Fixed vs Opening Windows

Hi,

I am yet to see this as an actual design feature vs an unintentional loading of the things owing to other extreme design shortfalls.

Hi,

I would be interested to find out just how well this works in regard to leaks etc.

When the structure is subject to the high loads of slamming the window frames must flex a bit, not a procedure I am familiar with glass doing successfully.

I imagine that the windows are bonded into a nice cushion of something like 5200 to hold them in place, the question is For how long?

Fairline's new Targa 58 is fitted with large power-drop side windows.

We have built over 200 boats where the windows are a structural frameless support. On the 34-40-54 we have a side-door for ventilation and for easy access from the driving position to the side deck. It has a supporting steel frame though. Looking up we have big electric glass hatches. I can guarantee you will have a good cross-ventilation at 40 knots....

Hi,

Interesting, You can learn something everyday here at YF.

"It seems as though just about all modern boats/yachts more than about 50 feet or so have fixed windows and rely soley on air conditioning for creature comfort."

Years ago more boats did have opening windows. But as air conditioning became more common and efficient you saw less and less of that. Plus the fact that the salt in the air is hard on electronics as well as some interior fabrics and bits and pieces. That and most opening windows tend to leak over time in rough seas or a heavy rain.

Ditto. Thanks Carelm for asking a great question that I had never thought of until you asked it. When I read it I thought "Yeah, why is that?"

Indeed. Ask most any Ocean Yachts owner about how well this works.

lack of ventilation is what i consider a major design flaws on most modern boats, loose the AC and it's game over. Or if you have only genset...

worst, you will rarely find back up Air Con pumps so you end up with 3 possible point of failure, all ending up in returning to the dock.

I have to guess it was to do with costs as well designed, leak proof opening windows are harder to design and builf.

On my old Hatt, when on the hook with just a 10kts breeze, even in summer, the saloon is comfortable with the side doors and side windows open since when the boat swings, air come in either side.

Just curious, Did you ever confer with Jon B, back in the 80's?

Hi,

Interesting you should post that photo. I have an intimate knowledge of that vessel as I was present during the last yr of construction and first 3 yrs of it's operation.

Stefaren as she was built is a steel boat with an aluminum superstructure, those nice big round windows on the maindeck there were trouble from day one as were the Obs lounge ones.

I figured the OP was aiming his question more at plastic boats as the metal construction ones do not need the glass to provide any structure, the metal
takes care of this.

In our 50 ft Viking SC/Princess, we have 5 opening port holes on the port side and 4 opening ports on the starboard side. When closed propoerly they dont leak. These are the oval Trend marine Stainless port holes with SS glass frames and SS hull frames. These cost much more than the opening port holes that are not framed glass that are seen on many boats. Ours use three large threaded tightening points to secure each opening port on a large rubber gasket seat. It also appears that the hull is locally reinforced to ensure no flexing.

To me it is a cost issue, adding several properly engineered port holes adds many thousands to the cost between the proper hardware and the hull structural reinforcement. But we open our port holes whenever we are on the boat, even when the AC us running I like to crack a few port holes and keep a bit of fresh air circulating. There are also screens on each port. After 11 years they dont leak when underway in a rough seaway or with heavy rain.

i think the thread is more about windows (in the saloon) than portholes down below. But, even then many boats have no or too few opening portholes down below.

same with overhead hatches, can't have too many of these either! they bring a lot of air in when anchored.

AC is nice, but on a nice day when it's not too hot, cant' beat fresh air in the boat.

You are right, no need for AC on days like this...

Hi ,

I am sure there is need for A Coat on days like that Lars

Fair enough.

What about this plastic version?

Jon B ever mention any regrets, regarding the windows leaking like a sieve?