Stainless porthole windows

[sweetwater]

Has anyone upgraded their 6 plastic porthole windows to stainless? Big job? Expensive? I love the looks of the stainless and was wondering if it would be worth the upgrade. Would Albin be the source of these windows or are they aftermarket?
Thanks...

[Bidgood]

We have the stainless portholes on Bidgood, 30 FC. They were an original up gradefrom Albin. The stainless is of good quality and there is no pitting after 6 years of seawater exposure. I see no difference in function from the two plastic ones installed in the quarter berth. Over time there may be some advantage in durability from exposure to UV or breakage. The plastic ones have a slight amount of warpage from the original oval shape. We like the look of the stainless but other than the cosmetics I am not sure that I would upgrade an existing boat. The cost and labor involved in getting the old ones out (been there done that on a previous boat.) may not be worth the trouble. I think it comes down to personal preference on the look of the boat.

[zinbaad]

Wow, after I checked on the prices of the Stainless Steel Portholes I was glad I already had them on Mahalo, They sure look nice but at the cost of a wholes seasons worth of Diesel, there might just be better improvements to spend the cash..

[RobS]

Wow, after I checked on the prices of the Stainless Steel Portholes I was glad I already had them on Mahalo, They sure look nice but at the cost of a wholes seasons worth of Diesel, there might just be better improvements to spend the cash..

When I was TE shopping I had commented that I liked the look of the stainless ports and that if I end up without them it will be one of my first upgrade projects. I changed my mind the instant I priced them. I think my new chart-plotter, new sounder and autopilot was a cheaper upgrade.

[sweetwater]

I hear you guys that it is a lot of $, but they would look sooo good with the grey hull...... have a great weekend everyone...

[hmitchel]

I have stainless ports on my 2004 28TE in California. They came with the boat and they do look terrific. However, one needs the glass replaced and all need the gaskets replaced (they leak). Does anyone know the name of the manufacturer of the stainless ports or another source for replacement parts???
I would greatly appreciate any information anyone has. Thank you.

[RobS]

The plastic ones are Beckson. Not sure about the stainless. Perhaps this: http://www.pompanette.com/pompweb.nsf/7 ... enDocument

[special k]

as a proud owner of a 2002 28te i would like stainless ports but.....
i would LOVE new electronics with autopilot....jmho

p.s.....nobody but you will notice

[hmitchel]

Dear RobS,
Thanks for the lead. This looks good and I'll check it out.
HMitchel