Hull 'windows'

mobeydick

mobeydick

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Hull \'windows\'

I'd like to see forumites opinion of hull windows. The New Lagoon catamarans have very large windows in the hull (see http://www.cata-lagoon.com/380_specs_uk.php?type=i) which are bonded into the hull. Whereas, many 'traditional' sailors say anything larger than 6 x 3 inches in a proper port frame is unsafe. But also many 'traditional' sailors used to say only a full keel was safe, and you should not get out of bed without 3 tonne of lead on your bottom. So opinions/fashions change. Will we see big windows in monohulls soon?

What sort of trip would you make in such boat?

(Incidently, I only just realise that 'SWIMBO' refered to some sort of person of the female persuation, rather than the more obvious (and true) boat.)
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

Don't actually see 'very large windows in the hull' on the link. Can you elaborate?

Do you mean the large cabin windows or perhaps the escape hatches all French cats have below the bridgedeck?
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

In the latest edition of Yachting World there was a 'concept' yacht (about 120' loa) that had hull windows from just above the waterline up through to the coachroof. I guess as material technologies advance anything's possible.
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

To elaborate a little: some cats have hatches low in the hull so you can get out if they invert. In terms of structural and/or heavy weather considerations, they are proper hatches and not just "windows".
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

My Benn 411 has 4 hull windows on each side, each about 6in x 12in. I have never heard of anyone having problems with such windows and they are not, as far as I am concerned, a cause to worry. They certainly help lighten up the interior. Some storage space is inevitably sacrificed. Other boats without hull windows seem quite gloomy in comparrison. It's lovely waking up and looking out onto a sunlit early morning harbour or anchorage. A good plus feature for me.
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

Yep, I had the optional extra fixed windows in both the Forecabin, one either side, and the aft cabin, port only. They make such a difference to the light available.
Anyway, leisure submarines have windows for punters to look out of, why not boats if engineered for that purpose?
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

[ QUOTE ]
Anyway, leisure submarines have windows for punters to look out of, why not boats if engineered for that purpose?

[/ QUOTE ]A possible reason is that it's quite easy to engineer a window to resist static pressure, quite another one to make it so it'll stand up to the boat falling sideways off a wave.

IIRC, in heavy weather sailing, there's a story about a Vertue getting the entire cabin side dislodged when this happened. I suppose it all depends on how likely you think you are to end up in conditions where that's a risk. On a marina hopper, it wouldn't bother me, but for the Southern Ocean, I think I'd invite the designer to go and try it out first!
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

Thats what I said.... engineered for the purpose... Merry Xmas /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

'Engineered for the purpose'. If, as Jim suggests, the purpose of these boats is to sit quietly at a Med anchorage, why do they all seem to have RCD Cat A?
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

A couple of years ago we replaced a large patio door with a wooden frame with a modern PVC unit. The previous window, while having a rotten frame was fitted with a modern double glazed and toughened glass sealed unit. The pane was at least 6 feet high, and probably 4 feet across.....

I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to smash it in order to break it up for disposal...

I gave it a gentle tap while still in situ with a sledge hammer.... nothing...

A bit harder tap.... nothing...

I then gave it a full on over the shoulder swing.. with a heavy full size sledge hammer......

You can imagine my suprise when the sledge hammer bounced off........ I actually had to use a pointed object to break it in the end.... (the point of a claw hammer... and hit it BLOODY hard)

Modern engineered materials are pretty tough is my conclusion....
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

The hull windows on the Lagoon are large, 2ft by 1ft if I recall. They are coated on the outside with dots of white, which blend them into the hull (they don't stand out as a normal port would). They are great from the inside, loads of light and a bunk level view out. We also wondered how strong they would be (not the glass, but the bonded fitting).
 
Re: Hull \'windows\'

Ah sorry the link is broken

Try 'http://www.cata-lagoon.com/380_pres_fr.php' select 'interior' and look at the pictures of the cabin. No, they are not escape hatches they are larger than that! If I work out how to post a picture I will
 
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