Hi, First time poster. My wife and I purchased a long neglected 94' Hunter 29.5 last summer and have been working on it all winter (at night, when two young kids are sleeping and Grandma comes over). Searching the internet I came across this forum which looks to be a great resource for questions related to Hunter's. As of yesterday I've almost finished the interior wood, installed a new webasto furnace, new fabric and aside from a bit of engine work I've directed my focus to the outside. The most pressing is some leaky/broken Bowmar port/windows. The two I'd like to replace this year are set in a 8 1/4 inch by 15 5/8th hole cutout. The existing window appears to be a lot smaller than I'd expected in the current hole (about 7 1/2 inch by 15) but I'm assured is original equipment. The current windows are a horrible design and your only choice when opening them on Canada's Wet Coast, is to get half a cup of water in to your galley. Plus they are both broken in fasteners. So after all that dribble, I'd like to know how easy it is to cut a bit bigger in the Cabin sides, and resize to a bigger port, or the remote chance that someone has changed out the exact size with a better quality and which brand was used? I've also looked at Moonlight ports, and the ever expensive Lewmar, none seem to have the exact size I need. Advice is welcome... thanks, and great website! Rob.
Replacement Windows?
- Thread starter RobJ74
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Welcome Rob. I replaced my originals with Rain Drains by
Beckson. If you google, you'll find a few million of them, but can I suggest that you order them HERE? Checkout my web site. You might get an idea or two. And where's Ladner?
Beckson. If you google, you'll find a few million of them, but can I suggest that you order them HERE? Checkout my web site. You might get an idea or two. And where's Ladner?
Thanks
Thanks, that has me getting as close as ever to my hole cutout. However, do you know what kind of tolerance I'm able when refitting a window?? I'm about 5/8ths too big on the height and 5/8ths in length? Spigot Dimension Hole cut size 7-1/2" x 14-3/8" 19.0 x 36.5 cm Lens OD: 7-7/8" x 15-1/8" Outside Frame Overall Dimension 9-3/4" x 16-3/4" 24.8 x 42.5 cm Screen OD: 7-1/8" x 14-7/16" Great photos, I hope to get some of my own up soon. Ladner is about 20KM (14 miles) from Vancouver BC.
Thanks, that has me getting as close as ever to my hole cutout. However, do you know what kind of tolerance I'm able when refitting a window?? I'm about 5/8ths too big on the height and 5/8ths in length? Spigot Dimension Hole cut size 7-1/2" x 14-3/8" 19.0 x 36.5 cm Lens OD: 7-7/8" x 15-1/8" Outside Frame Overall Dimension 9-3/4" x 16-3/4" 24.8 x 42.5 cm Screen OD: 7-1/8" x 14-7/16" Great photos, I hope to get some of my own up soon. Ladner is about 20KM (14 miles) from Vancouver BC.
Sounds like my three cockpit windows.
But I'm not at the boat to measure. Want me to dig into my paperwork? It could take a day of searching?
But I'm not at the boat to measure. Want me to dig into my paperwork? It could take a day of searching?
Please don't....
I'm not sure your sizing would help since you're not the same year or length of boat.... but thanks for the offer. However, I'll continue in my search of information. I'm sure that bezel would cover my hole but I'm not sure I'd have the required strength if the port is too small. Did you do some cutting and put in a slightly larger port? If so, was it difficult and is there a risk of compromising any structure around your windows?? There has to be a forum lurker with a 29.5 who had these same crappy windows...
I'm not sure your sizing would help since you're not the same year or length of boat.... but thanks for the offer. However, I'll continue in my search of information. I'm sure that bezel would cover my hole but I'm not sure I'd have the required strength if the port is too small. Did you do some cutting and put in a slightly larger port? If so, was it difficult and is there a risk of compromising any structure around your windows?? There has to be a forum lurker with a 29.5 who had these same crappy windows...
New Found Metals
If you have the same cheap plastic gray/bomar ports that also came on my 1980 27', go with the new found metals trimatrix ports. They are direct drop in replacements for the gray/bomars that were used on a lot of production boats. When I get the chance, I'm replacing all of mine with them. Manny
If you have the same cheap plastic gray/bomar ports that also came on my 1980 27', go with the new found metals trimatrix ports. They are direct drop in replacements for the gray/bomars that were used on a lot of production boats. When I get the chance, I'm replacing all of mine with them. Manny
Rob...
Welcome to this forum! Vancouver is my birthplace and I also own a 29.5. The opening ports were the biggest complaint we had about this model. We replaced all six with ports that have the glass flush with the outside frames eliminating the problem with water sitting in the frame and not draining and leaking into the interior. They always leaked and it really rains heavy here. The larger ports were replaced with Lewmar Standard opening ports that have an exterior aluminum frame with a white plastic interior frame. See them on the link below. You can buy them on this site's chandlery. The vertical ports were replaced with Beckson Newport fixed ports with reverse installation meaning the glass is flush with the exterior frame reducing the potential of leaks from water sitting in the frame. This is a special model and you will have to contact Beckson for the model number before you order. We rarely opened them and do not miss that function. AFAIK they are no vertical ports available that provide drainage with a spigot or whatever so this was a logical solution for us. These ports come with black or white plastic frames. We chose black and the installation of both the aluminum frames and the black frames look factory original and no more leaks. Neither of these ports fit in the original openings so be prepared to cut and fill and make sure you use the manufactuer's recommended sealant. Good luck!
Welcome to this forum! Vancouver is my birthplace and I also own a 29.5. The opening ports were the biggest complaint we had about this model. We replaced all six with ports that have the glass flush with the outside frames eliminating the problem with water sitting in the frame and not draining and leaking into the interior. They always leaked and it really rains heavy here. The larger ports were replaced with Lewmar Standard opening ports that have an exterior aluminum frame with a white plastic interior frame. See them on the link below. You can buy them on this site's chandlery. The vertical ports were replaced with Beckson Newport fixed ports with reverse installation meaning the glass is flush with the exterior frame reducing the potential of leaks from water sitting in the frame. This is a special model and you will have to contact Beckson for the model number before you order. We rarely opened them and do not miss that function. AFAIK they are no vertical ports available that provide drainage with a spigot or whatever so this was a logical solution for us. These ports come with black or white plastic frames. We chose black and the installation of both the aluminum frames and the black frames look factory original and no more leaks. Neither of these ports fit in the original openings so be prepared to cut and fill and make sure you use the manufactuer's recommended sealant. Good luck!
Thanks!
I've spent the day driving around Vancouver with a port in hand and trying to find someone to tell me what I wanted to hear... that I didn't have to cut. Anyway, not the case. I think the Lewmar is the way I'll be going but I'd appreciate if you could tell me how the cutting went? I feel I have the skill to tackle this but I'm a bit apprehensive with taking the jig saw to an angled surface and keeping the opening level where the port will sit. Do you know what size you went with for the bigger size? My opening, measured without the window now, is 8 x 15 3/4 with two small shallow radius cut in the bottom, 3 inches from the outside edges. Funny enough, the window taken out seemed too small at only 7 1/2 high. I'm going to leave the other four ports until next summer when I recover from the new Webasto, Canvas, Mainsail, stereo, and dingy/motor. The usually very support wife is having heart palpatations and getting an ugly facial tick whenever I say 'The Boat needs...' Great forum here... I think its going to cut down on the time I have duct tape windows for. I'll try and make the purchase through this site to show some support. Edited: http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail.htm?fno=0&group=373&cat=2005 That's the link to this sites Lewmar selection. I think size 5 is close, but is that the size you went with??
I've spent the day driving around Vancouver with a port in hand and trying to find someone to tell me what I wanted to hear... that I didn't have to cut. Anyway, not the case. I think the Lewmar is the way I'll be going but I'd appreciate if you could tell me how the cutting went? I feel I have the skill to tackle this but I'm a bit apprehensive with taking the jig saw to an angled surface and keeping the opening level where the port will sit. Do you know what size you went with for the bigger size? My opening, measured without the window now, is 8 x 15 3/4 with two small shallow radius cut in the bottom, 3 inches from the outside edges. Funny enough, the window taken out seemed too small at only 7 1/2 high. I'm going to leave the other four ports until next summer when I recover from the new Webasto, Canvas, Mainsail, stereo, and dingy/motor. The usually very support wife is having heart palpatations and getting an ugly facial tick whenever I say 'The Boat needs...' Great forum here... I think its going to cut down on the time I have duct tape windows for. I'll try and make the purchase through this site to show some support. Edited: http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail.htm?fno=0&group=373&cat=2005 That's the link to this sites Lewmar selection. I think size 5 is close, but is that the size you went with??
port windows
I also own a 29.5 so I know exactly how you feel . I tried to get a replacement lense and also new weatherstrip. After many e-mails, phone calls, and about $200.00 dollars for delivery, customs duty etc I got the wrong lense, and weatherstrip that doesn't fit. What I ended up doing was to carefully remove the old weatherstrip and turned it 180 degrees. Absolutely cured the leaks. Someday I will get new ports. I would be interested in knowing where you put your heater.
I also own a 29.5 so I know exactly how you feel . I tried to get a replacement lense and also new weatherstrip. After many e-mails, phone calls, and about $200.00 dollars for delivery, customs duty etc I got the wrong lense, and weatherstrip that doesn't fit. What I ended up doing was to carefully remove the old weatherstrip and turned it 180 degrees. Absolutely cured the leaks. Someday I will get new ports. I would be interested in knowing where you put your heater.
Heater...
I've 're-installed' a Webasto heater system in the aft/starboard locker. The first one died after 6 years of use because the exhaust was routed to low and it took in saltwater too many times. The new heater has the exhaust go up as high as possible in the locker, above the through hull and then back down to the heater. This was as recommend by River Marine who said that the loop going up would allow any sea water that came in, to go back out before making it over the bend and in to the heater unit again. It's only an issue when healed over. I used all of the existing fans and have a warm and toasty boat again (with one duct taped over window mind you). It's been recommended to use a fogging agent by Boeing to mist on to the unit as well... to avoid any re-corrosion. I have a friend with a connection getting me some expired stuff as its 30 dollars a can. The new head unit was $1000... but I was pre-plumbed with three fans already (head, salon, aft birth). I can send you some photos but I'm not sure how to share an email address with you here and not share it with the world. It would be nice to get be in touch with another same model local boat owner.
I've 're-installed' a Webasto heater system in the aft/starboard locker. The first one died after 6 years of use because the exhaust was routed to low and it took in saltwater too many times. The new heater has the exhaust go up as high as possible in the locker, above the through hull and then back down to the heater. This was as recommend by River Marine who said that the loop going up would allow any sea water that came in, to go back out before making it over the bend and in to the heater unit again. It's only an issue when healed over. I used all of the existing fans and have a warm and toasty boat again (with one duct taped over window mind you). It's been recommended to use a fogging agent by Boeing to mist on to the unit as well... to avoid any re-corrosion. I have a friend with a connection getting me some expired stuff as its 30 dollars a can. The new head unit was $1000... but I was pre-plumbed with three fans already (head, salon, aft birth). I can send you some photos but I'm not sure how to share an email address with you here and not share it with the world. It would be nice to get be in touch with another same model local boat owner.
Rob...
I'm trying to remember all the details when I did this a couple of years ago. The Lewmars are intended for installation on a flat surface. The 29.5 cabin side is slightly curved and I did not notice this until after I had cut the holes. If I had to do this again I would cut the hole to minimize the curve. Maybe a little off the top and a little off the bottom. The problem is that if the frame is not flat after you tighten the bolts compressing the sealant the ports will not open and close properly. I had to progressively torque the bolts to maintain a flat frame with the sealant making up the difference. Also, check the thickness and make sure you order the correct bolt length. If any of this concerns you I would reconsider the Beckson Rain Drains. The new spigot design is a major improvement over the ones that were originally installed and it appears that they are a direct replacement and would not require any cutting. Maybe a little for the bigger spigots. I would check their installation instructions. I chose the Lewmars because they don't stick out and I was tired of clipping my ankle bones everytime I went forward. I got the beige plastic interior piece instead of white that I previously stated. The interior gelcoat color is off white, closer to a beige not a bright white like the exterior. The vertical ones were a little easier to install but it took some grinding to change the corners to fit the larger radius. I hope this helps!
I'm trying to remember all the details when I did this a couple of years ago. The Lewmars are intended for installation on a flat surface. The 29.5 cabin side is slightly curved and I did not notice this until after I had cut the holes. If I had to do this again I would cut the hole to minimize the curve. Maybe a little off the top and a little off the bottom. The problem is that if the frame is not flat after you tighten the bolts compressing the sealant the ports will not open and close properly. I had to progressively torque the bolts to maintain a flat frame with the sealant making up the difference. Also, check the thickness and make sure you order the correct bolt length. If any of this concerns you I would reconsider the Beckson Rain Drains. The new spigot design is a major improvement over the ones that were originally installed and it appears that they are a direct replacement and would not require any cutting. Maybe a little for the bigger spigots. I would check their installation instructions. I chose the Lewmars because they don't stick out and I was tired of clipping my ankle bones everytime I went forward. I got the beige plastic interior piece instead of white that I previously stated. The interior gelcoat color is off white, closer to a beige not a bright white like the exterior. The vertical ones were a little easier to install but it took some grinding to change the corners to fit the larger radius. I hope this helps!
On my 29.5...
I couldn't get the port lights out without breaking them. The curent issue of Boat-DIY has an extensive article on removing/replacing portlights. Read it carefully... and you'll take up golf instead.
I couldn't get the port lights out without breaking them. The curent issue of Boat-DIY has an extensive article on removing/replacing portlights. Read it carefully... and you'll take up golf instead.
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