[duckbofetch]

On the 38 open
Did Tiara stop installing port holes in certain years?

[emarrero]

The portlights were an option on my 1998 4000 Express

[ReelMagic]

They became optional later in the 38 builds. Somewhere in the 2006-2008 time frame... They were standard in my 2003 38 Open

[Hifirush]

I am not sure of the reason, but my 2003 3800 Open does not have them. My understanding this was a desirable feature, as water may intrude around them.  When I was looking for my boat, I found one with portholes, but there was no damage that I could see, maybe this is just folklore. Not having them make the cabin a little darker, but not unpleasant.

[hiccup]

I am not sure of the reason, but my 2003 3800 Open does not have them. My understanding this was a desirable feature, as water may intrude around them.  When I was looking for my boat, I found one with portholes, but there was no damage that I could see, maybe this is just folklore. Not having them make the cabin a little darker, but not unpleasant.

My guess is that you have a Plan B layout.  Plan B never had portlights, Plan A--to my knowledge--always did.  Perhaps they made the portlights optional on Plan A boats later in the run but I've never seen a Plan A boat without portlights.

The light they let in is good, but much more important than that is the cross ventilation they allow, especially when it's raining/drizzling and you can't open the hatches.

[Hifirush]

Hiccup, if the plan B is with double bunks to port and dinette to starboard, then yes that is what I have. Thanks for the info, I didn't know they were never offered on this model.

[hiccup]

Yes, that's a Plan B.

My experience for 3800 Opens:
Plan A: 100% have 6 portlights below rub rail, regardless of year
Plan B: 100% do not have portlights, regardless of year

This is just based on my experience, I suppose it's possible they built some Plan A's without portlights, but I've never seen one.