I need to replace the lenses on all of my opening ports and port lights. Does anyone know a good source? Google returns lots of plastics suppliers, but difficult to filter out all of the choices. I was surprised to find it on amazon, but the 'gray' color doesn't exactly look gray to me.
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Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Gary
You are correct, there are various levels of light transmission, you'll have to inquire on the light transmission level. You might try what the dealers refer to as Transparent Bronze. The last time I ordered a piece in gray it was also lighter than expected. Try Select Plastics as they may have exacly what you're looking for.
[url]www.selectplastics.com[/url]
Gary Smith
93 MK I, Hull #1231
Std rig; wing keel
M35A Oberdorfer conversion
There's a place in Connecticut that does replacements. Can't remeber the name, but if one of the Google responses is from Ct (there can't be too may from Ct), try calling them.
I spoke to them at a show and they told me there are certain hatches Catalina used that are easy to replace the "glass" and anyone can do it but there are others that are very difficult. They recommended sending those to them to be done.... naturally! They can tell which is which from a seriel number so you may want to inquire about this issue.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Thanks for the replies. I think I should be OK making up the lenses in the opening hatches myself. I have a fairly complete woodshop, so have the necessary tools to cut new ones using the old as a pattern. Since I'm doing them all at once (or that's the plan, spring fever may change that ;) ) it shouldn't be too big of a deal if the color isn't exactly the same; but I'd like it to be fairly close.
On the other hand, the fixed ports in the hull concern me. I had one of them leak at the seam years ago. Frank Butler referred me directly to a person at Lewmar who sold me the last 2 of that model port that were available. Those ports can't easily be disassembled as the top/bottom halves are peened together. So you can't get the lens out. Mine are starting to craze, so I guess I'll have to upgrade to the newer style; hopefully that won't involve too much cutting of the opening to fit.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Here's a chart of the various shades and colors generally available. They say the numbers are an industry standard so ordering "by-the-numbers" may take [I] some [/I]of the risk out of ordering by mail.
[url]http://www.professionalplastics.com/professionalplastics/content/Plexigl...
Marc & Susan Garcia
"Solla Sollew" #1473, Mk.II
San Buenaventura, Ca.
Select Plastics is the company in Norwalk, CT that will refinish a hatch for you. Catalina Direct has many of the windows for many Catalina replacements.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
I used Select Plastics. Very good product, get all the o rings etc to install the new ports. Since you are replacing them all the color isn't that important. I made the mistake of ordering clear ones. Initially, the admiral was upset...then she noticed how much more light was coming in. Very happy with them. If you are worried about people on the docks looking in. Just open your old ones up, turn on some interior lights and take a look from the dock. Maybe it's just our dock configuration, but you really can't see much of the interior.
Ken and Vicki Juul
SV Luna Loca
C34 #1090
Chesapeake Bay