Replacement Port Lights

 

It is easy to take natural light for granted especially when we can inexpensively illuminate an area with artificial light. Yet, there is no substitute for the benefits of natural light and if it is possible to introduce natural light into a space, it is highly recommended to consider the option. There are many options available to introduce extra natural light into a boat, such as installing a prism or a hatch in the deck, or the often-overlooked option of installing port lights.

 

Whether we talk about a ‘port light’ or a ’portlight’ they are considered the same. Portlights for boats are windows of any shape other than round that is typically installed in the sides of a coach roof of a vessel. Portlights are manufactured from all different materials and are available in all durable plastic that resists harmful sunlight rays and stands up well to the marine environment or a high end all metal product with real glass manufactured specifically for the boats and can endure the harsh onslaught of any ocean. Installing a portlight is straight forward.

 

Once a proper location is chosen and an appropriately shaped port light is selected, a hole is cut of a shape to accommodate the portlight as per the manufacturer’s specifications. The surfaces prepared, sealant applied and the portlight inserted. Depending on the manufacture of the port light it might require additional fasteners, some are held in place by any of the super strong sealant adhesives available, or it could be held in place by a retaining ring on the inside that serves as a cosmetic finish as well.

 

Portlights allow a surprising amount of light in and for the portlights that open, they offer the advantage of allowing in some fresh air. Portlights open inward and will require some mechanism to keep the open and out of the way. Therefore, if the portlight package does not include the required hardware it might be prudent to plan before completing the purchase. A new installation Portlights are known to last a long time without much maintenance.

 

Bomar Portlights

 

One of the most popular port light manufacturers, is Bomar. They have produced portlights for hundreds of boat manufacturers over the years. Bomar offers common replacement portlights and hatches in various frame and lens finishes. Boaters who are not certain of which portlight they have can always call Bomar and ask for the manufacturer's part number. Once the part number is obtained, use our search box to see if we have the matching part number on our web site. If you are unable to find a match, give us a call as we can order nearly any Bomar portlight or hatch available. Bomar will drop ship it directly to you. Lead time can sometimes take 2-3 months.

 

Sadly, stuff breaks and port lights aren’t immune to this, but fortunately aftermarket support from manufacturers is available and parts such as gaskets that wear out, cam latches that break or seize up, and bug screens that fall apart are still available from manufacturers such as Bomar, Beckson and Lewmar.

 

It might be easy to assume that portlights for sailboats is the only option when considering a portlight because sailboats are notorious for having portlights except maybe the sleek racing kind, but that is not the case. One might be surprised at the amount of power boats or yachts that have portlights installed and the impressive selection in styles, shapes and sizes available.

 

So, whether purchasing, repairing, or maintaining either a Bomar portlight, a Beckson portlight, or a Lewmar portlight, contact our crew if you need any help with ordering.