Large hull side windows

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pdecat

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Many new boats have large hull side windows. These widows right where fenders would be used when tying up have always bothered me but they are now very common. Makes me think the designer has never been at a dock.

Does that mean that they have been trouble free?
 
Most of the time the fenders aren't the problem, what worries me is that they usually are way to close to the hull/deck joint and rub rail. And we know how flimsy most builders make these...
 
Wall space is too valuable to replace it with those big windows. Smaller windows are less likey to cave in and can be well above the fenders.
 
While you may or may not like them from an ascetic point of view, I have not heard of many negative issues with them.

quote:
Originally posted by Thudpucker

Wall space is too valuable to replace it with those big windows. Smaller windows are less likey to cave in and can be well above the fenders.

Click to expand...


Side wall space for what? And at the very least letting in lots of natural light keeps the lower staterooms from having that upholstered cave like feel.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

While you may or may not like them from an ascetic point of view, I have not heard of many negative issues with them.

quote:
Originally posted by Thudpucker

Wall space is too valuable to replace it with those big windows. Smaller windows are less likey to cave in and can be well above the fenders.

Click to expand...


Side wall space for what? And at the very least letting in lots of natural light keeps the lower staterooms from having that upholstered cave like feel.

Click to expand...


I like the light they provide, however they are not without flaws. I have read of a few problems on a Sea Ray site where they just popped and needed to be refit.

When you think of it, it makes sense. The hull is going to flex.
 
Windows sweat and run onto the side walls. Smaller windows are less of a mess.
 
David makes a good point. Those windows are probably stiffer than the FG hull
 
Did my homework on this a bit back, the reality is, if the proper window is installed, it is stronger than just fb, stronger way more!!!
 
It's been my experience that the worst thing happens when the conditions are at their roughest. I'd hate for a big area of hull where the window was, popped out during rough wind and water.

A real strong window would bother me, mainly because it would probably not have the same amount of give and flex.
 
These type of windows have been around for a long time now. Has anyone actually heard/read of any actual problems?

George
 
I m not concern about them popping out of other massive failure but more auto it leaks in the long run. Lt s face it, leaks are all too common on boats and hole things have gotten better there re still issues especially after a few years. Look how often you find leaky windshields and portholes. A few months ago a neighbor of mine was having issue with a fixed hull window leaking on his marquis, I helped him take it out, turned out carver didn't use enough sealant and the cutout as far from being accurate. What makes you guys think they will do a better job with a big window?
 
Are those windows usually glass or polycarbonate (Lexan)??
 
I am not sure how a sportfish qualifies as a cave. Express obviously have benefits but there is a trend to move the living area up from the cave with hard top, glass windows replacing biminis and soft enclosures for a deck level air con'd saloon. I bet owners of these newer expresses spend a lot less time down below than they would have 10 years ago
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

What makes you guys think they will do a better job with a big window?

Click to expand...


Because we are not as pessimistic as you are perhaps? :-)

Glazings and adhesives have come a long way. And properly done large windows in a hull sides are not really any different than the massive frame-less windows you find in large yachts all the time. Although I'm sure some builders have/will manage to F it up from time to time.
 
A friend just bought a Azumut and he does plan to spend time in the upper area but the huge sloping glad windows make me question how well AC will be able to keep up in FL
 
The average builder is run by bean counters these days... Every ounce of sealant and material is accounted for :)

We ve also seen cycles where builders start using new materials, features, techniques with a safety margin and then try to save some money as they become more familiar with it. Remember how initially most fiberglass boats where overbuilt thru th 70s then got lighter in the 80s... Same with coring, resin infusion, etc...

Bertram and Viking SF delimination... Rings a bell?
 
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