How many ports do I need?

[FredV]

There are a LOT of ports and hatches on the 37C and, as numerous posts here suggest, they're all prone to leaks and many (all?) should probably be replaced.

Some of the ports on Fred V are broken and, while I haven't yet tested them all, I'm sure many leak. Since all are 1979 originals, I definitely plan on replacing them. However, considering cost, effort, time, safety and ventilation realities, my question is - how many opening ports does one really need? I'm wondering if it might not be better to replace some of the opening ports with fixed ports, like 3/4" lexan lenses. My thinking is:

• fewer openings make for a safer boat in heavy weather
• lower overall cost implies ability to buy better quality ports
• fewer ports take less time to close up the boat during a blow

In essence, considering the other opening hatches, do 9 ports really provide that much more useful ventilation than, let's say, 5?

Looking forward to your opinions!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Obviously, this is completely subjective as well as entirely dependent on where you are, whether you stay on a mooring and where on the boat you choose to use opening ports. If you want flexibility, all of them are necessary in my opinion and you could use more/bigger ones rather than less/smaller ones. If being cost-effective is your goal, why not simply remove and reseal the good ones and fix the broken one(s)?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Don's on to something with "just replace what is broken". Even then, depending upon the problem, you may only need a lens or a knob or a gasket. Your original Gray ports and parts are still available right here in the SBO store.

I replaced my ten openers with NFM bronze way back when they were much cheaper. Knowing what I have experienced since then I think I would just have fixed a few and resealed the rest. I have seen the Grays painted a dark color and they look more like metal than plastic. Later model H37Cs did replace the aft-most two portlights with one long deadlight. That meant you did not have a cross breeze through the q-berth over the stove. But I know guys have done exactly as you mentioned.

As for hatches my 79s still seal well and would be easy to repair if they did not.

P.S. I see there are two deadlights, not one long one: http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=46445&d=1323980957. So maybe more light but less breeze. Also these boats have a small opener on the bulkhead aft of the stove, over the fridge, that our 79's do not have.

 

[Bill1565]

You must have an opening port the head for all the obvious reasons. One on each side in the v berth and main salon do provide ventilation. A scoop in the forward hatch will give you all the breeze there is when you are anchored into the wind.

 

[rardiH36]

I agree with the "it's subjective" response.

For my marina and general sailing routes (central San Francisco Bay) its cool with low humidity 98% of the time even during summer months.

So, the companion way, deck hatches, and the three forward small ports are plenty enough for ventilation.

That's why I decided on a very economical but time intensive DIY fix for the four biggest port lenses in my salon. But (and a big but) the outside frames on my boat so far have maintained their weather tight integrity. And I am a protected waters sailor so resistance to mega-force waves isn't a requirement while I own the boat.

My DIY lenses don't open (but can be quickly removed if necessary). But because of our weather conditions, it's been fine. Pic's attached.

For your high humidity high temp NJ summers ... I don't know. As already said, your call!

Look in the chandlrey section of the SBO sponsor of this forum . Gray port replacement lenses are being offered at what I think are very reasonable prices. If I had seen the offering before I did my DIY solution, I would have definitely gone the already manufactured route.

From what I have read many times on this forum, the original Gray port frames in harsher environments than we have in San Francisco have caused failures of the frame to the cabin side more often than not. So this needs be considered for your boat.

 

[Richard Shelby]

Fred:

I replaced all ten of my opening ports last month (allexcept the cockpit port), and it was a relatively painless ordeal. The Bomar's from this site were an exact fit, the leaking is stopped, and the boat looks much better. Here in Alabama we need all the ventilation we can muster to ward off heat-stroke. IMHO, trying to retrofit a closed port will involve making a frame and no small amount of carpentry or metal-working to end up with a "professional" appearance.

 

[SamLust]

One or two hot humid New Jersey summer afternoons at anchor and you'll see the value of all of those opening ports!

 

[FredV]

Great advice, as usual! I think I'll just fix/replace whatever's broken for now, then re-visit the idea of new replacements when I start planning my circumnavigation.

Thanks to all!

 

[SamLust]

If you're circumnavigating Staten Island your plastic ports might make it. The world? Might be a call to New Found Metal is in order.

 

[mslscsvs777]

If your looking for Hatch lens

I just replaced all my hatch lens with Cast Acrylic bronze 2412, looks great and easy, except a little time consuming with the ones below the toe rail. I just sent one of each size to the guys at PlastiCare.com and they returned them in a little over a week.