[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.