We (me) would like to begin the process of replacing the crazed "glass" on our B38Ocean. We are wondering if anyone else has done the full rebuild, including gaskets or if it's better to just replace them. Ours leak during light rain when slightly opened (dog screws still attached). Some worse than others, however we are now losing all of them when it starts to rain to avoid the clean-up. Thoughts as to the better path forward?
Jeff, part of your question asks if it is better just to replace them (your portlights), and this depends entirely on the depth of your pocket and whether you like emptying it. Ouchouchouch.
If your portlights were made by Lewmar, then their name is probably moulded into the acrylic. On my B36(2002) the name appears near the lower edge of the portlight and can be difficult to see, particularly if the portlights are as badly crazed as mine were before I sorted the problem as described elsewhere under Modifications and Equipment in the thread headed “Crazed Portlights and Hatches). Also on the Lewmar portlights there is a number which you would need to make a note of and which is even more difficult to read than is the manufacturers name. However, it is possible that your portlights are made by a different manufacturer, though the fact that they are badly crazed tends to point towards Lewmar who went through a period of using a poor quality acrylic, and where those who knew about their problems were sometimes able to negotiate a price reduction. I wasnt aware at the time I replaced mine of that particular problem, so I got on and did a DIY job which turned out much better than I’d hoped and at a price arguably better than any discount that Lewmar might have offered. If your portlights are Lewmar, and are specific for Bavaria’s then be aware that they may have modified the portlights since yours were originally fitted. On mine they had increased the hinge pins from 4mm to 5mm thickness, and the hinges and catches were themselves of significantly larger dimensions such that replacement acrylics would not fit directly without also buying a separate (in the uk) fitting kit.
I wish you good luck with your project.
