Has Anyone Done This?

[Rick Webb]

There was some talk a little while ago about adding ports for the aft berth on a 23.5. Mine came with one on the port side and I was thinking (always a dangerous thing for me to do) that it would be nice to have one on the starboard side as well. Something to consider once all the other projects are done. While cleaning the windows (lites?) last week I thought again about the ports and if one in the window would work, again something for later. I was in Mobile today geting new ends put on my lifelines. The yard is a Catalina dealer and the Catalina 220 and 250 have the ports in the window they look a whole lot better than I would have suspected. Has anyone else considered doing this or already done it? Maybe we can get someone to try it and tell us if it is worth trying.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Port

Rick;Yes it can be done just like the one on the starboard side. Already did it.Crazy Dave Condon

 

[Rick Webb]

Think About This First

When I spoke to my wife about the ports in the windows she reminded me about my propencity for putting the windows under water just to scare her. If I got her all wet at the same time she may not want to go sailing with me anymore.

 

[Dale Wile]

Explain, please...

My 1995 H-23.5 has no port on either side of the aft berth. I feel cheated. Was your port original equipment? Is it fixed, or openable? What size? Approximately where is it located? If you were to go ahead with your idea, what brand and model would you use? I like the thought of a little natural light in the dark depths of the aft berth. Thanks,Dale WileSandpoint, Idaho

 

[Rick Webb]

Dale,

They are Beckson I believe about 4"x9" and it is in the forward section of the berth so that opens into the cockpit. In other words you can sit in the forward portion of the berth, where it is high enough to sit and look through the port you are looking just behind the main sheet. I am going to wax the boat today so I'll look and see if there is a model number on the port. If I do not put them in the windows I am going to at least add one to the other side of the aft berth.

 

[Dale Wile]

Rick

Thanks for the helpful information. If you install a port on the other side some day, let us know how it went and if you encountered any problems cutting the opening.You're doing what? Waxing your boat!!!I visited mine yesterday for the first time since Thanksgiving. Had to wade through two feet of snow to get to the barn. The birds that nest in the rafters have nicely "waxed" my boat. It will be awhile before my girl will see the light of day, and longer before she gets her bottom wet. I envy you.Thanks,Dale WileSandpoint, Idaho

 

[Sam Kurtz]

I am intrigued

I have seen the Catalinas with the ports in the windows and it does seem like a very good idea. Where can they be had? I have only seen white ones in the catalogs. Seems like an easy project someone needs to try it.