Ports in bow that open (Opening Portlights)

[Cris]

I'm considering installing two operating ports, one on each side of the bow berth, in order to catch a little breeze while sleeping there. Position would be bilateral to where I lay my head. There's a bit of hull curve there, however. Does anybody have any experience with such a mod? I found nothing on the topic for this placement when I searched this site.

[bartmac]

I had the same thought but.....and its a big but.....they'd need to be good quality and also when heeling will they be under the waterline?.....wouldn't want to leave them open

[Divecoz]

I would think fitment is the big issue.. Numerous Yachts today have Picture windows that Even.. split the waterline... That said .. Fitment is really important! As is the Quality of the unit.. Have you done things like this before? Are you patient ? Are you meticulous? Do you have an extra set of competent hands to help you if you need them? Back by the transom / rear berth .. is a more common location, due to the area size and that the hull is basically flat and easy to seal.. you will contend with a double curvature in the bow area..Sure would hate to see ya cutting the Big End off a tube of 5200 to seal the gap and stop the leaks...
I sure wouldn't buy one from Uncle Bobs Cut Rate Marine Surplus Supply.... ...where everything on Uncle Bobs shelves is half price..today and everyday...

[NiceAft]

Couldn't you just place the ports far astern. That's where mine are. If you place a screen over the front hatch, you will still get the breeze, and you will have cross ventilation in the main cabin. Make certain that they are closed while sailing. I have had some close calls because we forgot they were open.

Also, a micro vent in the cabin might help with airflow during calm conditions.

Ray

[ronacarme]

Along with the reservations raised by others above, I would add...
1. I would fear that opening ports piercing the hull sides may risk: hull strength, integrity of the deck/hull joint (if mounted hi), leaks, and boat resale value.
2. Our breeze into the vberth comes easily and cheaply from the open foredeck hatch and/orfrom a Caframo 2 speed cageless 12v fan swivel mounted above the dinette table. Advertised hi speed draw is only 0.59A for 270 cfm. Lo speed draws less and has been enuf for our overnite comfort. $50 in my old 2009 WM catalog. A second similar fan swivel mounted above the galley can also be directed at the vberth if needed.
Ron

[jschrade]

Chutescoop?

Jim

[NiceAft]

Ron,

This will be our seventh season with the ports mounted high on either side of the boat, and they are great. I can't imagine how they will be a negative factor when it comes time to sell Nice Aft.

The ports are not cheap, but I believe they are worth it.

Ray

[dennisneal]

I would think that the bow would be a poor choice for the location of ports that open. I think the bow should be the strongest area of the hull, outside of the stern area which supports the motor. A pair of ports might make this area a bit weaker.

In addition, I would be very concerned about water leakage through the ports into the cabin. I've experienced waves that came up over the bow onto the deck. If a port were open, or it leaked, at that time, there would be a mess down below.(I tend to distrust ports for this boat, in general.)

I would suggest using the forward hatch as a vent. If necessary, you might consider a screen and a fan.

[NiceAft]

I should have added to my previous post that if you do decide on ports, where ever they may be, be certain to have them installed by someone who knows what they are doing. The ports will be taking a waterproof test everytime you go out. We have heeled NiceAft so far that a port was completely submerged. Of course then they become aquarium viewing ports. It's really pretty cool to see. We have also done that when we forgot to close them. At the last moment we remembered and got them closed in time. Just be certain that the installer is knowledgeable.


Ray

[Crikey]

Chris,

I've seen somewhere, in the past, pictures of an with two front and rear mounted ports and from the outside, looking very slick. Since then, and for the same reasons (light, visibility, ventilation and sound) wanted to pursue the same modification myself. Top hatches will work for airflow usually only when rain is not happening. I even went as far as doing a photoshop on my with one forward, and two in the rear on each side just to see if it would look right stylistically. And it did IMHO.
Of course, that being said, it is not pocket change to do something like this using the appropriate quality of product to be applied in a one-way job of this nature. That would also explain why talk is cheap, in my regard at present. I will add to other comments given in this posting that one mistake in failing to secure and check even a single port, while under way (particularly while sailing), can quickly result in such a volume of water being taken aboard that recovery becomes very problematic. Sort of like the attention required overseeing ballast valves and levels. If you do go ahead with such a project, I would love to have a run down on your experiences making the giant holes involved (with pictures?).

Regards .... Ross

[Cris]

Thanks all for the words of fear, caution & alternatives. They've occurred to me as well since I've been muddling over the idea for several months.

Not to beg the question though, I'm looking for the wisdom of anybody who has actually done such an installation.

Nice Aft, have you posted your effort anywhere? Have you had any problems of any kind with your mod? Would you have done anything differently?

[NiceAft]

Chris,

I had the operating ports installed by the dealer I purchased Nice Aft from. I don't have any regrets at all. We have not had any problems.

While Nice Aft sits in my driveway for the Winter, the boat is covered by a tarp, and the ports are left open for ventilation.

Other than the picture in one of the above posts, this is the only photo I have where a port is easily visible. With the ports being as high up the freeboard as they are, we still have managed to heel the boat enough to get a port underwater.

Ray

[Highlander]

If you want more light & air in the V-Berth area i'd recomend this mod I did insert a opening port into the front hatch for more light & screened ventalation and with the down ward angle of the front hatch it can be left open slightly during down pours & the rain will not come inside , you get a real nice view of the the stars at night no matter the weather I've had this one slightly open in 50 mp/h winds while slipped "with a nice breeze "


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J