The "windows" on marine vessels are called portholes if they can be opened, and are called port lights if the lens (glass) is fixed and cannot be opened. Portholes and port lights provide the very important functions of ventilation and light source on all but the smallest of vessels. The 10-inch and 16-inch portholes that we offer are the self-adjusting, high strength style. This means that the swing plate with its glass lens does not require the hinge to do the double duty of securing the closed lens as well as acting as a hinge. They have an extra screw dog that allows for a complete screw dog sealing of the lens plate. The less costly designed port lights must provide an adjustment means at the hinge to compensate for the normal compression wear of the rubber gasket. While this feature is important for ship use, it is only "nice to know" information about a porthole for personal use. The thickness of the glass lens, 5/8" in the 10-inch style and 7/8" in the 16" style, insured that no wave could breach a closed porthole. However this same thickness along with the robust metal casting parts, contributes to the substantial overall weight of these items, 25 lbs. and 50lbs. respectively. This shiny brass and glass memento needs a secure placement in the home or office. Both size portholes look good secured to a wall, but the 16-inch in particular, lends itself to a mirrored use. Both sizes also make nice picture frames that command the attention of all in the room. The 16-inch (20-inch overall diameter) can even serve as top of a side table when four legs are installed to the flange boltholes. However you employ these nautical items, they add an inherent maritime ambiance to any room that they are placed in. The metal surface of these portholes is burnished to a shine that reflects a warm golden glow from any illumination in a room. The porthole's durability virtually insures that it will survive all who view it.
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