course, use a quality sealant like LifeSeal - DO NOT use 3M5200. Once you get the model of your particular portlight, you'll be able to find one that matches up.

Thanks for the input, stupid question, but I'm a newer DYI'er why would I not want to use 5200 or say 4200? On my old fiberglass boat I used 100% waterproof silicone and didn't have a problem either so whats the difference? I'm looking to re-caulk my rub rail as well due to some of it already pulling out both above and under the rail. Should I be looking at this LifeSeal as well for that or maybe 3M 4000UV? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[spfortjohn]

Thanks for the input, stupid question, but I'm a newer DYI'er why would I not want to use 5200 or say 4200? On my old fiberglass boat I used 100% waterproof silicone and didn't have a problem either so whats the difference? I'm looking to re-caulk my rub rail as well due to some of it already pulling out both above and under the rail. Should I be looking at this LifeSeal as well for that or maybe 3M 4000UV? Any help is greatly appreciated.

If you ever try to remove the 5200 you might rip the gelcote that stuff is almost impossible to remove.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Right - basically, the wrong tool for the job. 5200 is permanent - think of it like super glue that is also caulk. 4200 is not quite as permanent. Neither are UV stabilized. The reason I specifically mentioned 5200 is that I've seen it recommended on this forum about as much as Macgyver uses duct tape! It's a fantastic product for what it is designed for, though.

4000UV is just as good as LifeSeal - I just personally prefer the BoatLife products - partly because of their customer service, partly because it's what I've grown accustomed to using over the years.

 

[nauti medic]

spfortjohn and lazy daze, just the pointers I was looking for. Thank you so much for the words of advice.