Replacing the screen in an oval porthole

[BrianN]

Hi there. I have a '95 Sundancer 300 with the oval portholes. The screens have holes in them and really need to be replaced. It looks like they are sandwiched between the frames or something like that. Any ideas on how I could go about replacing the screen? It makes the windows look really crummy.
Brian

 

[promocop]

I never use my screens in SOCAL. you get bugs up there? Call SR and reorder them

 

[tdappleman]

If they are like the windows on my 270 then it's extremely easy to replace yourself. When you open the window you will see a rubber gasket - this holds the screen in and seals the window. You can carefully remove this seal and remove the screen - it's all glued in so you have to be careful to not tear the gasket. After that - go to a home supply store and pick up new screen. I went to Ace and got their black screen in a big roll for about $5. Cut it to match the window and apply sealant to the gasket and you are ready to re-install. The kind of sealant you use is up to you - I used clear silicone and it's held up for a year now with no issues. Others have said silicone wont hold up - so you can do some searches on here for what you decide to end up with. When you press the gasket back in it will stretch the screen out slightly so give yourself a little slack - but that stretching will get the wrinkles out and it will look like new. Close the window, wipe up any excess sealant and you're done. Leave the window closed for a day or so to make sure the sealant cures. Good luck.

 

[BrianN]

Hi there. Thanks for the information. I followed your advice, along with another individual that replied, and everything went well. There was a little problem because the old gasket had been "siliconed" in, but not bad. The window looks great now! The torn screen really bothered me and it also looked so crummy. Again, thanks for the help!
Brian

 

[chriscala]

my screens on my 1999 260 Sundancer look bad also.....I will take your advice and replace them.......worse though, is they leak a bit ......any easy cures ??

 

[Lazy Daze]

Chris, the screens in my '99 260DA are separate entities from the rubber gasket. It's sort of like a pre-made screen with a plastic frame around it. The whole thing just friction fits in. You'll need to order new ones from your dealer.

It's either going to be one or the other - replacing the screen like mentioned in the post above, or buying new "pre-made" screens that just snap-in.

Fixing the leak: Tighten the screws that are in the locking hasps - just a half-turn or so at a time. Unless the leak is between the SS frame and the hull. Then you have to take the two halves (outside and inside) apart and re-seal.

 

[nyminute]

I got my gaskets out of the port with a plastic spatula modified to fit, and did so on a toasty day and they came out nicely. I used a marine caulk to reinstall with my Home Depot screens. I also padded the screw head on the glass to stop the friction that caused the holes. Also got the Admiral a new spatula as a consolation prize!