FAQs
SUITABILITY
Do you have a PortVisor™ to fit my boat?
Which portholes do PortVisor™ models fit?
We have 10 different PortVisor™ models. They fit scores of the most common portlight shapes and sizes from dozens of manufacturers. The Visors fit ports from 11.25” to 26” across.
Will PortVisors™ work on all boats?
No. There are some situations where they cannot be attached or may be less effective:
- Recessed portholes may not provide enough flat area for the PortVisor™ flange to make a secure and watertight seal.
- When portholes open outward, PortVisors™ cannot be attached.
- If portlights are near ridges or trim, there may not be enough flat area for Visors to attach. Most PortVisors™ need about 5/8".
- The more sloped the cabin sides and portholes are, the less effective the PortVisor™ will be.
Do PortVisors™ snag lines or shins?
No. The curved design prevents snagged lines, shins, or gear. They only stick out about 3" and won't get in the way. Their tough Lexan resists wear and tear, as well as damage from deck activities.
What do magazines, customers and forums say about PortVisors™?
There are hundreds of great reviews from magazines, forums, boat owner associations, websites, blogs, videos, and happy boat owners. They make us unmistakably feel like proud parents. So we added some of them to TESTIMONIALS and FLOTILLA PICS.
Here is our first published review from "Good Old Boat" magazine in 2008:Seaworthy Goods has a solution for an age-old problem. The simple and elegant PortVisor improves air circulation in the cabin and head with an almost clear visor made of bronze-tinted Lexan XL102UV.
As an added bonus, these new PortVisors filter out UV to prevent damaging rays from fading cushions and curtains. The visors come in several sizes and fit many common ports. They're easy to install, with the supplied 3M VHB tape.
Where are your products made?
All Seaworthy Goods products are conceived, designed, and manufactured in sunny Florida at our factory. That’s also where we ship from ... in eco friendly packaging.
Who buys your PortVisors™?
Over 19,000 have been shipped to 49 states* and 4 US territories plus 64 countries.** The most popular foreign destinations are Canada and Australia. Our Visors are on vessels from 19’ to 70’ long and built from 1951 to 2022, by 400+ different manufacturers.
PortVisors™ are now on sailboats, trawlers, motor sailors, fishing boats, lobster boats, cruisers, racing boats, monohulls, and multihulls. They are even on a few mobile homes, semi-trucks, travel trailers, plus a NOAA survey craft and a house.
* We are still hoping for a customer from North Dakota.
** Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Bonaire, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Curacao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, England, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kenya, Malaysia, Martinique, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Marshall Islands, Saint Lucia, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, and United States.
Do you sell port replacement parts or portlight screens?
No, we do not. However many portlight manufactures do. Check our Links page for a long list of porthole manufacturer websites.
Materials
Are PortVisors™ acrylic or polycarbonate?
Both PortVisors™ and PanelVisors™ are made from Lexan XL102UV (formerly XL-10). It is a tough polycarbonate with a UV-resistant coating on both sides to filter out UV.
The coating protects it from yellowing, crazing, and losing strength. It also keeps cabins cooler and protects furnishings. Lexan is used where high impact strength is needed, e.g. bullet-proof 'glass'.
The PortVisors™ are slightly tinted for privacy but the PanelVisors™ are clear to see gauges better, especially at night.
Doesn't UV affect Lexan?
Yes, UV degrades polycarbonate faster than acrylic. However, unlike regular Lexan, XL102UV has a UV-resistant coating on both sides. It filters UV from reaching the Lexan, as well as the boat cabin. Click for technical info and warranty from the manufacturer.
Is 3M VHB tape suitable for marine use?
We use 3M's VHB [Very High Bond] tape to install PortVisors™ because it's a strong adhesive with proven resistance to UV, salt, water, heat, cold, and solvents. It is formulated for countless industrial and architectural uses, from road sign installations to attaching stone facades to buildings.
PortVisors™ come with VHB self-adhesive tape already attached, which makes installation quick and easy. All you need is isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
There are numerous videos demonstrating VHB's strength and how to apply it correctly. Here are some good ones:
- Human Geek's Demo
- 3M's video Tug of War
Can VHB tape also work on relationships?
Hmm ... you will need Eternabond® tape for that, plus ample zip ties. And of course, success depends on the mating surfaces.
What are PanelKeepers™ made of?
The MultiPanel Keeper uses clear XL102-UV Lexan for the cover. The frame is Starboard and the adjustable friction hinge is marine grade plastic/stainless. Each PanelKeeper™ comes with everything you need for installation: instructions, drill bit, stainless steel fasteners, and even temporary double-stick tape to hold it in place while drilling.
Installation & Care
How do PortVisors™ attach?
They come with 3M VHB adhesive tape already on the Visor. They install on the cabin side outside the porthole trim rings. Installation is secure, quick and easy; no drilling, cutting, or special tools required.
Instructions come in every package. CommuterCruiser.com created an installation tutorial for their readers. It's excellent.
Can I attach PortVisors™ with screws?
Yes. Follow these Mechanical Fastener Instructions.
How do you keep Visors shipshape?
PortVisors™ and PanelVisors™ are engineered for years of carefree use. Just rinse with fresh water then dry with a clean soft cloth to prevent spotting.
NEVER use abrasive or ammonia-based cleaners! They gradually fog the surface and damage the UV-resistant coating. This photo shows the difference when regularly using water vs an ammonia-based cleaner. NOTE: Windex now sells an ammonia-free cleaner.
What Could Go Wrong
Even though I measured my ports twice, the PortVisors™ I ordered don’t fit.
Two situations account for 99.9% of orders that do not fit:
- PortVisors™ are too small because the clear opening was measured, instead of the distance across the frame. Or the measurement was made inside the boat, where frames may be thinner.
- The wrong shape portlight was ordered. Rectangular with radiused corners (R) is most common. Rounded end (RE) ports do not have any corners, only an arc on either end.
Oops. One installed very crooked and it's driving me crazy.
Quick, pull it off right away before the VHB tape has a chance to develop much holding power! (It develops full strength after 72 hrs.)
The 3M VHB tape is very sticky and strong. After you peel the red liner off and put a PortVisor™ in place, that’s where it will stay. Unfortunately, you cannot shift it even a little bit.
To attach Visors exactly where you want, dry fit them and mark with painters tape. Using two people also helps get precise alignment before they're attached.Check Links for Retaping Instructions and where to buy replacement VHB tape.
The VHB tape on the Visor won’t stick to my boat.
Many things reduce the strength of the tape's bond. [We've heard countless horror stories.]
- Finger oil, wax, and dust are most common. So use the Scotch-Brite pad, then clean scrupulously with isopropyl alcohol before installing. DO NOT (don’t even think about it) touch the exposed tape to see if it’s really sticky. Follow the instructions — cleanliness and pressure are critical.
- A major problem occurs when silicone was used around the ports. Nothing sticks to silicone. Its invisible residue is not removed by alcohol or acetone. Only silicone remover works, not the kind for removing bathtub caulk. Removers used by auto or other painters are good.
Check Links for Retaping Instructions and tips, plus where to buy replacement VHB tape.
Can I avoid international shipping delays?
ALWAYS include a phone number for the local recipient. This prevents delivery problems and delays.
USPS International First Class is the cheapest rate, but it is also the slowest shipping method and does not include insurance or detailed tracking. Delivery can take 1-3 weeks, depending on the distance from Florida.
PortVisors™ usually work great, but heavy rains ricochet off the deck into our ports.
A boat owner sent us their simple solution for this problem where ports are near the deck. Place a towel on the deck outside the portlight. It absorbs raindrops so they don’t bounce up into the port.
Never spray your screens using insect repellent with DEET.
Many sprays include DEET, which is a solvent that dissolves lexan. That will permanently mar your Visors and destroy the UV-resistant coating. It can also disfigure other polycarbonate objects, like your eyeglasses and camera body or lens.
Remove screens before spraying, let them dry, and then reinstall.
We plan to repaint our boat or replace portlights. How do we remove the Visors?
- When repainting, since you have to mask off the portholes, it is easiest (and cheapest) to mask off the PortVisors™ at the same time.
- However Visors must be removed when resealing or replacing portholes. This is not hard, but it is extremely slow and tedious. Sometimes it requires internal application of a preferred alcohol.
The PortVisors™ are very strong so you won't break them when pulling the ends away from the boat. If you want to pry them up, use a plastic putty knife to protect the gel coat, paint, and Visor. Whatever you do, DO NOT use Goof Off or other adhesive solvents. They can damage the lexan's UV-resistant coating.
Check Links for Retaping Instructions and tips, plus where to buy replacement VHB tape.
Why have my PortVisors™ gotten a little hazy? What can I do about it?
If the Visors were cleaned with ammonia-based cleaners, the Lexan will gradually degrade and fog up. Unfortunately there is no way to reverse that damage. (Rubbing away the top foggy Lexan surface will also remove the UV-resistant coating.)
From now on use an ammonia-free cleaner or one recommended for plastics. Read the INSTALLATION & CARE FAQ for more info.
Payments
I don't trust internet stores. Can I order from a live person?
Yes, most definitely. It's a pleasure to talk with our customers. You can place an order or get answers to questions and concerns. Call 941.448.9173 (Florida) 9am-5pm, M-F. If you are overseas, we can arrange to be available at other hours.
We can also provide details on a phone call and then email an invoice which you can pay directly.
Shipping
Where do you ship and what methods do you use?
We ship to US states and territories, plus most countries except the UK. (Unfortunately, the Brexit VAT requirements are too expensive and cumbersome for us to continue UK sales.)
We ship via USPS, UPS and DHL. Your options and costs will be listed in the checkout process, before payment is required.
Delivery times vary greatly. In the US, Priority Mail and UPS are the quickest. USPS Ground Advantage is slower (2 to 5 days) but cheaper.
USPS Ground Advantage is a new category replacing First Class Package and Parcel Select. It is faster and cheaper than they were and also includes $100 insurance.
If you are shipping internationally, ALWAYS include a local phone number to prevent delivery problems. ••• The 23-R & 26-R PortVisors do not ship by First Class International because the boxes are too long. Use international Priority Mail, UPS, or DHL instead.
Shipping to South Africa, Grenada, and Martinique is erratic, unreliable, and slow. The only dependable delivery is with courier services like UPS, FedEX, and DHL. For Martinique, Colombia, Grenada and other 'difficult' countries use DHL. DHL may cost more but provides timely deliveries without lots of problems and mixups.
What are your domestic rates?
When you add items to your Cart, you will get a preview of available shipping options and costs.
USPS Priority Mail is fast (1 to 3 business days) and includes $100 insurance on most shipments. ••• USPS Ground Advantage is slower (2 to 5 days) but cheaper. It also includes $100 insurance.Does international shipping have special procedures and rates?
*** Most international countries charge import fees. They are collected before delivery. ***
It is very important to ALWAYS include a local phone number so you can be contacted with questions or updates. This helps prevent delivery problems.
International packages can be sent by USPS First Class, USPS Priority Mail, plus couriers UPS and DHL.
USPS First Class International is the cheapest but also the slowest, sometimes taking 2 or 3 weeks. It does not have complete tracking or automatic insurance. ••• USPS Priority Mail is quicker but more expensive. It includes tracking and $100 insurance. ••• The couriers (UPS & DHL) have the fastest delivery but are usually the most expensive.You can always see your rate options before completing checkout.
If you combine orders with a friend, the rate can be shared. Shipping 7 PortVisors doesn't cost much more than shipping 2.
Please contact us with questions BEFORE you order.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Estimates vary greatly, depending on location and shipping method.
Most domestic shipments take between 3-9 days, with UPS and USPS Priority Mail being the fastest and USPS Ground Advantage being the slowest. International packages sent the most expensive way (UPS or DHL) can take 4-9 days depending on location. Priority Mail International usually ranges from 10-22 days. The slowest and cheapest method, First Class International, can take 2-4 weeks.Can I pick up my order at your store?
We only sell online and do not have a store. We work from our factory and are unable to interrupt production. So unfortunately you cannot pick up your order locally.
Can you ship to a hotel, marina, or a friend who plans to visit?
Yes. Many cruisers have us ship to a friend or relative who can bring the items when they visit. This is especially useful for international cruisers where mail delivery may be expensive, erratic or unsecure.
We will ship to whatever address you prefer. Include details in the 'Comments' section when ordering and/or send us an email. And please be sure to include a phone number.
