adding a porthole in the head on a tomcat

don deeke

Has anyone added a porthole to the head compartment on a Tomcat? My concern is the two layers---the hull and the added fibergalss for the head enclosure. Any advice on how to install the porthole? Using only the hull with an access hole in the head enclosure or stablize/support the two seperate pieces to treat it as one (one frame of the porthole on the outside of the hull and the other porthole frame on the inside of the head enclosure)? Any help, thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed. We want to start cruising the loop in May and thought the porthole would be a nice addition. Thanks. Don

lloyds · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject:

Seems like if there is actually a space between hull and head liner you could fashion a wood donut and glass it in. Or use nylon or stainless bushings between the hull and head.

don deeke · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the input. I''ll keep thinking and listening.

Dreamer · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject:

Don,

I'm assuming, maybe incorrectly, that you are looking for ventilation in the head. If so, it seems a roof mounted, solar powered vent would be an easier install. One 4" hole in the roof, seal the hole with resin and drop it in. My 2c worth.

thataway · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject:

I haven't looked carefully at the double layer and how far apart the two layers of glass are in the head of the TC 24. But you do not want to put the flange on separate layers without solid material between them. You can cut the hole, then work thickened epoxy between the two layers and then re-smooth the inside of the hole. Do you want a porthole in the hull where it might be hit on an object which is on the dock? I have owned several boats with ports in the hull, including some which were good size. I was never really happy with these ports and rarely opened them. However many express cruisers have these in the hull ports. They are a single layer, and tuck the headliner inside of the inner flange of the port.

Forty Two · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 4:02 am Post subject:

On the TC24, there is enough space between the wall of the head and the exterior to hold paperback books or other light reading material (or other bathroom supplies).

I have been thinking about cutting out a space in this wall and framing it for storage.

don deeke · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject: Install a porthole

Thanks...for all the suggestion on adding a porthole to head in my cd-24. but really review the job...oh yea,..in the slip with fla, tides.....I will outsource this job. to a pro.!!