Large hull side windows, issues??

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pdecat

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I have been skeptical about those large hull side windows since they began to appear some years ago. Seems to me they are right where fenders would be placed or dock poles and would be subject to damage.

well I seem to have been wrong because so many boats have them thee days. I haven't heard of any unique problems. Has anyone heard of side windrow problems??
 
What about protection during a storm and potential leaking?
 
I look at those huge windows and shake my head. I am sure the window itself is very strong, the installation, fastners etc., is a whole other question.
 
I agree and that the hull and window have differing flexibility.
 
Seems risky to me as well but as said, there are a lot out there. Has anyone heard of an issue with them?
 
One of the things I have noticed is that the large window is more for style on the exterior only. When you are in the cabin the window is small. Look at SeaRay's site on a few models like the 330 or 355.
 
Wholeheartedly agree. Absolutely hate towing boats with windows and such below the deck line - or even not well inboard of the deck line. Fender between two boats or a boat and a bulkhead would bust them up quite easily - whether it's the window itself, the frame, the hardware, the surrounding structure - it's a weak point where there absolutely should not be a weak point.

I suppose, on the up side, blow out one of those windows and flood the boat, it's an easy way for me to get a suction hose in - but I'd probably breathe rest just working alongside.
 
From what I've seen the majority of those windows are frameless and use no other fasteners than adhesive.

I would think if there was an on going issue with these windows you be hearing about it by now considering how are out there now and how long they have been around.
 
I personally don't like them, especially on a light colored hull, they just don't look good. As far as durability, who knows, I've never heard of an issue with one. Not to get in a debate over boat brands, but take a typical 35ft SeaRay, Regal, etc which has those large windows - put that boat in the kind of seas that would compromise the window, and you have a whole list of things that are going to be a big problem before that window is. It seams larger boats that I wold consider more ocean going have the large windows recessed vs flush with the hull.
 
They are everywhere now, on everything from large center consoles to big boats. I guess the builders have beefed the hulls enough so that they are pretty much trouble free. Properly done glass can be an incredibly strong material.

On the other hand I have also seen a smaller framed fixed hull window on a neighbor's Marquis where carver had cheaped out on sealant resulting in leaks. I helped him fix it and the gap we found when we pulled the trim was simply appaling. That's what bothers me... If done correctly they shoudo all be fine but unfortunately we know how things go

What I still don't like are large windows very close to the rub rail like some smaller boat manufacturers do in the 30/45 size range. It doesn't take much rolling from wake for these to lean on the fenders or pilings causing tremendous pressure. I have seen one being replaced on a boat on my dock a couple of years ago, not sure why it failed.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

Click to expand...


Google a ton of times to find what I have found. The answer is absolutely NO!!!

With that said though, if your buying a cheap boat, then more than likely the window will be cheap and the installation. So inn that case the answer is YES!

Short and skinny, the window and the installation of such, done properly, is stronger than the fiberglass that surrounds it.

Google it, you will see what I saw 4 or 5 years ago.
 
I was on a custom sport fisherman at the Annapolis show on Sunday and the after stateroom had several large windows, just above the waterline. I mentioned to the salesman that it would be an impressive sight to watch all the water from the bow wake passing over and past those windows. He didn't say anything. I also noted that the windows had the ability to be opened, I can see a future leak or worse with that set up.
I don't believe in having any more openings in the hull than is absolutely necessary.
 
the window on the Trieste was made from Plexiglas so it is clearly something that can be engineered. the salient question is whether the specific size/location thickness and attachment are adequate. assuming all the engineering is right, my guess is there may be some aesthetics down the road in scratching/fading etc.

that said, you have to admit bringing daylight directly into the interior space of a boat sure does make it feel lighter and larger.
 
Scorpio,

"I don't believe in having any more openings in the hull than is absolutely necessary." I agree, hence no underwater lights yet :) I think having such windows where they open is problematic, the fixed ones, as mentioned, properly installed and the right window are stronger then the hull itself.

Vic,
Agree 100%
 
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