[C320-list] Stainless Portlights from NewFoundMetal.com - Has anyone used their SS Portlights?

[Rick Sulewski]

Ran into a rep from New Found Metals Inc. at the Miami Boat Show and found
their 5X12 Stainless Portlights at show pricing to be an attractive, right
priced alternative to the aluminum OEM type portlights from Catalina Direct.
Has anyone explored or installed stainless portlights on their C-320?



After 20 years my portlights are need of a complete rebuild not to mention a
long overdue re-bedding. The current lenses are crazing and the rubber seals
are beginning to showing evidence of deterioration. Also, the hinges are
loosening up with the levers showing wear and those pesky screens that I
replaced twice are again warping and often fall out. Time to refurbish or
freshen the portlights. The New Found Metal stainless portlights have robust
seals, real rubber sealed insert screens, teak interior spacers, adjustable
window hinges, built-in drains to carry away the water, and tempered glass
lenses. The price per unit with that includes all of the fasteners and
bedding sealant is more than comparable to new Catalina Direct aluminum
replacement portlights with plastic lenses and those tricky vinyl type
screens.



I am going thru the 20 year old boat as the original owner scheduling
preventative repairs/improvements at a much better cost vs. a new or newer
replacement boat because after 20 years we continue to enjoy our C-320. Now
we plan to avoid trip or vacation interruptions with inconvenient surprises
by embarking on a replacement schedule and plan to refurbish several items
each year. Seems like if it is rubber, can crack, leak or if it wiggles, it
is wise to give it advanced attention sooner than later for more trouble
free years on the water..especially when we can schedule the time for DIY
improvements. Pending projects this year includes replacing the fuel tank
and fuel lines, replacing the shaft log hose, replacing the engine water
hoses and heat exchanger to water heater hoses, and perhaps also replacing
the portlights. Over the last couple of years we replaced the exhaust hose,
replaced the cutlass bearing & trued the prop, installed AC/Heat, replaced
the instruments/auto-pilot and replaced all of the standing rigging. Next on
the schedule will be replacing the shift and throttle cables, replacing the
motor mounts and updating the steering hardware as needed.

[Chris Burti]

When we owned our 1973 Cal 27-T/2 were active on the old Sailnet Cal
Owners list and several owners installed NFM ports and were pleased
with the results. Some even glassed in large fixed portlights to have a
nice row of opening ports.

Thanks, Chris BurtiFrom: Rick Sulewski
Sent: ‎2/‎17/‎2015 10:02 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Stainless Portlights from NewFoundMetal.com - Has
anyone used their SS Portlights?