voodoochile 41 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I removed and polished our port lights a few years ago, but now they've crazed (32 yrs. old!). I searched several times but cannot find any discussions. The lights a re 1/2". Any help appreciated. Leroi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cmonkey 35 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 you should be able to find a local plastics dealer that can cut new ones for you out of bulk material, I recommend Lexan over plexiglass. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SloopJonB 12,558 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 As per the other thread, forget Lexan. It has no benefit and several downsides in that application. https://www.hydrosight.com/acrylic-vs-polycarbonate-a-quantitative-and-qualitative-comparison/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Diamond Jim 87 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 If the existing frames were made for 1/2” material, that rules out glass. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voodoochile 41 Posted September 9, 2021 Author Share Posted September 9, 2021 Thanks for the responses! Leroi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
silent bob 1,256 Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 I made some keel windows out of 3/4” Plexiglass, 4” diameter. I messed one up when the clamp slipped, and the hole saw scratched up a large portion of the surface. I took it up to the gun range, clamped it to a board, and hit it with a round of 5.56 NATO (.223 Rem), it broke into three large chunks! I figure that it was still way stronger than the section of hull that I mounted it into! I slept much better after that! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
2airishuman 324 Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Keep in mind that polyurethane sealants (5200, 4000 UV, Sikaflex, etc) do not work well on acrylic. They will form a strong initial bond that will weaken after a period of years due to a reaction between the acrylic and the sealant. Dow Corning 795 silicone building sealant is recommended and was what I used when I had to do this on my boat. Mine were frameless and I used VHB tape to hold them in position with proper spacing for the silicone, your situation may be different. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El Borracho 2,613 Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Lexan…polycarbonate…has no place on a yacht. Great stuff for some other things. Like jailhouse windows. Post pics of what you have. Deadlights or port lights in frames??? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voodoochile 41 Posted September 9, 2021 Author Share Posted September 9, 2021 8 hours ago, Borracho said: Lexan…polycarbonate…has no place on a yacht. Great stuff for some other things. Like jailhouse windows. Post pics of what you have. Deadlights or port lights in frames??? Won't be doing the project until this winter. All the lights are recessed 1/2" into the doghouse and are frameless. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Marcjsmith 1,005 Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hav2sUGeoHI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQyjxVUskd8&t=52s post date march 14 i removed the frames all together and went with VHB and 795 just keep an eye on your outdoor and surface temps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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