Downeaster Yachts.com - Topic: DE32 Ports

Rick on DE32 Ports

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 17:26:42 -0400

We just replaced all our leaky plastic ports with NFM which appear to be solid, well sealing, well made pieces. We got what Richard from NFM called "spigots" (the lip that extends into the boat) that were big enough for the 5/8" thick sides (more or less) plus whatever you're going to put on the sides of the cabin around the portlights. We yanked all the naugahide off the whole boat and ran new wiring which, in some cases, runs along the sides and top of the cabin so we're going to put 1/2" insulation with some PVC bead board over that so we got something like 1 1/2" spigots. We figured 2" would protrude too far into the boat and eventually split someones head open when we went careening across the cabin...

I waited until the Miami boat show and he gave me a small boat show discount. we got a stock size from him, something like their 9" x 16" that was a very close fit with a little grinding and some thickened epoxy and were in stock and shipped very promptly.

I also had him make me a couple custom ports for over the galley and the nav station. The cook wants lots of ventilation so I'm giving her whatever she wants. I asked if a portlight that size (very close to the size if the existing opening (!)was solid enough to take a blue water hit and he assured me it's stronger than the plastic we have now. I think he's probably right as the portlight I got has a lot of dogs on it and the glass feels very thick and solidly bedded.

The installation video is a good starting point but after the first two you'll have the system down. We're very pleased with the look and function and considering they're cast stainless steel, not that crazy expensive.

Scott Carle on DE32 Ports

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 11:10:33 -0400

It's hard to tell. I think that ports were a owner option on what to get. Also by now a lot of them have been replaced over the years with newer ports that owners have added. I have seen round ones (rarely) several versions of rectangular, a very few non opening and a lot of different opening ones. Materials I have seen are plastic, bronze and aluminum, as well as plexi/lexan panes and glass. If replacing ports just find something that you want and like and go with that.

Re_nat on DE32 Ports

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 10:50:49 -0400

Is this an original port or an upgrade?

Re_nat on DE32 Ports

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 10:48:49 -0400

Hi, I just recently purchased a D32. Reading this forum I understood that many owners have replaced original fixed ports. Is that correct that thickness of ports should be over 2"? What ports will suit the boat? I read about NFM, any other options? What are other considerations needed to be taken into account before I start?

Many thanks in advance.

Regards, Renat