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Tri-Matrix Installation

Tri-Matrix Installation
May 31, 2018 nfmetals

How to install a Tri-Matrix Portlight.

Step 1: Set Template

Clamp template over the cutout. (clamp template to the outside of the boat, do not drill holes from the inside of your boat).

The template is the optimal cutout size, but your cutout can be up to ½” larger and still be okay. It can not be smaller than the template.

Note: Template rentals available from New Found Metals with deposit.

image of step 1 set the template for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 2: Drill Holes

The template’s drill guides for the bolt holes are 3/8″, but if this is too snug for the carriage head bolts to seat properly on the outside of the cabin, you may need to relieve the holes to 7/16″.

If you have a thin cabin side (less than 1/2″) you may not need to drill relief holes for the dog or upper hinge posts (see step 4 for details).

image of step 2a drill holes for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 2b drill holes for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 3: Place Finish Ring

Tape carriage head fasteners to the finishing ring. Then tape the finishing ring to the cabin side to keep it in place.

image of step 3 place finish ring for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 4: Counter Bore Relief Holes

If your cabin side is thick, the hinge posts (top) and dog posts (bottom) will protrude into the cabin. You will need to counter bore.

If it is thin (1/2” or less), you will not need to counter bore.

Counter bores available from NFM or through hardware suppliers.

image of step 4 counter bore relief holes for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 5: Counter Bore Post Holes

From the inside of boat, counter bore 4 post holes Use a 5/8” counter bore with 3/8” pilot.

Do not counter bore all the way through cabin side.

Counter bore formula: the difference between cabin side thickness and ½” is the counter bore depth. For example, if your cabin is 1” thick, the counter bore depth will be 1” – ½” = ½”. The deepest the counter bore hole will ever need to be is ¾” to 7/8”.

image of step 5 counter bore post holes for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 6: Install Main Frame

Bolt main frame to the finishing ring. Use one hand to steady the frame as you set the initial bolts. Bolt length = cabin side + 5/16” (tolerance is + or – 1/16”).

Don’t worry about having to cut a bolt to an exact length – that’s why we have a tolerance. For example, ½” cabin side + 5/16” = 13/16” long bolt, + or – 1/16”

image of step 6 install main frame for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 7: Adjust Hinge Posts

Use wrench to adjust top hinges for cabin side thickness.

Tightening the posts will lift the bottom of the glass frame away from the sealing edge. You want a 3/16” to 3/8” gap along the bottom edge. This will ensure a proper seal.

image of step 7a adjust hinge posts for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 7b adjust hinge posts for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 8: Set Cam Dog

If you are going to use a screen, set the cam dog so there is a 1/2” gap between the bottom of CAM DOG AND POST FLANGE (top picture).

If you are not using a screen, set the cam dog so there is ¼” to 3/8″gap (bottom picture).

image of step 8a set cam dog for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 8b set cam dog for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 9: Adjusting Dog Posts

Use allen head on wrench to turn the entire dog post and cam until.

image of step 9a adjusting dog posts for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 9b adjusting dog posts for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 10: Close Cam Dogs

Cam dog comes to rest on glass frame, closing it against the main frame. Now…

image of step 10 close cam dogs for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 11: Lock Dog Jam Nut

Tighten down jam nut on dog posts securely.

This will prevent posts from turning when later adjusting for pressure.

You now have cam posts adjusted for cabin side thickness. Finally…

image of step 11 lock dog jam nut for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 12: Adjust Cam Dog

Adjust cam dog for seal.

No need to over-tighten.

If you have a leak around the seal, make a ¼ turn counter-clockwise on the upper adjuster nut, followed by a ¼ turn on the cam dog cap head. This should give you a better seal.

image of step 12 adjust cam dog for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 13: Installing Screen

Insert screen by starting the gasket at the top two corners.

While keeping pressure on the top of the screen, use a butter knife to guide the gasket along the sides, through the edge of the main frame. Keep pressure on each section as you guide it through until all the edges are in place.

image of step 13a installing screen for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 13b installing screen for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 14: Re-Adjust Window for Pressure

With screen installed, the glass frame will not close down all the way…

image of step 14 re-adjust window for pressure for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 15: Re-Adjusting Top Hinges

Turn top hinge nuts clockwise to loosen. This will allow the bottom of the glass frame to fall closer to the sealing edge.

image of step 15a re-adjusting top hinges for pressure for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 15b re-adjusting top hinges for pressure for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 16: Check Window Seal

You want a 3/16” to 3/8” gap along the bottom edge. This will ensure a proper seal.

image of step 16 check window seal for pressure for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 17: Re-Adjust Cam Dogs for Pressure

With screen installed, the cam dogs will not close over the glass frame…

image of step 17 Re-Adjust Cam Dogs for Pressure for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 18: Re-Adjust Cam Dog

Loosen cam dog cap head so dog will close over glass frame. Then adjust cam dog for seal by tightening cam dog cap head.

image of step 18 Re-Adjust Cam Dog for Pressure for Tri-Matrix portlight installation

Step 19: Finished Installation

A little talc powder when the gaskets are new will keep the gasket on the glass frame from sticking to the gasket on the screen.

image of step 19a Finished Installation for Tri-Matrix portlight installation
image of step 19b Finished Installation for Tri-Matrix portlight installation