Replacement portals for 1988 Hunter 26.5

[LiveAboard60]

Please excuse if this has been posted before, but I am thinking about replacing the salon portholes on the 1988 Hunter 26.5 I recently purchased. The port porthole appears to be leaking though it looks like there have been some attempts made to seal it. I would really like to replace both with a set of porthole which can be opened.

Internet searches thus far have come up empty, so I ask the general wisdom of the group if anyone knows of a source of replacement portholes for a Hunter 26.5, especially ones that can be opened.

Thanks mucho in advance.
Frank

 

[BlowMeAway]

Hey Frank, I have a 1978 H30C and I ordered Gray Enterprise Port Lights. I'm uncertain of the MFG on your boat but here's a good place to start with the link below. This information is available on The SBO website. If you do a search of the forums and use the term "Port Light", I suspect you'll find more information then you may be ready to absorb. There are some really good installation tips with associated pictures for guidance.

http://shop.hunterowners.com/gray.php

 

[LiveAboard60]

Thanks for the link "BlowMeAway". I thought I had searched that site before since I get email ad's from them. Now to measure the current portholes and see what I can find on the site.
Thanks again
flk k

 

[kloudie1]

Frank, I am pretty sure no one makes a replacement side port that opens. Some people have carefully cut a hole and put a regular opening port (like a Gray 512 or 414, whatever might fit) into the fixed side glass..

 

[BlowMeAway]

I must agree with Kloudie1. I should have paid more attention to your boats age. I didn't realize the port light configuration on your 1988 26.5 were fixed. Only after checking out a few pics of the 1988 did I realize I had goofed. You still may be able to find replacements, but as mentioned above, not designed to open. Sorry if I added any confusion to your query.

 

[Sailor_Jeff]

There is a company called "cruising concepts" that makes new fixed ports. When I was last talking to Mike I think he said he would make a replacement window with an opening port in the middle. Everything I have ever purchased from mike was really very good quality. Not cheep but comes with the stuff needed for installation and a "no leak" guarantee. Google the name and you'll find their website. Or send me a message and I'll send you their contact information. Call him and ask, the call is free.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Frank
I have seen a couple of the 26.5 windows adapted for opening ports but that takes skill when cutting into the fixed port because if you do not know what you are doing, the whole thing can shatter.
As a former dealer, I know the history of the forum store and before the Old Hunter marine went into recievorship, this site store was specifically set up with by Hunter with Phil Herring and they have gone to great lengths to get the parts for all the boats and they have some good advice not to mention an actual former Hunter employee who worked in parts and warranty. Their knowledge and experience not to mention the service is excellent. Also the pricing is within lines of other discount houses. Just so you know.

 

[LiveAboard60]

I am of the mind to replace the existing portholes with ones which can be opened, and I feel I have considerable skills (and tools <grin>). Here along the Texas coastal bend it can be very warm, and the added ventilation would have been welcomed.

Looking at the portholes from just the interior of the boat it really seemed like something I could tackle. However looking at the portholes from the outside, I now feel it is just something I will have just dream about <grin>. On to more achievable things.

I want to thank all for their advise and input.
flk k