How Safe are Windows in the Hull

It'd be interesting to know how often hull windows fail. That could easily have been a catastrophe.

How quickly the boat could have flooded if it'd been, perhaps on the other tack??

UV, salt water, mechanical failures, and materials aging, all could contribute to the failure.

If they are intended to be below the waterline the risks are clearly elevated.

And don't get me started on those weirdly shaped jobbies on some boats. How much will they cost to replace if you can still get them for a 20, 30 or 40 year old boat.
 
Why do you need such extravigant windows?In a marina all-you-can-eat see is other plastic boats close up,if your out at anchour what’s the problem with going on deck……..just another marketing ploy that unfortunately yachting has gulliblely fallen into😕
 
Wansworth said:
Why do you need such extravigant windows?In a marina all-you-can-eat see is other plastic boats close up,if your out at anchour what’s the problem with going on deck……..just another marketing ploy that unfortunately yachting has gulliblely fallen into😕
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I think it’s as much about getting light in so that the interior is a pleasant space as looking out. In any case it’s good news for people looking at dodgy old boats - as they aren’t on trend so cheaper!
 
Fr J Hackett said:
How do people think aircraft and car windscreens are fitted?
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Probably better than those in our boats.

This thread has frightened me a little. I will check my hull ports next time I'm on the boat.

I have four hull ports, non-opening, tempered glass, by Lewmar. They are in alu frames with flanges and I believe they are screwed as well as glued. I'm going to check them, however.

These ports are all well behind the mast, but the ones in the salon are not so high above the waterline that they can't be put under water when the boat is well heeled or a good sized wave hits amidships.

Like others, I have been surprised to see the giant picture windows in recent Oysters and Hanses and others. I'm sure it must be lovely at anchor sitting in the salon, but sailing well heeled in rough weather? Really?
 
I am probably in a minority these days .Being at sea in a yacht it’s a blessing to go below and escape the glare of the Sun and the reflected light from the sea.Down below in the gloom it’s restful .
 
Wansworth said:
I am probably in a minority these days .Being at sea in a yacht it’s a blessing to go below and escape the glare of the Sun and the reflected light from the sea.Down below in the gloom it’s restful .
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It's what biminis and good polarised sunglasses are for. Far superior to a knotted handkerchief.
 
Wansworth said:
Why do you need such extravigant windows?In a marina all-you-can-eat see is other plastic boats close up,if your out at anchour what’s the problem with going on deck……..just another marketing ploy that unfortunately yachting has gulliblely fallen into😕
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I disagree -- it would be lovely to have such a view from the salon. The weather is not always good for the cockpit, especially in our climes.

However, I don't think such windows are really seaworthy, so I wouldn't have them, as nice as they might be.
 
Dockhead said:
I disagree -- it would be lovely to have such a view from the salon. The weather is not always good for the cockpit, especially in our climes.

However, I don't think such windows are really seaworthy, so I wouldn't have them, as nice as they might be.
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The only problem I can see with such windows is that hull flexing will eventually break the bond, if they can produce a hull which doesn't flex and deform then the modern bonding compounds will be fine. The safer alternative is with the raised saloon seating area with navigation station with effective 270 plus degree visibility.
 
Properly designed and fitted (small windows with aluminium frames through bolted with gaskets, seal etc) would not worry me. Relying on glue and aging sealants to hold a flexible structure together would worry me after 20 yrs.

A deck saloon or pilothouse is very nice for views but usually comes with large windows, albeit not near the waterline.

I chose a pilothouse and have no regrets (yet!), others will choose hull windows. Awareness of the risks and being prepared to deal with a glazing catastrophe is part of the choice.
 
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