Downeaster Yachts.com - Topic: Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Scott Carle on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:58:30 -0400

Poly-carbonate would be the preferred choice as it is the strongest. I have never used it much as it is expensive and I had access to good deals on some 1/2 inch thick acrylic. Free kinda deals 🙂 You can get some nice polycarbonate materials that have uv and scratch resistant surfaces.

bobmcd625 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:06:13 -0400

I guess the obvious alternative to replacing the whole window(s) would be to replace the pane(s).

I just saw an article in Good Old Boat where a guy replaced the old "plastic" with new Lucite. Should not be a horrible task.

I expect that DE owners may well have done this already and described the process. My first question is "What material?"

Lucite or similar would be easy to cut but may still be prone to scratches, etc.

What is best?

bobmcd625 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 11:49:50 -0400

mgav451 said
If you're talking out the big fiberglass windows and plan on adding bronze let me know I just finished mine. I can give you the measurements etc.. hers a pic of the bronze.. not cheap not easy but looks fantastic.

Would love to have more details on your bronze port lights and process of removal old ones and installing new ones. Thanks..

bobmcd625 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 11:43:21 -0400

I may have to do this as well, but in the meantime, what can one do to clean up the old plastic windows? Mine, as probably with many, are so foggy you can barely see through them. Can they be polished with something to restore their clarity?

Hopefully yes.

Cheers

dfharris02 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 01:42:03 -0400

I got it removed and orders a Newfound Metals TriMatric 7x15 which is very close in dimension to the orginal. It might require some trimming since my opening seems to be 14.75 inches. I don't have a lot of space to work with in the head so I hope it works out. I chose the Trimatrix because it's a combo of white ABS and stainless which will make it blend better with the other ports. We'll see...I'll add pictures after installation.

mgav451 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 14:54:06 -0400

If you're talking out the big fiberglass windows and plan on adding bronze let me know I just finished mine. I can give you the measurements etc.. hers a pic of the bronze.. not cheap not easy but looks fantastic.

dfharris02 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 01:00:22 -0400

Funny! I started today and that seems to be the only way!

mgav451 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:10:47 -0400

Razor blades. Paint scraper and pry bar. Gotta get mad at them.

dfharris02 on Removing Factory Fixed Plastic Ports

Wed, 18 Jul 1923 14:24:47 -0400

I've seen posts about putting in new ports but I haven't found a discussion on how to remove the fixed plastics ones that were standard on the 38. I'm replacing the head slider port and have removed the cabin trim piece. It seems to me as if the port is basically embedded in place with 4200. Too remove do I simply heat up the exterior ring (I don't want to burn the interior headliner) and then pry out? Thanks!