FAQ

We are currently asking past customers to send us their comments and pictures concerning their porthole project, so watch this space for more advice and tutorials.

We are very keen to hear your questions, so please contact us if the information below does not help you. All useful questions will be added to this section.

Can you make portholes and fittings to my specifications?

It is possible to make some adjustments to the marine fittings that you see in our shop but special orders cannot be done quickly. Please contact us with what you have in mind and we can discuss it.

Do you have backing rings for the light-weight portholes? 

No, not at the moment - although all our stock is under constant review.

Can you put porthole into a wall?

The new portholes that we make are not extremely heavy but some of the reclaimed portholes are, so check that the wall will be able to take the weight of the porthole in question. If you are in any doubt, we always recommend you seek the opinion of a builder who you trust.  Portholes are normally put into external walls by means of a wooden framework and then mortar and plastered up to. We advise a slight slope in the brick work on the outside of your porthole to prevent water collecting. An opening porthole and a non-opening porthole can be used together with the opening porthole on the inside and the non-opener on the outside. When putting the porthole into internal walls normally both sides are visible by you and visitors, so we recommend that you either put 2 non-opening light-weight portholes back to back or you use one of our heavier, non-opening or opening versions inconjunction with a backing ring. In effect, the backing ring provides a nice frame for the hole exposed on the other side of the wall to the porthole.
  
Which porthole to use for a door?
 
For internal doors follow same advice as internal wall. Likewise follow advice given for application to external walls as for external doors,but also consider one of the original ships doors that are complete with portholes, you can find in our shop. We always carry a stock of teak ships doors that we get direct from the Ships so contact us, we may have the size you are looking for.

We are always looking to add to our selection of traditional boat fittings and welcome any comments, feedback and constructive criticism from anyone.