windows

[ebb]

I remember way back in the beginning (for me) being horrified that Mike G. intended to change the big fixed lights for some opening ports on his Ariel - that also had an INSIDE waterline. My arguement was that it wasn't true to the intent of the original designer: St C.A.
Now, I do believe that opening ports are an excellent upgrade.

For purists and restore folks the cabin sides could ultimately be returned to original with a little fiberglas (as bill231 sez.)

I've commited Little Gull to slab-on sheet lexan lights. They will ultimately appear larger (an aesthetic problem) than the original bronze or aluminum frames. But my tradeoff is that I want the light and feeling of openness these truckcab style windows provide.

For those of you who might be deciding on opening ports for the cabin side, there is a wealth of info, told with humor, great detailed photos, and good sense at
www.wbryant.com/StellaBoat/Projects/windows/index.htm
google> Replace Leaking Boat Windows with Opening Ports

Wally's boat is a 1981 C&C Landfall 38. Bigger than us! Well, his projects are all thoughtful improvements: leds, ground tackle, wiring, windows, and a lot more. Size isn't important. His photos, especially fantastic closeups are great instruction. When he gets into trouble he tells you his way out. METHODS with photos are the best tips there is! May not agree with everything but each project is covered 360. Gives sources too. Makes me want to smile alot and shake his hand and buy him a couple beers. THANKS, Wally!

His solution for opening ports in his cabin sides is way radical, but it's full of detail and images, imagination and ideas. Maybe it'll turn on a solution for someone with an Ariel. Especially his reasoning on plastic ports there. But MAKE SURE any plastic port is UV protected, like get it in writing! They ultimately won't have the life that stainless or bronze has. You have to respect a knowlegable guy who shares his experiences with all of us out here. You'll Borrow some of them for sure.:cool:
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Stuff on the internet lasts like icycles on a roof in spring. The date that came up on these pages is 2004. You better download or save huevos befor it disappears into the cosmic mists.

[Robert Lemasters]

Port lights , port lights. Boy they were a problem, the originals, I mean. Thin aluminum with plastic that degrades over time (to the point were you cannot see out of them), cracking and or leaking, and they don't open for ventilation. Style wise the originals look like something for a camper not a boat. I had to replace the damaged and degraded ones on my Commander. I replaced them with old Wilcox & Crittenden 5" bronze portholes instead of the original style ones. These W&C portholes are very well made with 3/4" thick tempered glass (not plastic)and marine grade bronze. They open and by design are water tight. They evolved over many generations as to design and materials for the saltwater marine environment. I installed two on each side of the cabin and another one aft, five altogether. I must say that I enjoy them very much, they are functional, well made and If I might add improves the looks of my ol' boat. There are some pictures somewhere on this site. These old bronze port holes are plentiful to be found and the cost is reasonable compared to new originals, besides being sea worthy and functional. Installation is not much of a problem though cutting out the attachment rings (teak or epay) was a real time consuming chore as were getting the right size bronze bolts, nuts and washers(not being made in Communist China). These ol' Pearsons are well made, beautiful and have stood the test of time. But what I like is the fact that there so much quality and goodness of hull design that it is worth the effort of making whatever improvements the owner deems worthy. I probably would not have gone to all of the trouble, after the storm damage, fixing any other sailboat.

[bill@ariel231]

for the commander purists... the original portlight is available from ensign spars (it's common with the pearson electra). A Commander would need two pair.

P53A LARGE ELECTRA PORTHOLE 2PC PER SET/ANODIZED INCLUDES PLEXI
95.00

http://www.ensignspars.com/parts