Dana, Jade, #99

I have done a little research on the topic of port lights and can offer some information that may be useful.

As you know, East Coast, early boats of a vintage six months later than your #30, (i.e.: Kate's boat #80 and my boat #99) have installed- six opening bronze framed ports. These are of the style where the exterior frame of the port is flat and is, in fact, a flange that seats on the outside of the cabin. The overall appearance could be termed relatively "crude" as compared to the later more sculpted style found on Tim's #381 and Brock's #522. The early ports have no separate exterior trim ring as with the later, some what larger style ports.

Based upon my information there is also a significant size difference between the "old style" and the "later style".

Interestingly, I discovered that the six early ports installed each installed #80 and #99 are not interchangeable. It is evident that the four installed in the cabin sides are the same, however, the two forward facing ports installed in the dog house are NOT interchangeable with the other four. The dimensions are clearly, yet subtly, different in all dimensions. The most dramatic difference is that the two forward facing ports have thick flanges cast with a curve to conform to the curved coachwork. The other four have thin flat flanges.

I wouldn't recommend mixing port parts (each port is an assembly made up of three bronze pieces), I think that would be nearly impossible to assemble mix parts from the flat and curved flange style ports.

I do not know if the later style ports were also made in two distinct configurations. I will examine Brock's when I have the chance.

In referring to a Rostand catalog (circa 1983) they list an depict No. 10 OVAL PORTLIGHT that was available in three VERY different sizes. They did not indicate different part numbers for the three sizes.

The smallest size, I believe, was the later style port used by Pearson. Interestingly, Rostand offered the ports in both CAST BRONZE or ALUMINUM - PLAIN, POLISHED or CHROME. (A total of six possible combinations.) I wonder how different in size the ports might be when made in the two materials. (?)

Early Style dimensions: Flange: 4-1/2" x 8-1/2" Glass size: 2-1/2" x 6-5/8" [curved flange measurements are larger]

Later Style dimensions: Flange: 5-1/2" x 9" Glass size: 3-1/8" x 6-7/8"

You might want to check some of these measurements against what you have. Over the course of forty years your ports may have changed.

I don't know if Rostand has all of the molds that were used during their long time in business. It is possible that he could duplicate both styles of ports.

I guess, the point of all of this discussion, is to emphasize that one should be careful when buying ports or parts of ports that appear to be the same when they may, upon closer examination, be quite different. Let the buyer beware.

I have not found any ports of current manufacture that would be suitable as replacements. That is not to say that they don't exist- I just haven't seen any. Personally, I would not be satisfied with "modern" plastic framed ports.

I hope this helps.