plastic ports??

[special k]

looking at an '02 28te. this one seems to lack the stainless port option.
what are the down falls of the plastic ports? what should i look for? lifespan?
how much $$ was the option new? should they need replacement how big a job, are ss replacement ports available?
want to make a reasonable offer but not looking for an immediate project.
thanks..........mick

[zinbaad]

I was lucky "Mahalo" had all SS ports except for the one in the aft bunk.. After looking up the price ((WOW)) to change it to match I decided the plastic one looks fine> I am sure they work just as well. Good Luck

[Pitou]

looking at an '02 28te. this one seems to lack the stainless port option.
what are the down falls of the plastic ports? what should i look for? lifespan?
how much $$ was the option new? should they need replacement how big a job, are ss replacement ports available?
want to make a reasonable offer but not looking for an immediate project.
thanks..........mick

The plastic ports are pretty rugged. The lifespan ???? The only thing I have done is replace a couple of the screens, which is no hardship. There are plenty of boats around my marina that are 20 plus years old and their plastic ports are in good shape (Grady & Rampage included). The SS ports are sharper, but I wouldn't let the plastic one's be a deterrant. IMO I would look at the whole boat package and if you happened into one with SS ports ... bonus. I do have a 1/04 price list that lists the SS pkg. as a $ 2000.00 upgrade.

To now replace them would be an expensive endeavor. 6 exterior ports plus 2 in the qtr. berth for the engine box model. Do a search on this site for ports if you already haven't. There has been some discussion in the past. As I recall somewhere in the range of $ 500 each plus retro fit labor.

Here is a link to Beckson who supplied the plastic ports. Ports size for the 28 is 512 http://www.beckson.com/replace.html

[gerygarcia]

Resolution has plastic ones and they have held up remarkably well.

The only things plastic or rubber I've had to replace have been the speaker covers and the rubber fishing rod holder ends

[RicM]

I can just about guarantee that after one season you will forget all about SS ports. It's kind of like buying a new car, they get you to lust after the the chrome wheels, and you spring for them "what the heck? it's only $1200 extra" and then after the first week you never look at them again. The dealer laughs all the way to the bank.

[RobS]

I can just about guarantee that after one season you will forget all about SS ports....

I do forget about them, and then I go out on your boat and remind myself how much I wish I had 'em.

What bothers me more about my ports is having to turn those plastic knobs 8 or 10 turns just to open or close the windows. That's like 120 turns to open all the windows not including the two at the aft bunk

[RicM]

My SS Ports are many turns also. We will count and compare after some LPR in Essex!

[RicM]

My SS Ports are many turns also. We will count and compare after some LPR in Essex!

[Pitou]

What bothers me more about my ports is having to turn those plastic knobs 8 or 10 turns just to open or close the windows. That's like 120 turns to open all the windows not including the two at the aft bunk

Rob ... for guys like you living in the fast lane .... http://www.beckson.com/latches.html.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... 5&id=46995

[Pitou]

What bothers me more about my ports is having to turn those plastic knobs 8 or 10 turns just to open or close the windows. That's like 120 turns to open all the windows not including the two at the aft bunk

Rob ... for guys like you living in the fast lane .... http://www.beckson.com/latches.html

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... 5&id=46995

[special k]

thanks, survey is thursday. if all goes well i can join you all at the following rendezvous. i will count the turns necessary to secure the ports.
cheers! mk

[jcollins]

I have the quick latch type. No turns. EZ

[mhanna]

Rob ... for guys like you living in the fast lane .... http://www.beckson.com/latches.html

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... 5&id=46995

I got to get those, I hate having all of those turns.....

[RicM]

I suggest we re-convene the panel on Saturday night.