Hi, Mike - As Paul said, the
bronze ports in the forward portion of the
boat are virtually impossible to destroy. I'm still using the original gaskets (so far as I know) and have no
leaks (unless I forget to dog them dowm tight in a major storm).
I have replaced ALL of the
cheap plastic ports in the aft
cabin with stainless units, including the three actoss the transom. (Changing those three fixed ports over to opening has made a WORLD of difference in the aft
cabin ventilation.) I found a source three or four years ago on-line. The guy had bought up the leftover stock from the factory that made ports for
Island Packet. I only paid around $90 or so for each one, and they are real beauties. Those on the sides fit right in (well, almost) but I did have to do some enlarging of the openings on the transom. I've been told that Newfound Metals has decent stainless opening ports that can be adapted to our
boats in the aft cabin.
I, too, had heard that the outfit in FL that Paul mentioned can supply new gaskets for the bronze ports.
Good luck, and if I can offer any help feel free to contact me directly.