Post by bellefontainefamil on Apr 30, 2010 20:12:47 GMT -5
I have just installed eight new opening side portlights to replace the original Beckson's on Odyssey a 1980 CS36T. I had spoken to another owner who had done it and recommended the project to me. The part number is 393320500 for the Standard #3 size which is 6 3/4" by 16 7/8". They are an aluminum outside frame and beige plastic on the inside. Smoked glass and opening with screen. The size is slightly larger than the existing Becksons so I could (almost) cut right around the existing windows using their outside permiter as my cutting template and avoid the work of dis-assembling them. Bosh aluminum / fiberglass curve cut jigsaw blades where the cutting tool of choice and used for trimming as well. My Rotozip with spiral trimming bits was erratic and the bits too fat to do a good job. I'm generally happy with the results and installation but only time will tell!
Plus's:
1) Easy cut out of the old windows (avoids two hours work or more each)
2) Brushed aluminum trim matches existing top hatches and toe rail. A nice clean look for those who find the stainless options too traditional or prominant.
3) Beige interior trim is on the flimsy side but has a texture similar to our cabin liner. The colour is darker but complementary and paintable.
4) 25% more glass area makes the cabin noticably brighter.
5) High quality well machined parts except for the plastic trim ring
Minus's:
6) $295 each
7) The bedding surface is only 3/8" wide making the cutout critical. I tied to cut just on the edge of the existing plastic frame and trim out later. Not much of an area to stop leaks! Especially if you cut wide.
8)There is more curve to our deck house sides for 2 or 3 of the 8 windows than the Lewmars will bend to. I used a straight edge to avoid overtightening and left opposing top and bottom kitty? corners sticking out. At the worst the port front is out 1/8" at top front and the lower rear is out 1/4'. Only I will notice at an appearance level but it's not as brick sh-t house proper as it should be.
9) No cut out template is available as for the Newfound Metal ports that maine cruising installed. A proper metal one that would handle a template cutting bit in a router would have been nice. I made ones (male and female) out of 1/4" hardboard for marking and fitting.
10) Due to the larger size I had to move the forward port window forward 1/2" and lower the head window 3/8' relative to the others. Again only I will notice (but I do!).
11) To help avoid leaks due to the narrow bedding area I allowed the bedding to go 1/8" around the perimeter and just over the face of the frame to act as an awning or cap peak over the window face. Also cleaned well with acetone, sanded and recleaned.
12) The machine screws that came with it are too long for our 1/2" wall thickness. Order 130 M5 x 16 and 10 M5 x 20.
All in all I'm pleased and hopefull they'll last me the next 30 years. Took 3+ hours of thinking and planning and making templates. With helper 4 hours for side one and 2 hours for side 2.
Paul
Plus's:
1) Easy cut out of the old windows (avoids two hours work or more each)
2) Brushed aluminum trim matches existing top hatches and toe rail. A nice clean look for those who find the stainless options too traditional or prominant.
3) Beige interior trim is on the flimsy side but has a texture similar to our cabin liner. The colour is darker but complementary and paintable.
4) 25% more glass area makes the cabin noticably brighter.
5) High quality well machined parts except for the plastic trim ring
Minus's:
6) $295 each
7) The bedding surface is only 3/8" wide making the cutout critical. I tied to cut just on the edge of the existing plastic frame and trim out later. Not much of an area to stop leaks! Especially if you cut wide.
8)There is more curve to our deck house sides for 2 or 3 of the 8 windows than the Lewmars will bend to. I used a straight edge to avoid overtightening and left opposing top and bottom kitty? corners sticking out. At the worst the port front is out 1/8" at top front and the lower rear is out 1/4'. Only I will notice at an appearance level but it's not as brick sh-t house proper as it should be.
9) No cut out template is available as for the Newfound Metal ports that maine cruising installed. A proper metal one that would handle a template cutting bit in a router would have been nice. I made ones (male and female) out of 1/4" hardboard for marking and fitting.
10) Due to the larger size I had to move the forward port window forward 1/2" and lower the head window 3/8' relative to the others. Again only I will notice (but I do!).
11) To help avoid leaks due to the narrow bedding area I allowed the bedding to go 1/8" around the perimeter and just over the face of the frame to act as an awning or cap peak over the window face. Also cleaned well with acetone, sanded and recleaned.
12) The machine screws that came with it are too long for our 1/2" wall thickness. Order 130 M5 x 16 and 10 M5 x 20.
All in all I'm pleased and hopefull they'll last me the next 30 years. Took 3+ hours of thinking and planning and making templates. With helper 4 hours for side one and 2 hours for side 2.
Paul