I replaced both of the forward port lites with fixed acrylic and a side port mine with a Beckson port lite from Defender. Here is my description of the project:
7.	Port Lite Re-Bedding
Port lites are a common source for cabin leaks which lead to interior damage and headaches. There are almost as many instructions on replacing/rebedding a port lite as there are occurrences! (“Practical Sailor Magazine” has some great instructions online) I won’t go into the specific details of this operation, but a couple of things I learned. My lites had been rebedded with silicone sealer at some point. Again, there are pros and cons. One of the cons I can attest to is the removal of silicone residue. It’s a bitch! But I have found that Marine Formula by De-Bond Corporation will turn the residue of just about any sealant/adhesive, including polysulfides (5200), into a mush that can be easily removed with a putty knife, chisel or razor window scraper.  Nonetheless, silicone sealant seems to be the best route due to its adhesiveness, flexibility and waterproof properties. It’s recommended by Beckson, the manufacturer. So that’s what I used. One other thing, do not tighten down completely on fresh silicone. Wait until it has skinned over, about 15-30 minutes before tightening down.
Another thing I found out is that Acetone will ruin acrylic port lites! Don’t use it!

Hope this helps and welcome to Rhodie Land!

Joe Dempsey
Trojan 42
m/v Voyager
Deltaville, VA


IMG_20190503_1547179.jpg

Residue Removal.jpg

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of Cary Tolbert
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2023 12:58 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Cc: peter beckerman <recorderguy2001 at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Newbie here

Peter, welcome to the Rhodie Clan.
 I replaced a window that was broken when I bought my boat. I used the Beckson #414. Beckson does not sell direct to the consumer. They did give me a retail seller to contact. Plus Beckson's website has "Installation Instructions" for their windows, which was very helpful and the window was a close match to the old existing window.  Hope this is helpful.
Cary Tolbert

On Sun, Jan 29, 2023 at 11:33 AM Todd Tavares <tavares0947 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Peter,
>
> The forward facing ports should be an off the shelf part available 
> from any marine store or online; Lewmar, Beckson, Bomar, etc. 4" x 14" 
> if I remember correctly. If you had a picture of the port and/or latch 
> you could narrow it down.
>
> Some owners have replaced these open8ng ports with fixed, flush mount 
> portlights; a reasonably easy job. The opening ports tend to collect 
> water because they were not designed to be mounted on such a steep 
> incline. Then any dirt or debris that gets on the gasket surface can cause them to leak.
> This is an easy fix or replacement and should not be a determining 
> factor if buying the boat.
>
> Post a picture if you have one. I may have something in my parts bin.
>
> Todd Tavares
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 29, 2023, 10:26 AM peter beckerman via Rhodes22-list < 
> rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
>
> > Hello All,    I'm new to Rhodes22.org and wanted to introduce myself and
> > ask a couple of questions.   First off:  Hello.  I'm Peter Beckerman, a
> > somewhat novice sailor and wannabe Rhodes 22 owner.  I have been 
> > looking
> at
> > boats and saw one yesterday that I'm thinking about.  One problem 
> > with
> the
> > boat is that one of the opening port lights has a broken latch.  It
> took a
> > hit (maybe when stowing the table top?) and the plastic that holds 
> > the screw sheered so that one half of the port cannot be screwed 
> > down and it leaks.  I don't see a replacement port light listed in 
> > the General Boats parts list, and was wondering if anyone knows 
> > where to go for a
> replacement
> > and about what that might cost?  Also, is there an option for 
> > windows mounted flush to the outside?  Just looking at the design it 
> > seems like, since these windows are mounted at an angle, water would 
> > collect by the window seals and drip inside when the ports are 
> > opened.  Perhaps this
> isn't
> > a problem in practice, but it looks like it would be.   Also the trailer
> > does not have a spare tire which I'd like to get.  Are these a 
> > standard trailer tire?  (I know nothing about trailers)  Is it easy 
> > enough to get
> a
> > used rim?  Anyone have a source for spare wheel?   Lastly I spoke with
> one
> > seller who has a Rhodes with no trailer. Anyone have a decent 
> > trailer
> they
> > are looking to sell?
> > Thanks
> >       Peter
> >
>