Opening Port Windows

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Piratenorm

Piratenorm

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Jun 21, 2009
119
Catalina 30 Mk 1, #3335 Midland, Ontario
A repeat question, but one I didn't get an answer to last time. I have a Catalina 30 Mk 1, 1983, hull number 3335, with all the cabintop port windows fixed. I want to change the ones in the head and over the hanging locker to opening ports, complete with bug screens. Has anyone done this with either beckson or lewmar opening ports? Do you have to enlarge the openings or is there a compatible one meant for this exact job? The swap-out needs to be one that has been done dozens of times as it's an oven down there without better ventilation. Thanks.
Norm
 
Lost Parent

Lost Parent

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Jul 8, 2011
704
Catalina 30 Sidney B.C.
Just recieved a complete set of new windows for my 1982 hull #2898 and took them out of the packing and held them up to the boat and WOW
I ordered them from Cruising Concepts , just email them and tell Mike you heard about them from Tom in Canada and he will take real good care of you , I saw his work at the Seattle boat show and it was awsome
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,023
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Norm, of course you can. We have Beckson ports in our cabin forward of the fixed portlights. Gray Marine ports are available right here on this website. All you need to do is

1 --- measure the dimensions of your existing fixed ports

2 --- review what is available from Gray or Beckson that will fit your opening. They should be slightly larger, not smaller, for obvious reasons.

You could also go the Lewmar route, but I wouldn't recommend it, 'cuz I read of so many Lewmar portlight leaks that it makes me gag, although they look nicer from outside the boat.

We have (8) 5 x 12 Becksons on our boat. I've only had to replace two of them, and it wasn't because the plastic was rotten in a 26 year old boat. :) One had been messed with by the PO, the other one the dogs disintegrated and I found it easier to replace.

We have one Gray smaller one (4x10?) in the head. It leaks just a tad, but is most likely just in need of a new gasket, which I can cobble together from a hardware store bin.

I really like ours compared to other guys who have complained about their Lewmars.

Easy to open, come with screens.

Here are some photos: click on the links, too.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3241.0.html
 
F

Fred Villiard

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Dec 28, 2009
397
Macgregor M25 trailer
You might want to check newfoundmetals.com, they have a good line of stainless steel ports.

Fred Villiard
 
jrowan

jrowan

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Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
The Beckson ports may be cheaper, but I installed the Lewmar #2 Ocean series opening portlights in my 1980 C 30 last fall. They look great, were fairly straightforward to install and I have not had any leaks. If you don't install a portlight correctly, then it will leak no matter what the brand you buy. I did have to trim the outer sides slightly with a jigsaw and I heavily sealed the perimeter exposed balsa core with 5200 sealant to prevent any core damage. The core was in remarkably good condition for its age. I believe that they were rebedded at some point with butyl tape which seams to work well for waterproofing the seams. I think that the British made Lewmar ports are superior quality, and being made of metal are going to last longer then the plastic Beckson type. They look great & blend with the original alumimum fames of the remaining ports. I would love to also replace the second tier /larger port in the main saloon as well but these would be pricey. The Lewmar cost me about $240. a piece from W. M. online.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,023
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
5200 is SATAN'S GLUE.

It should only be used on hull to deck joints! Really.

Skippers should NOT be allowed to buy it for any other use!!!

It is NOT a sealant, it is a GLUE.

Lewmars do leak.

Try this: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2979.0.html

Beckson's are better.....:):):) You only need silicone. Becksons don't like 5200. Nor do I.

Hope no one ever has to redo your portlights.
 
jrowan

jrowan

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Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
Stu, if you read my post I used the 5200 to seal (or glue as you put it) the inner exposed wooden core, so that if moisture ever got in it would not rot the deck core out around the portlight openings. I used Butyl tape around the ports to fit them to the cabin house.
I had Beckson ports on a prevous boat and when they get old the plastic starts to chip from the outer PLASTIC perimeter visor/ diverter. Plastic always degrades from U.V. damage faster then aluminum or other metals will corrode. As far as leaks, I haven't had any, & I believe that at least 3 other C 30 owners recommended the Lewmar Brand to me. I think that they're a good product, but to each their own I reckon.
 
jeffmacdonald

jeffmacdonald

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Mar 19, 2009
65
Catalina 30 Apollo Beach Florida
Lost Parent, I Replaced My Ports With The Cruising Concepts Alternative And Have Nothing But Great Admiration And Updated Looks Since The Install 2 Years Ago! He Didnt Have The Opening Ports At The Time Of My Order Or Maybe It Was The Money For Me Not Getting A Couple But Either Way I Am So Pleased By The Outcome Of These Ports.
P.s. Just Sailed Back From Beleize For The Owner Of A 43 Sabre. Another Check Mark On The Bucket List. Have A Great Season All!
 
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