Strenghtening portlight holes

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by woodymr, May 3, 2010.

  1. woodymr
    Joined: May 2010
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    Location: washington,NC

    woodymr sailwoody

    Ahoy, I would like to have opinions on best method for sealing 5"x16" holes in 1" thick cabin for installation of 5"x9"x3/8" glass aluminum opening portlights. I want a strong repair then cut out new hole for portholes. Thanks for any imput
     
  2. hoytedow
    Joined: Sep 2009
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    hoytedow Carbon Based Life Form

    What material are the 1" thick walls made of? How is the material finished? Is it wood, varnished or painted?
     
  3. woodymr
    Joined: May 2010
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    Location: washington,NC

    woodymr sailwoody

    Strenghening portlight holes

    Hey, thanks for reply, '76 Columbia 9.6 #42 Good thick fiberglass woven mat, 1" thick, may have wood core not sure but thick and strong, just want repair to be as strong. Of course the outside is gel-coat and the inside is stripped so one can see the mat design in the fiberglass, doing a major refit of the boat, so cosmetics are least of my concern a the moment. I'm thinking I must get something inset into cabin wall not just fill in hole and patch, you know what I mean? Thanks agian
     
  4. mark775

    mark775 Guest

    woodymr, you are going to have to find out the construction or get us pics of the endgrain.
     
  5. woodymr
    Joined: May 2010
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    woodymr sailwoody

    nevermind

    Thanks for input, endgrain? it's a fiberglass wall 1" thick, that's alright I'll make it. Thanks for help.
     
  6. mark775

    mark775 Guest

    It is not a fiberglass wall one inch thick.
     
  7. woodymr
    Joined: May 2010
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    Location: washington,NC

    woodymr sailwoody

    portlghtholes

    OK, I'll bite: You know where the "old" portlights ( holes cut in cabin covered with Plexiglass ) were? I suffer from ADHT.ing so I'm doing this un-like most who would purchase new portlights sized to fit in existing holes or larger to only enlarge the hole cut-outs, I have (worthy) portlights that are smaller than my cutouts, so I intend on covering the holes in my cabin and then cut out new holes for my (worthy) portlights. Sorry if I am confused, but lack of nicotene produces strange behavioral patterns in me lately, as I am trying to quit enhaling carbons having switched to fiberglass particles, sorry I'm rambling, have looked at sites http://www.triton381.com/ that show fiberglassing to the beveled side of holes, I just think I could strengthen by adding something, maybe I'm getting too hypothetical here........ like adding steel security bars in a house window, I do not want my new repair job on portlights to be stoved in at sea thats all.... thanks for your replies
     
  8. apex1

    apex1 Guest

    Hmm,

    a boat that size will most probably have plywood encapsulated in GRP when it is one inch thick!
     

  9. woodymr
    Joined: May 2010
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    Location: washington,NC

    woodymr sailwoody

    I think you are right. I am guilty of over engineering at times. Thanks
     
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