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Re:Interior Renovations

C

charles

Charles Dickinson
To: Tom,Alan,Gus,Terry
Thanks for your ideas,this information will give something to
think about this week and plan an (hopefully) easier
installation. I hope it does not take 10 hours to install each
new opening portlight as I do have 16 to replace as we have a
center cockpit on the M38 hull.Will post a message when things
get hairy and I need to vent some frustrations. Pictures to
follow.Thanks
Pat & Lucie
 
I've replaced all the ports except for the cockpit which I plan to replace. It WAS!!! a big job doing this. I replaced with Stainless Steel ones from Traditional Marine Outfitters. They were slightly larger then the plastic ones. I also cut back some dry rot teak plywood on the cabin sides and filled & faired then covered the cabin sides with off white formica which really brightened up the cabin nicely. All worth the effort. I could email some photos if you're interested.
rod
 
The one advantage with NFM ports is that they are nearly an exact match for the existing plastic ports as far as the cabin wall cutout is concerned. All it took to get the initial fit was rasping the inside corners of the drain cutouts and the four corner areas. The hard part was fitting the trim ring which bolts through to the inside half of the port. There are are twelve attachment points on the trim ring that are about 1/2" X 1/2" in size. Obviously, a large recess for all twelve points must be drilled in the outside cabin wall. This was a little unnerving at first but I got over it and finished the job. A Dremel tool is a necessity and will do the job boring out the holes. I'm very pleased with the results but would think twice before doing it again. I would have preferred a bolt-thru or bolt to either side design versus the bolt to design of the NFM ports. The main adavntages of the NFM ports is the strength of the design and the fact that the trim ring is clean with no screws to leak. The ports are also very attractive both inside and out. I do plan to write up my installation experiences for an upcoming newsletter.
 
<div>Rod
Do you have an address for Traditional Marine Outfitters? I would like to replace my plastic ports but am loath to buy things made in China as are the New Found Metals Ports.Jim

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Where the ports come from is secondary compared to how functional and attractive they are. The NFM ports are well made, very attractive but, unfortunately a pain to install. One nice thing thing about these ports is that they are somewhat larger than the plastic ones. I always felt that the original ports were too small and the white trim made them look even smaller. I'm posting a set of pictures at the URL below for your viewing pleasure.

 
I'll get the address for TMO. I'll also try to get some photos. Unfortunately the stainlees ports are also made offshore but all the name brand ports are also.

 
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