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4:53 pm
Saturday,2 March, 2013
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Hi Folks,
I am sorry if this topic offends, or turns into flame wars, but I really, really like portholes.
I also think that the large windows seen on most boats, are not in keeping with the narrowboat style, turning them into what can only be described as ‘floating caravans’.
At this point I am ducking behind the sofa, in attempt to dodge the muck and bullets coming my way.
Now without stating the obvious, like ‘they let more light in’ and ‘you get a better view’ can anyone convince me that they really are the better option?
My thoughts, for what they are worth, are that the style is more in keeping, the thermal properties are probably better albeit that you can get double glazed units of both style, they are more secure and both types can be augmented by Houdini hatches etc.
Am I barking up the completely wrong tree, or is it really just a matter of personal preference.
Cheers,
Blakie 
Poole, Dorset … not a canal in sight, but I’m not going to be here for long … Anupadin
5:22 pm
Thursday,12 January, 2012
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I think it’s personal preference. We have portholes because we think they are more secure with secondary double glazing plus houdini hatches, also with secondary double glazing. Ours are 12 inch, I do think bigger ones don’t look right. Our boatbuilder said that 15 and 18 inch are really round windows!
No curtains to get dirty. Just foam bungs with covers to match what ever you want. Ours are actually wipe clean vinyl.
Regards
Pete
Living retirement in the slow lane.
20 years hiring, 6 years of shared ownership and a Continuous Cruiser since 2007 but still learning!
6:40 pm
Saturday,2 March, 2013
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Potholes 1-0 Windows
Poole, Dorset … not a canal in sight, but I’m not going to be here for long … Anupadin
8:18 pm
Wednesday,30 March, 2011
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We’ve got both. I prefer the look of portholes but it does make me chuckle when I pass boats we know with only portholes and there is a face in each window wobbling 
I presume they’re waving but you can’t see their hands
Porthole end of the boat is darker and takes longer to warm up when the sun comes out. All six of our portholes have a centre hinge to open them, you can’t have them open and the bungs in so warm nights = no bungs and awake at 5.30. The top hopper of our ‘square’ windows open and slide out for more air flow. If I was having a boat built with just portholes they would have to be largeish, frequent and be supplemented with several roof lights and side hatches with glass inner doors.
PS we were from Parkstone til last year
James and Debbie
NB Lois Jane
http://nb-lois-jane.blogspot.co.uk/
12:02 am
Saturday,2 March, 2013
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De-Ogz said
PS we were from Parkstone til last year
Not many canals there either 
Thank you for your thoughts and observations.
I think it’s all going to come down to personal choice and availability. There don’t appear to be that many around for sale that just have portholes, though those that do all seem to be of trad stern design.
If, in the meantime, if I win the lottery, I can have my hearts desires sculpted out of steel and put the holes where I want them to be.
Cheers,
Blakie
Poole, Dorset … not a canal in sight, but I’m not going to be here for long … Anupadin
8:40 am
Tuesday,18 September, 2012
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I prefer windows, mainly for seeing out. I think there is a good argument for portholes in the bedroom but good point by De-Ogz.
And I do not think windows look out of place on a canal boat.
Alan
Retired; Somerset/Dorset border when not out and about on Lucy Lowther
Days without name and hours without number
http://thelovelylisanarrowboat.blogspot.co.uk
10:15 am
Tuesday,24 April, 2012
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De-Ogz said
We’ve got both. I prefer the look of portholes but it does make me chuckle when I pass boats we know with only portholes and there is a face in each window wobblingPorthole end of the boat is darker and takes longer to warm up when the sun comes out. All six of our portholes have a centre hinge to open them, you can’t have them open and the bungs in so warm nights = no bungs and awake at 5.30. The top hopper of our ‘square’ windows open and slide out for more air flow. If I was having a boat built with just portholes they would have to be largeish, frequent and be supplemented with several roof lights and side hatches with glass inner doors.
PS we were from Parkstone til last year
The free eyeshades from the likes of Virgin are great once you get used the wearing them. Thin, so not too warm, but still shut out the light. Luxury ones too warm and bulky for me but my wife loves them. Occasional use of foam earplugs also need to be got used to but complete my recipe for a better nights kip
1:00 pm
Thursday,12 January, 2012
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Too many Southerners on here!
We were from Southampton.
Regards
Pete
Living retirement in the slow lane.
20 years hiring, 6 years of shared ownership and a Continuous Cruiser since 2007 but still learning!
2:25 pm
Saturday,2 March, 2013
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Although I live in Poole and work in Ringwood, I was born in Sutton Coldfield and lived in Tamworth until I moved abroad in the mid eighties.
I can’t wait to be back in canal country again, the nearest being the K & A, which I will be visiting tomorrow
Keep the suggestions coming folks, the list is growing.
Cheers,
Blakie
Poole, Dorset … not a canal in sight, but I’m not going to be here for long … Anupadin
8:09 am
Personally I prefer portholes for the reasons already mentioned ie privacy and security, particularly if you are a CC although I can also see the benefits of windows it’s wouldn’t be my preference.
Blakie, I must of been lucky then, just bought a 60ft cruiser with portholes!
12:21 pm
Sunday,19 February, 2012
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Well we have broken all traditions , we have windows and 2 large portholes they are upvc double glazed units which as liveaboards we have found them to be absolutely fantastic , we await the flak from the traditionalists lol
4:37 pm
Friday,19 February, 2010
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TimCarole said
Well we have broken all traditions , we have windows and 2 large portholes they are upvc double glazed units which as liveaboards we have found them to be absolutely fantastic , we await the flak from the traditionalists lol
Do you have any photo’s of the offending windows?
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6:18 pm
Friday,24 June, 2011
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We only have portholes and our boat is traditional (old lister engine as well). We love our portholes for all the reasons already stated, mainly warmth and privacy. We are thinking of changing the stern doors which at present are solid metal with no windows or portholes and having three portholes on each door ( so 6 in all) as this will certainly increase the light.
2:37 pm
Sunday,19 February, 2012
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Paul Smith said
TimCarole said
Well we have broken all traditions , we have windows and 2 large portholes they are upvc double glazed units which as liveaboards we have found them to be absolutely fantastic , we await the flak from the traditionalists lolDo you have any photo’s of the offending windows?
How do I attach Photos?
5:56 pm
Friday,19 February, 2010
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Use the “Upload Attachments” button that appears below the editor window when you are writing your post.
Click here to get a FREE copy of “Living On A Narrowboat:101 Essential Narrowboat Articles”
5:07 pm
Sunday,19 February, 2012
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Paul Smith said
TimCarole said
Well we have broken all traditions , we have windows and 2 large portholes they are upvc double glazed units which as liveaboards we have found them to be absolutely fantastic , we await the flak from the traditionalists lolDo you have any photo’s of the offending windows?
Attached the offenders
8:25 pm
Friday,19 February, 2010
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I actually think they look really good. How much did they cost you?
Click here to get a FREE copy of “Living On A Narrowboat:101 Essential Narrowboat Articles”
11:05 am
Sunday,19 February, 2012
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I actually think they look really good. How much did they cost you?
Paul
The 7 windows, 2 Portholes & 2 doors cost around £5500 fitted
9:44 am
Thursday,15 December, 2011
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As you say, windows are quite obviously better due to light and view. Being “in keeping” provides no tangible benefits, why cling to old ideas when improved solutions are available?
Regards
Paul
8:35 pm
Monday,30 March, 2015
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TimCarole said
I actually think they look really good. How much did they cost you?
Paul
The 7 windows, 2 Portholes & 2 doors cost around £5500 fitted
Hi, can I ask which company did you use ? Did you have them fitted by the company you bought them from ?
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