36C Hull 53
Junior Member
Hello EYO,
I recently purchased Ericson 36C Hull #53.
Apparently she is not alone with the problem of leaking portlights. I could really use some advice.
It looks like whatever was originally there from the factory was replaced at some point. Currently the portlights look to be covered with some Lexan or other acrylic that is sealed with what I assume to be butyl tape? All 6 leak when it rains. Also, it sure would be nice to be able to open the portlights.
Is there a better way to solve this?
I was thinking that I could use one of variety of elliptical portlight inserts that seem to be available. However, I have come to find out that the price on these varies widely (from $35 to $800). They come in plastic, bronze and stainless. The size also seems to be a bit of a challenge
I found a $39 option on Amazon that I thought looked pretty close.
It was pretty close, but I didn’t take in to account that there is a drain piece on the inside cutout that prevents it from fitting. I am guessing that the answer is NOT to cut the fiberglass to make it fit.
A E31 owner pointed me to a foundry that could make them, but I suspect that could be fairly expensive and nerve racking (as I am sure I will measure incorrectly)
Has anyone used an aftermarket portlight on a 36C? Or, is the answer to try to replace or reseal the Lexan?
-Nick
I recently purchased Ericson 36C Hull #53.
Apparently she is not alone with the problem of leaking portlights. I could really use some advice.
It looks like whatever was originally there from the factory was replaced at some point. Currently the portlights look to be covered with some Lexan or other acrylic that is sealed with what I assume to be butyl tape? All 6 leak when it rains. Also, it sure would be nice to be able to open the portlights.
Is there a better way to solve this?
I was thinking that I could use one of variety of elliptical portlight inserts that seem to be available. However, I have come to find out that the price on these varies widely (from $35 to $800). They come in plastic, bronze and stainless. The size also seems to be a bit of a challenge
I found a $39 option on Amazon that I thought looked pretty close.
It was pretty close, but I didn’t take in to account that there is a drain piece on the inside cutout that prevents it from fitting. I am guessing that the answer is NOT to cut the fiberglass to make it fit.
A E31 owner pointed me to a foundry that could make them, but I suspect that could be fairly expensive and nerve racking (as I am sure I will measure incorrectly)
Has anyone used an aftermarket portlight on a 36C? Or, is the answer to try to replace or reseal the Lexan?
-Nick
