Storm Boards

[Wansworth]

I once fitted SB fora RtW cruise but this was abandoned.The boards where in fact 12mm ply with small window cut outs bolted over the existing Perspex windows.They never saw green seas dashing over the side but they looked very err roughy taffy.I now have an Albin Vega with windows st in rubbergaskets looking quite weak.Amate sailed his AV all over the place and mentions thinking the sea might stove in his windows ,but he set off deep sea agin without fitting SB.Is it something that should be done or only if I was going to the Roaring Forties....?

 

[webcraft]

I once fitted SB fora RtW cruise but this was abandoned.The boards where in fact 12mm ply with small window cut outs bolted over the existing Perspex windows.They never saw green seas dashing over the side but they looked very err roughy taffy.I now have an Albin Vega with windows st in rubbergaskets looking quite weak.Amate sailed his AV all over the place and mentions thinking the sea might stove in his windows ,but he set off deep sea agin without fitting SB.Is it something that should be done or only if I was going to the Roaring Forties....?

The windows can pop out under pressure if the boat is either rolled beyond 90 degrees so they are submerged and subject to water pressure or alternatiely could in theory be 'popped' by a largish breaking wave hitting them even if the boat wasn't rolled.

There are two documented instances of this, on on 'Berserk' in Drake passage and one on board Anne Miller's Vega on the return leg of her Atlantic circuit. Both were as a result of knockdowns. I corresponded with Jarl Andehoy, the skipper of Berserk, and asked why his window came in when it appeared he already had stormboards. her replied,

'6mm thickness, not enough. Got 12mm now"

In the light of this, when my wife and I were preparing for an Atlantic circuit in our Vega we had stormboards constructed in 12mm ply which we throughbolted over the windows. We added small perspex 'portholes' as an afterthought. Fortunately we never had to test these in earnest, and since our return the boards have been in the attic as we have not sailed the boat as far - we did not bother putting them back on board for example for our North Sea crossing to Norway in 2010. I don't think they are necessary for coastal sailing, unless you are in the habit of not getting any weather information before setting off.

Here's a pic of Fairwinds on her arrival in La Coruna clearly showing the stbd stormboard.

- W

 

[Wansworth]

Thanks.It must have been quite dark below,Ihad bigger openings ,still maybe on passsage less light in the cabin is a good thing,rest wise.

 

[webcraft]

Thanks.It must have been quite dark below,Ihad bigger openings ,still maybe on passsage less light in the cabin is a good thing,rest wise.

A bit dark, but they keep the boat cool in hot weather.

- W

 

[Wansworth]

Yes,like now we have 25 degrees and sun........downside is drought!