Advice sought…

[Sticky Fingers]

Both my boats (Bavarias) had bonded hull windows. No problem with either. And the benefit is that the saloons were lighter and more welcoming. I’d certainly not be concerned about them to the extent that it would put me off a specific model. Check specific vessel on survey of course.

 

[matt1]

No reason a 40 foot sailing yacht can’t be managed solo, both underway and in marinas. A bow thruster is preferable, but most modern boats will have these.
A remote control for the bow thruster (and anchor windlass), plus mid rope with loop on end (ideally with bit of hose threaded through to keep open) led to genoa winch and should be fine with a bit of practice.

+1 for the bowthruster remote. A godsend for the solo berther.

 

[Tranona]

The same with Bavaria bonded in windows. Only one on a 37 that I can recall.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

The same with Bavaria bonded in windows. Only one on a 37 that I can recall.

Yup that’s my experience

 

[Sticky Fingers]

+1 for the bowthruster remote. A godsend for the solo berther.

An easy retrofit for a few quid too.

 

[Greg2]

Interesting comments on bonded windows in hulls.I wonder whether the apparent absence of many reported issues is a factor of time / age and that any issues are more likely to become apparent as boats get older?

Worth bearing in mind that the advent of bonded windows on boats was primarily about cost savings for the builder.

 

[tyce]

Having robustly tested one of my Beneteau hull windows in a complete berthing disaster which effectively used the window to stop the boat I too can vouch for them, amazingly just a scratch which pretty much polished out, its fair to say it took a good whack. Impressive and convinces me that all this chat about you have a hull window you will die after the first wave laps it is total nonsense, but you will scratch it if you hit a steel corner of a finger pontoon at speed....

 

[benjenbav]

Having robustly tested …but you will scratch it if you hit a steel corner of a finger pontoon at speed....

I feel your pain. But GRP scratches are almost as annoying, of course.