Hi, I am a new Catalina 36 owner. One of my first projects on her (she's a 1985 in great condition) is replacing the fixed port light under the starboard side cockpit seat with an opening port light. This would provide more potential ventilation and air flow to the aft berth situated below the cockpit seat down in the cabin. There is one such opening port light now, at the stern end of the starboard cockpit seat, but there isn't much room for air flow there and I don't see a reason not to convert the fixed one regardless. Has anyone done (or thought about doing) this project? Any concerns? In addition, if anyone could help guide me to the right item to install (the correct opening port to put it), that would also be fantastic. Thanks. John, Miami
John,
I'm not positive, but I have a 1990 C36 and the port light you are inquiring about is a Bowmar opening port light. The fact that the aft port light for the aft cabin does open would possibly mean the pervious owner made the change to a fixed port light. If the opening is not altered I would bet you would just need to replace with a new light.
By the way welcome to the group. We have a wealth of information in our archives and technical section reserved for subscribing members. In our technical section we have manuals for the MKl and for the engine. If interested just click on the Ships Store Tag than membership.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
I realize I said Bowmar but the ports in the cockpit and aft cabin would be Beckson
http://www.beckson.com/ports.html
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Gary, thank you for the information. I will follow up on your suggestions!
John
After I replaced all the portlights in our '85 C36 (see www.catalina36.org/comment/58853#comment-58853 ), I repurposed one of the two opening portlights (the most forward of them, located in the head and opposite it) to replace the fixed portlight in the cockpit that John refers to.
Its almost the same size, and with a little bit of cutting to very slightly enlarge the raw opening I was able to install it.
Nice enhancement, adds some ventilation to the aft cabin.
I've got one left, if anyone wants it, its yours for the asking (send me a PM or email to discuss)
- Matthew
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY