J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Replacement Portlights

I'm sure this was discussed in older forums, but, here goes again.

Has anybody replaced the plexiglass portlights with something more robust and aesthetically pleasing? If so, what make, model, size etc did you use? J/Boats uses Bomar portlights for their newer models. Opening portlights are not required.

Just considering ending the leaky windows problem once and for all.

The portlights are usually made with a standard smoked acrylic. Standard acrylic is very soft and it scratches and crazes very easily. S.A.R. (scratch and abrasion resistant) acrylic is much tougher and will hold up for many years. However, it can only be purchased in full sheets and it is very expensive. If you know of a group of people who can use the rest of the sheet it may be worth it. Try Laird Plastics 516.938.7800.

First why does everyone want to replace a cheap piece of plastic with another cheap piece of plastic. Luckily the previous owner of my boat replace the plastic with opening ports (4) It makes for incredible cross ventilation even if open just for motoring to a race. I urge anyone seeking a replacement to consider opening ports.

Thats exactly what I want to do. The ports dont necessarily have to open. But I would be nice to improve the appearance of the boat.

I would like to put opening ports on mine as well.

Cexcalibur: Can you tell what make and model ports your boat has. Is there any identifying info on them?

I've measured my openings and will have to use something that fits into at least a 4.25" by 21.5" cutout. Also, I have angled fore and aft sides so I guess I will have to do some cutting. I think later models have rectangular openings.

Henry Mallard at Layline has the complete story on installing opening portlights on a J30. He installed them on his boat. Lewmar I believe.

I spoke to Henry on Tuesday because I ordered a new set of hatches from Layline. He mentioned that he had put one opening port in his J/30 and was told by somebody active in the class association that it is not legal to race with opening ports. Does anyone know if this is the true??

I can not see why opening ports would be illegal. Deck layouts are unrestricted. The only thing might be that you cannot alter things to make the boat weigh less, but an opening port must weigh more than the thin sheet of plastic that's in mine now.

Otherwise, lets change the rules. My wife wants opening ports -- this is of critical importance to my racing program!

I, too, was vexed by the scratched plexiglass windows coupled with serious leakage. I removed the original windows, took them to a local glass dealer, and had them cut exact duplicates out of bronze safety glass. I carefully rebuilt the chipped edges of the window and then masked and caulked the inside and out. The new windows fit perfectly. Yes, I know there is a slight bow to the deckhouse, but the new windows fit perfectly and it's virtually impossible to tell they are flat. Furthermore, there is no more leakage. I was reluctant to undertake this job, but now I'm glad I did. The windows look great. I suppose when the boat gets pitch-poled, I'll wish that I had plexiglass, but until then...

Bob Rude
#352 - Mmmmm

On a related subject, what is the thickness of the plexiglass/acrylic portlights as supplied with the boat? I cant justify the expense of replacing the existing portlights with the nice opening ones.