Bronze Portlight "Wing nut"
 

Dear folks,

In repairing the corroded, leaking bronze oval portlights in our 1985 PSC 37 one of the latches that pull the portlights closed (do they have a name?) was clearly badly frozen up. Despite days of treatment with PB Blaster, heat, and gentle tapping, in snapped right off when I applied torque.

I was able to manufacture a new bolt out of a regular bronze cap screw but all attempts to extract the broken off bit of bolt from the "wing nut" (see picture below) have failed. Before I get into serious brazing and re-tapping, I wonder if anyone has one of these puppies laying around or knows of a source?

Many thanks, Jay

PSC 37 Kenlanu

If you are looking for wingnuts, then you've come to the right forum! Seriously though, have you tried contacting Pacific Seacraft? Although they probably do not stock what you need, they should be able to tell you whose ports they install in their boats. You may be able to buy the replacement hatch dog and studs from ABI , if they are the same size .

I'd heat the bronze, melt on a bit of wax, and while hot take it off.

Jay,
I believe Whitewater Marine (the same place that sells the gaskets, see other thread) in Florida has them.

Paul

Jay,
I just called them (Tel: (800) 572-8871 I talked to Curtis) and yes, they do have them at $25 each.

Paul

Jay,
that price ($25) includes the stud and hinge pin. The nut is not sold separately.

My ports use a more conventional looking wing nut (with actual wings), which are not available. What thread size did you use on the bolt you fabricated the stud out off?

Paul

Thanks
 

Thanks, everyone. This is very helpful and will save me MANY hours trying to salvage the old one.

Jay