Just in case you missed it, I have been working on not only replacing the forward ports, but replacing the fixed ports as well. My forward ports consisted of two spent plastic Beckson ports, an unknown aluminum opening port in the head and a fixed extruded aluminum factory port on the port side. The new New Found Metal front ports are in the hole so to speak, but the rear factory fixed ports have been the issue.
Well, I have passed the point of no return on the replacement of the fixed ports on Maruska. The new port parts from New Found Metals arrived last Thursday. They are custom made cast stainless 316 trim rings that match their standard opening port external trim rings. In short they are beautiful!
The point of no return for me was opening the holes that the old ports occupied to a slightly larger size hole that will house the new ports. Now that the holes are enlarged, I can paint the cabin top. I have been putting off painting until I got the holes cut.
I will be dropping off the new trim rings at my local glass guy today so that they can cut the tempored glass to fill the hole. This should take about two weeks which gives me time to work out the inside trim ring details.
I will keep you informed how this project goes. I also will be writing an article for Good Old Boat magazine as well. Oh, by the way, water temperature in Erie is only 58 as of yesterday, so I am not missing much. My launch date is Fathers day.
Dale
Hi Dale,
No ports on on my wish list too. We will go Newfoundmetal as well. What size ports did you use to replace the opening ports forward?
Ron
S/V Matchmaker
St Marks, FL
Ron,
I went with 4" x 14". I was looking for something to make the coach house look lower. I will post some pictures shortly.
Dale