Portlights, a few more questions

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Sanders LaMont

I am debating replacing leaky ports with Gray/Bomar rectangular ports, essentially identical to the originals, or with Beckson Rain Drains. I am ready to order, incidentally, and have not found any particularly good discounts available currently. Pompannette suggested I try West Marine! For a total replacement the Beckson's would not cost much more, and have the advantage of draining adequately (the Bomar's trap water). But, I could replace only two or three with the Bomar's, since all have not leaked badly at this point, and rehab the gaskets on the rest. I know several of you have faced similar choices and would appreciate your thoughts. - Gray versus beckson? - Partial replacement versus total? - Rehabbing the gaskets (and perhaps the portlight rings with new caulking)? I've read the archive postings and don't see a clear pattern except that it takes some time and work (and money). But, hey, it's a boat. Thanks Sanders s/v/ Good News 37Cutter
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Beckson Rain Drain and Boat?

What is the angle of your coach roof? This is a factor with regard to the Rain Drains. On our H-35 the Rain Drain ports are SUPPOSED to drain but they don't. I think the surface tension of the water prevents some of the draining, plus the design of the gasket and the beginning of the drain prevents total draining. It's no really big deal, though, to put a pan under the port when loosening the levers to catch the water that comes inside. New ports look so good from the inside! Sealing the new ports properly is extreemly important!
 
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Ed Schenck

No help Sanders.

As you may recall I did all bronze NFMs on my H37C. When I was looking I had decided on the "rain-drains" if I went with plastic. Like a dummy I had this dream of the Southern Ocean beating on the portlights. What the heck, it was just ten more boat bucks. :)
 
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hugo lerner

just went through this

I just went through the same series of questions that you're having. Even though I havent actually installed anything yet, this is what I discovered: I have a 1977 27' Hunter and my portholes are oval in shape. The company I found that is most compatible to the size and shape (in plastic) was Bomar. The problem was knowing exactly what I was going to get before I ordered them. I too had a problem with water buildup on the spigot causing leaky ports and waterfalls when I opened them. After ordering once and having to return them, discovering that I'm not getting anything better (and eating shipping fees), I feel that I found a good match and solution with the "Bomar Flagship series". I did make a suggestion to someone at Bomar to include a profile drawing of the portholes in their brochure, so that you can get a more accurate idea of what you're buying (being a residential architect, this is called a section drawing in residential windows). When most stores dont have product in their stores, i believe this is the only way of knowing what you're getting if there aren't good photos. Lastly, I received a very competitive price from "Rigging Only" out of Massachusetts. sorry for the lengthy response. that is all.
 
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Bob Bashaw

Same Problem

Sanders, I have the same problem as yourself. I am just getting started...What did you finally do? Where did you buy? How much cost? Thanx, Bob
 
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Mike Burke

I repleced just the lens

I bought two 15" Gray lens through Sailnet. $55.00 each After looking at the frames and seeing they were ok I opted just for the lens. I have 7 in total that will need replacing. Decided to start with the worst ones and go from there. Mike
 
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