200X Era Hunter Portlights - Larger than peers at the time

[FremontSailor]

I have been looking at 2005-2013 Hunters like the 33 or 36 and noticed that their portlights(Deck-lights) are much larger than comparable other boats of the same error.

What is the disadvantage with these large windows? I would guess that they do not hold up in weather and storms well. But I have not heard of this being an issue. If so, id love to read about it so references would be appreciated.

I attached a 2005 Hunter 33 for reference and a 2003 Beneteau 33 for comparison.





And the Beneteau 33

[S/V Illusion]

Used to have a H 40.5 with even larger port lights and our current boat has some the same size. We got bashed pretty good a few times and never had to worry about the size. The plus side is they reduce the ‘cave-like’ feeling below because of the enormous amount of light they provide compared with the small traditional ports. Not a problem.

[sailorboy1]

My 20 year Hunter hasn't any any leaks and i have done nothing to the hatches, ports, or port lights

[FremontSailor]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

The plus side is they reduce the ‘cave-like’ feeling below because of the enormous amount of light they provide compared with the small traditional ports.

Yes this is one of the reasons that I am considering a Hunter. Just seems to have so much light.

I figure there _must_(gulp) be a reason other manufactures do not do this too.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by FremontSailor

Yes this is one of the reasons that I am considering a Hunter. Just seems to have so much light.

I figure there _must_(gulp) be a reason other manufactures do not do this too.

Many builders still cling to the aesthetic of the traditional small port appearance but once you look at some of the builder’s designs, they maintain the safety of structural integrity while becoming more progressive in terms of the “light and airy” interior clients prefer. Despite the pretense, nobody builds a boat to survive a cyclone.

[sail sfbay]

I have had a 2004 Hunter 386 and now 2005 Hunter 46............the windows hold up very well and never had an issue. With their interior built-in shade you can block the sun into the cabin.

[sailormed]

Same on our 2005 H38, no problem. What intrigues me is the latest tendency to incorporate big windows in the hull. What about fenders, jetties, smaller (lower deckline) boats etc. Seems asking for trouble to me.

[desodave]

Yes - lots of light below in our 2005 H38 and generally appreciated here in the Salish Sea. I did need to have the fixed ports (?) on the cabin roof rebedded a few years ago because of a significant leak in the corner of one of them. The extra light below was one of the reasons we bought the Hunter originally.