Improving the view

[wishbones]

I am thinking of fitting fixed (i.e. non-opening) circular ports in the fore cabin of my Freedom 30 (GRP hull). Can anyone give advice/experience on difficulties or pitfalls, loss of hull strength, etc?

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[boatmike]

Should not be a problem. Especially as the freedom rig has a free standing mast and no standing rigging if I have got the right boat (?) No stress on coachroof from rigging. Easiest way would be buy standard Lewmar hatches (or similar) You can have them opening then if you want and they are very easy to fit and don't leak. Dont think they make circular ones though.

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[snowleopard]

when cutting the hole, use a metal cutting blade in a jigsaw. masking tape over the area helps prevent scratching & chipping. usual tips on preventing leaks: bed them on a generous layer of sikaflex using something like matchsticks as spacers to prevent the goo being squeezed out, then leave for a week before tightening down. when tighterning the bolts, use a screwdriver to hold the bolt still while tightening the nut inside - prevents breaking the seal around the shank.



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[bruce]

you can countersink each hole in the fiberglass which will make a 'o' ring seal around the bolt/hull joint.

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[maxi]

Re: Boatmike

Ermm, correct no standing rigging so no in-tension forces, BUT, more longditudinal and lots more transverse forces to be found at the partners, than in a conventional boat. Even so, a simple round port should not prejudice the structure.

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[wishbones]

Thanks everyone for the good advice (and also, Snowleopard, for the earlier comments about Port Edgar - it is a dump!)

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[boatmike]

Re: Boatmike

Well yes, but I think you would agree the biggest mistake people make (even builders) is to cut a gert big hole right under a chainplate. Many early Westerlys had stays mounted right over windows and then wondered why they leaked.
All a matter of proportion of course but without seeing the boat can only say "should be OK" and I think it should.

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[boatmike]

But don't forget to take the matchsticks out after (doh!) better still use bits of soft rubber or foam then you can leave them in. But dont do the nuts up tight until the sikaflex (or whatever) has cured.

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