I'm wanting to change out my portlites on my 1979 Hunter30 and have pretty much decided on the New Found Metals stainless product. I know a couple of members on here conducted this task awhile ago installing these units but I can't seem to find any follow up information in the archives. Any information or advice from these members would be greatly appreciated. If anyone can provide a link to the archive would also be great. I'd really like to know your opinion after the job was all said and done. After seeing stainless units on a new Ranger at our local Boat Show recently, I'm hooked. If there are any photos out there, they can be sent to toyroom@ns.sympatico.ca Many thanks in advance.
New found Metals Stainless Portlites
- Thread starter Rick2413
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Installing NFM portlights.
The Related Link will take you to the archives where my project lives. Mine are bronze(stainless were n/a at the time) but that will not change the install. I think I am repeating myself but it was a lot of work. At that time they were not making the exact size so I had a lot of epoxy/glass work to make the holes the correct size. I also have some knowledge of the stainless models of the correct size as a friend installed those. Feel free to ask questions, probably e-mail is best. I have noticed in recent years that most of the guys are installing the newer NFM Trimatrix models( http://www.newfoundmetals.com/catalog/pg13.html ). Not sure why, maybe price. For sure they will drain better than the others.
The Related Link will take you to the archives where my project lives. Mine are bronze(stainless were n/a at the time) but that will not change the install. I think I am repeating myself but it was a lot of work. At that time they were not making the exact size so I had a lot of epoxy/glass work to make the holes the correct size. I also have some knowledge of the stainless models of the correct size as a friend installed those. Feel free to ask questions, probably e-mail is best. I have noticed in recent years that most of the guys are installing the newer NFM Trimatrix models( http://www.newfoundmetals.com/catalog/pg13.html ). Not sure why, maybe price. For sure they will drain better than the others.
Good Choice!
Hello Rick, I changed all the ports in our 37c last spring and used the 7x15 and 5x14 stainless models. I am very satisfied with the quality and seal on these ports. A couple of other install tips for you to consider. If you have potentially rotten core material around you existing ports due to leaks you can remove any soft wood core from between the inner and outer fiberglass easily by using a dremel with the reverse spiral flute bit. I had no issue removing some spongy core for up to 1 1/2" where I was back into solid material. A little time with a hair dryer ensured any further dampness was gone prior to a fill with an expoxy microballoon mix. As the existing port drain cutouts on the bottom didn't match the NFM requirements I also filled these up with the epoxy mix. You can clamp a piece of wood on both the inner and outer surfaces to contain the epoxy while it sets but you should put some plastic tape between the wood and the fiberglass before clamping to ensure you don't epoxy these slats to you cabin opening. NFM sells a bedding product for these ports and it seals well but is a bit of a challenge to work with. When it's too cold it is difficult to get the outer flange to pull in properly as this material won't compress very readily. When it's too warm it wants to stick to everything but it sure works good. I purchased stainless machine style screws that were too long and cut each one to the proper length as I wasn't certain what length I needed prior to starting the job. If you do the same thing a small drill press vise mounted to a board holds them nicely while cutting. If you have a nut threaded on the screw first it will chase the threads nicely when you remove it after cutting the proper length. I have some pictures of the installation I can send you if you would like to see additional ones to Ed's. I'm not sure if your 30' has dorade vents similar to the 37c but if so and you're interested I've got some photos of my teak to lexan dorade top conversions I can send as well. Good luck with the install.
Hello Rick, I changed all the ports in our 37c last spring and used the 7x15 and 5x14 stainless models. I am very satisfied with the quality and seal on these ports. A couple of other install tips for you to consider. If you have potentially rotten core material around you existing ports due to leaks you can remove any soft wood core from between the inner and outer fiberglass easily by using a dremel with the reverse spiral flute bit. I had no issue removing some spongy core for up to 1 1/2" where I was back into solid material. A little time with a hair dryer ensured any further dampness was gone prior to a fill with an expoxy microballoon mix. As the existing port drain cutouts on the bottom didn't match the NFM requirements I also filled these up with the epoxy mix. You can clamp a piece of wood on both the inner and outer surfaces to contain the epoxy while it sets but you should put some plastic tape between the wood and the fiberglass before clamping to ensure you don't epoxy these slats to you cabin opening. NFM sells a bedding product for these ports and it seals well but is a bit of a challenge to work with. When it's too cold it is difficult to get the outer flange to pull in properly as this material won't compress very readily. When it's too warm it wants to stick to everything but it sure works good. I purchased stainless machine style screws that were too long and cut each one to the proper length as I wasn't certain what length I needed prior to starting the job. If you do the same thing a small drill press vise mounted to a board holds them nicely while cutting. If you have a nut threaded on the screw first it will chase the threads nicely when you remove it after cutting the proper length. I have some pictures of the installation I can send you if you would like to see additional ones to Ed's. I'm not sure if your 30' has dorade vents similar to the 37c but if so and you're interested I've got some photos of my teak to lexan dorade top conversions I can send as well. Good luck with the install.
Thanks
Ed and Lowell-Many thanks to you both for taking the time to respond. Lowell, please forward any pictures you have. They would be greatly appreciated. toyroom@ns.sympatico.ca Rick
Ed and Lowell-Many thanks to you both for taking the time to respond. Lowell, please forward any pictures you have. They would be greatly appreciated. toyroom@ns.sympatico.ca Rick
portlights
I have a Hunter 30 1978. changed out mine with Lewmar Alum. Smoked glass. I'm very pleased. Fit right in place without having to do any cutting, light, heavy support ring inside, pretty great all the way around
I have a Hunter 30 1978. changed out mine with Lewmar Alum. Smoked glass. I'm very pleased. Fit right in place without having to do any cutting, light, heavy support ring inside, pretty great all the way around
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