How To Install Fixed Portlights

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[jkutyna]

I cannot say how thankful I am to find videos like this. Showing how to PROPERLY install or repair stuff on my new-to-me boat. Find out the architectural windows on the port side are coming away and I need to rebed them, and all I can find are videos from people using screws or window frames of some sort to put their large deadlights back in. Sorry but that's not on my boat. This right here helps because when I saw that there are no screws or anything short of the adhesive holding those windows on, I was flumoxed at the boat yard.

[kfraserfwb]

I just wanted to say that I appreciate your videos. I bought a project boat a little over a year ago, and your website and videos have saved me from making many mistakes (of course I still make many others!). I'm replacing some windows now and this video is stopped me from using silicon sealant as I didn't know about the VHB tape. Thanks!

[okcpicker]

Andy, the VHB tape suggestion is excellent. My windows will go on a flat surface without the recess which will make it a little easier, but I'll probably have to use Dow Corning 795 silicone instead. I will still have to drill oversize holes in the lexan for the screws. I have a 40 year background in TV and video, and your how- to videos are great. You are a very good host! I'll check in to your premium per month options - it's worth it for your great advice!

[kristenbayr]

Great video, thank you. I notice that those VHB tapes come in different thicknesses. What thickness would you recommend for the boat side polycarbonate windows? Cheers

[yachticus]

Andy - great effort - and I think your product choices are excellent - one thing we do is on the face that the tape is applied - we blacken (read paint) the lip
it has the effect of hiding the lip when looking through the portlight -
love your stuff

[calmoncommandk]

Which 3M VHB tape did you use? I’m looking for it and seeing several different kinds.

[thewestmountgroup]

Great presentation! 3 M actually makes a primer for acrylic to be used prior to the installation of certain acrylics. Check with the maker of your port lights to see if it is recommended. This applies to both new and old materials. Thanks for the information, now I am ready to replace the port lites on my Columbia 9.6

[jakofozz]

Hi Andy, wondering if you would apply the VHB tape to a window that does not sit inside a recessed area. If so how would you get a seal? Many thanks!

[GotItMade]

I'm pretty sure that I will never install a port light but somehow you drew me in.  :-)  In the process I picked up a an idea where that super duty tape might come in handy.  You have really upped your game on the video production, Andy.  Very nice and polished.

[luiscaraballo]

Andy, an Okinawan guy showed me that if you dip your "working finger" in mild dishwashing water bowl, the process of running your finger around the silicone (9:15) is flawless, well, almost...

[cathyshields]

Very good (down to earth) presentation of a building process which can be difficult for a skilled technician. Your shared expertise is appreciated.

[mlangfordoutdoor]

Thats a nice looking boat, yes sir that is good info as I am about to put in a window like that on the top of a tear drop camper I just built and was considering using the butly tape. But now I know how to do it, you saved me from a hoard of trolls on my channel telling me I'm doing it wrong. Thank you liked and subed

[j]

Great call on that 3M VHB tape. And oh boy does it hold. No second chances with it. Good call on the dow corning 795. Super long working time. Full cure time is 7 to 14 days.

[timlamacchia]

Great video. I have large curved windows that need to be put in place under some pressure to bend slightly to guilt for in the openings. The 3m vhb tape is great but I could definitely use thicker material. It's there a product that is thicker?

[cheapcigs]

Will these withstand boarding waves without being bolted in?

[BoatWindowFrames]

Very detailed video with good information on frameless portlight installation. Nice job! It's all in the prep.

[christianchardoul]

To remove the liner or backing from VHB tape use the tip of a new utility knife. The sharp tip held at a steep angle will pierce the liner and allow you to lift the corner without damaging the tape. We convert adhesive tapes on an industrial scale and this is a trick we learn early on for lifting liners.

[NobodyLikesTheTunaHere]

Andy: Still relevant. Up in Canada and sourcing Dowsil. I am doing a similar install on my sailboat with 3/8 polycarb MR10. I am going to do the same thing as shown here, except we have external frames that will be caulked in place afterward. Would you so this at the same time as the caulking bead used for the glass, or let the glass bead set then do a separate bead for the frames?

Cheers to you and the family

[gustavocoimbradosreis]

Hellp Andy. Thanks for the video :) very detailed and helpful as always.
I have a question. In case you don't have a grove as a bed, and you are applying the plexiglass against a plain cabin top, would you still use the silicone? I ask this beacause I don't have any gap to fill. Thank you for your attention. Best regards

[WindyDazeSunnyDaze]

I am doing a similar project changing the large fixed port and starboard windows on my 1984 Hunter 31. The difference is my window will not be recessed like these portlights on this newer version sailboat. I will be using the VHB tape 1" wide black tape # 5952 and the Dow corning # 795 Silicone Sealant per your video. Thanks for showing how to do it.