OK y'all. I have been reading the archives and I am thoroughly confused. What is the best replacement for the opening portlights on a 1977 H-30? Every time I see dimensions refferenced they are totally different! Has anyone done this job on a 1974-77 H-30 that can give me specific info? Thanks Dave
Portlight replacement for 1977 h-30
- Thread starter dnauheim
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Best way?
I am not an authority, I installed expensive NFM bronze portlights. What I should have done is what most have, installed the identical Grays. You can find those on Pompanette(Related Link) and then shop for the best price. I have heard that West Marine will beat their price. As for sizes you should measure. We call the big ones "7x14" and the small ones "5x12". That is close to what is labeled "O.D. Base" in the link. That is the measurement to the outside perimeter of the spigot. The spigot is the frame that sticks out through the cabin trunk. You also have to choose a spigot length and tint. The forward cabin is thinner than the aft trunk for example. My guess for part numbers would be G310 for the 5x12s and G512 for the 7x14s.
I am not an authority, I installed expensive NFM bronze portlights. What I should have done is what most have, installed the identical Grays. You can find those on Pompanette(Related Link) and then shop for the best price. I have heard that West Marine will beat their price. As for sizes you should measure. We call the big ones "7x14" and the small ones "5x12". That is close to what is labeled "O.D. Base" in the link. That is the measurement to the outside perimeter of the spigot. The spigot is the frame that sticks out through the cabin trunk. You also have to choose a spigot length and tint. The forward cabin is thinner than the aft trunk for example. My guess for part numbers would be G310 for the 5x12s and G512 for the 7x14s.
or maybe this
And I opted for the replacement Gray (made by Bomar) ports on my 37c, which I believe are the same. They are improved from the original models (have better drains) and considerably less expensive than metal. Another option is Beckson, which would be worth a look. Oddly, Sailnet beat the price quoted for Grays by Pompannette, where they got them from, but be sure and shop around. If you go to Sailnet, do not be in a hurry and make sure to check every item when it arrives. Their codes for these are BG512 and BG715 and then they add to specify white or black, and tinted or clear lenses. In my case the white with tinted lenses were BG512 AD28... If you call Sailnet, call during the week and ask for John in sales. He was helpful. But by all means, shop around, as the prices seem to fluctuate from week to week. Finally, check with this website's chandlery as they told me they planned to start carrying this item. Good luck, Sanders
And I opted for the replacement Gray (made by Bomar) ports on my 37c, which I believe are the same. They are improved from the original models (have better drains) and considerably less expensive than metal. Another option is Beckson, which would be worth a look. Oddly, Sailnet beat the price quoted for Grays by Pompannette, where they got them from, but be sure and shop around. If you go to Sailnet, do not be in a hurry and make sure to check every item when it arrives. Their codes for these are BG512 and BG715 and then they add to specify white or black, and tinted or clear lenses. In my case the white with tinted lenses were BG512 AD28... If you call Sailnet, call during the week and ask for John in sales. He was helpful. But by all means, shop around, as the prices seem to fluctuate from week to week. Finally, check with this website's chandlery as they told me they planned to start carrying this item. Good luck, Sanders
No No Pompanette
NO NO Pompanette! Submitted by George of St. Pete, Fl on 08/01 at 09:14PM regarding Hunter 30_74-83 5 years ago I replaced my Original 79 H30 main cabin port lights from Gray Ents. with exact replacements from new owner of the company, Pompanette. The first of the four lost it's hinge spring within 6 months, the second lost it's spring tension in two years. The third lost a piece of its lens due to friction on the hinge/frame mount in three years. The fourth lost it's dog bolt pin mount entirely in 3 years I replaced the four smaller port lights eight years ago with exact match sized units from Beckson. No cracks, no leaks, no flopping lenses, no problems! So, why didn't I buy Beckson for the big ones? I was stupid...I didn't want to pay someone to re-glass the cabin opening to fit Beckson's sizes. Now I'm going to have to buy Becksons and pay some one to re-glass and install them. So, NO NO Pompanette for me.
NO NO Pompanette! Submitted by George of St. Pete, Fl on 08/01 at 09:14PM regarding Hunter 30_74-83 5 years ago I replaced my Original 79 H30 main cabin port lights from Gray Ents. with exact replacements from new owner of the company, Pompanette. The first of the four lost it's hinge spring within 6 months, the second lost it's spring tension in two years. The third lost a piece of its lens due to friction on the hinge/frame mount in three years. The fourth lost it's dog bolt pin mount entirely in 3 years I replaced the four smaller port lights eight years ago with exact match sized units from Beckson. No cracks, no leaks, no flopping lenses, no problems! So, why didn't I buy Beckson for the big ones? I was stupid...I didn't want to pay someone to re-glass the cabin opening to fit Beckson's sizes. Now I'm going to have to buy Becksons and pay some one to re-glass and install them. So, NO NO Pompanette for me.
NewFoundMetals Tri-Matrix is the only way
to go. On my '81 h33 I'm in the process of replacing all my old Bowmar ports with the Tri-Matrix. The hardest part of the project is removing the old ones. Using the NFM templates (one for my 7x15s and one for my 5x12s)installation is almost "drop in". The mounting holes for the Tri-Matrix are offset from the old holes so you just drill the new ones. The only pain in the ass is that the NFM drains are also offset from the existing ones. A small hacksaw and a dremel make quick work of them. Just have a good shop-vac handy to pick up the drilled out fiberglass from the new holes and drains. If you go to the Photo Forum there's a great photo story by Michael Nikisher of installing them on an identical 33 as mine. And only about a $30 premium over the Pompanette replacements. $110 for the 7x15s and $90 for the 5x12s.
to go. On my '81 h33 I'm in the process of replacing all my old Bowmar ports with the Tri-Matrix. The hardest part of the project is removing the old ones. Using the NFM templates (one for my 7x15s and one for my 5x12s)installation is almost "drop in". The mounting holes for the Tri-Matrix are offset from the old holes so you just drill the new ones. The only pain in the ass is that the NFM drains are also offset from the existing ones. A small hacksaw and a dremel make quick work of them. Just have a good shop-vac handy to pick up the drilled out fiberglass from the new holes and drains. If you go to the Photo Forum there's a great photo story by Michael Nikisher of installing them on an identical 33 as mine. And only about a $30 premium over the Pompanette replacements. $110 for the 7x15s and $90 for the 5x12s.
New Found Metals
I think Steve is right. I went with the TriMatrix on my 79 H33 and the are a step up from original junk. When I got mine a few months ago they were same price as original. I am sure they are the best you can get in the price range. Only problem is you may have to cut the screws that bolt through the cabin to fit. They offer a selection of sizes but chances are you will need to customize.
I think Steve is right. I went with the TriMatrix on my 79 H33 and the are a step up from original junk. When I got mine a few months ago they were same price as original. I am sure they are the best you can get in the price range. Only problem is you may have to cut the screws that bolt through the cabin to fit. They offer a selection of sizes but chances are you will need to customize.
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