Later CD25 bronze portlights size

[Astronomertoo]

Good day everyone.
I have an older version 1975 with 2 long fixed glass windows and one forward smaller fixed glass windows, on each side. We need much more ventilation down here in Florida than just opening the forward hatch.
Can anyone here tell me for sure the port opening and outer frame dimensions of the Spartan portlights used in the later 25s?
Also need the size of the later forward opening hatch outer frame size, which will be different than the older factory fiberglass hatch we have.
There are no CD25s in my area to go look at and measure.
Other alternative advice accepted.
Thanks and best wishes to all.
Bob Cuberly
Citrus Springs, FL

[steveg]

Not sure of the exact measurement, but the bronze ones are certainly smaller than the plastic ones, considerably shorter than the large plastic ports. Replacing the windows would be a large task, bronze port lights would probably consume a few boat units also.

You could try a fabric wind scoop for the front hatch. It directs more air down the hatch and feels cooler. Maybe not so much better at the dock, but good on a mooring or at anchor. An awning over the boom when not sailing may help keep the cabin cooler and improve the benefit of more air down the hatch. It may not be as good of a solution, although it could help. It would be much cheaper and easier than replacing the windows.

[Astronomertoo]

Thanks for the input Steve. This boat is still on the trailer in long term storage/rebuild mode, part of my 3rd and final boat project. We would love to have one of the 25D or even a 26, but not doable in our retirement. We do have a custom made dodger, and a roll up day shade aft of the boom for when not sailing. I had made up large boom covers for use over the cabins in my 2 previous boats, and often used the hoisted up forward hatch air scoops, and will do so again. We seriously need some air flow from the sides for time not swinging on the hook, so I am getting ready to remove the old fixed ports and will glass fill the openings and finish for recutting for new opening ports. My wish would be to simply buy the Spartan portlights, but the cost is huge, nearly as much as I bought the old girl for. I think when people complain about buying one of the later CD25s that have the 6 nice bronze ports, for under $2000. they do not realize the portlights alone are worth more than the boat. I wish I had been so lucky! I want our boat to look classically attractive, more like the newer ones, but likely will not be able to afford bronze. So I wish to buy the same size, in more affordable, but reliable ports for our local use, with no heavy cruising.
My respected mentors for my project are Maine Sail, Lackey Sailing, Far Reach, and Compass Marine. Our home retirement repair projects are finally over and it is time to start cutting, grinding, and epoxying our way back into the water, and the previously very poorly treated old girl needs everything. I would be interested in used Spartans, and stanchions, if anyone knows of any available at good prices.