port replacement

[chet pruszynski]

i need to replace 2 of the large ports in the main cabin an have seriously considered the bronze replacements from NFM... they are pricy but that is not my concern. i have a neighbor that said "hell the plastic ones lasted this long why not just replace with the same ones, you'll most likely never replace them as long as you own the boat. and there is merit in what he says. At $55 each to replace from the thrifty mariner as opposed to the $199 from NFM there is something to be said his logic... my question to the group here is i have heard rumors about the NFM ports needing constant adjustment to keep them from leaking and that they are a bithc to install....from thoes of you that have installed both types what say you bot pro and con about both types....i need to replace 2 very soon and was about to go for the bronze 7x15 from NFM @$199 each and then replace 2 at a time as necessary, but now with the indication of a possible leaking/adjusting problem maybe the plastic ones seem a better investment even if they do only last 5 years. let me know what you think and thanks in advance chet

 

[Thad]

What I Understand

The NFM ports don't drain like the angled Bomars do - so when you open the port, you get splashed with residual water in the port. But I agree with you - the Bomars on my boat lasted 20 years, and replacing them is a cinch - I'm sticking with them.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Recommend plastic.

As one who is fighting the installation of the NFM's, and who has also read the negatives, I would stick with the Grays or the Bomar "Rain-drain". My reasoning for the bronze portlights was that the H37C "deserved" them. And I knew I would want them if I really get into heavy weather offshore. But I know they will not drain and I also have read of the leak problem. The two that I have had in since Spring do not leak however, even with water lying in the spigots. When you do replace them be sure to seal the core perimeter with a good epoxy.

 

[David Undewood]

I recently replaced all of mine

Hey Chad, I just replaced all of mine on a Hunter 33, 1982 model. By my experience, the Gray Ports (plastic ones) lasted 18 years! None were broken, just look ugly. One note, when replacing each port, I cleaned the fiberglass extremely well, dug out any damaged wood between the liner and the outer layup of the cabin, replaced missing wood with epoxy resin thickened with filler, and refitted the new ports with to be sure of good fit before caulking in. Also, I used 5200 to put them in place, not one leaks and they will be there till someone is brave enough to try and remove them. If I get another 20 years out of these, they'll be someone else's problem. Good luck!

 

[Steve Dion]

Why would you think that they......

are only going to last for 5 years when the old ones lasted for 20 years. I would think that the newer ones are going to even last longer. If you keep them clean and treat them with somethng that has a sunscreen to prevent UV degradation they will probably out last the hull. There is basically no modifications to make. Do NOT use 5200 to caulk them either.