Opening Center Window

[Peter_BDA]

Hey folks, I am going to apologize in advance-I searched the site for info but there is SO much info (too much??) for me to sift through!

I saw a post some time ago about an opening center window for a 22' Cruiser and someone found a cheaper/better supplier than Diamond Seaglaze......just can't find the post!

Can someone help me out please?

Thanks!
Peter

[Adeline]

I think Motion Windows is what you're looking for.

As I recall, specifying TWO prop rods to hold it open is desirable.

[thataway]

There are multiple makers of hinged opening windows: Freeman, USA, Ocean Dyamics, etc. However, Diamond Sea Glaze has both an excellent reputation, and has the patterns already for any of the C Dories. Any of the companies can make the windows with double support--and various types of clamps (some are better than others--I prefer the side screw knob type vs the circular SS clamp on the rod type.

[Adeline]

I just went through paperwork from my visit to Motion last summer. (They're here in Vancouver). I talked to Jeff.

My boat is an '89 and here is the dope...

I was told that my fixed center window probably has corners with a 2 1/2" radius.

Evidently, that was the old industry standard which has since been changed. Now the standard is a 3" radius.

Motion's extruding machine is incapable of creating radii of less than 3".

This means that the rough opening on an '89 will need to be enlarged at the corners to accept this larger radius. I don't know about a '93.

I have notes from a conversation with Bill Nohr of D.S.G. in 2003 and he told me the same thing.

Also, the older C-Dorys have "clear anodized aluminum" window frames. Newer ones are different.

I don't know what year that these changes occurred.

Once again, their have been reports here that the single prop-rod that holds the window open is not quite up to the job in pounding seas. A second one can be requested for a small upcharge.

I was quoted around $500 from Motion last summer.

My quote from Diamond Sea Glaze was $350- $400 back in 2003.

[texasair]

We installed one from Motion Windows a year ago. It had the 2 support rods standard. Fit well with minor reshaping of the opening. Installed easily.
Works properly.

It was a bit less costly than the Diamond Seaglaze. We feel that the quality was equal. We went on the recommendation of another Brat that had installed one.

We are satisfied customers.

[fisherkb]

Texasair,

Hello to a fellow Texan. I too have a 1989 CD22. Needless to say I have been looking at the opening center window project (especially after last summer). In the past I was a bit concerned over the different sizes. It sounds like your project with Motion Windows went well. Can you post the specifics of the window you ordered? Was it a stock size or did you special order it?

Many thanks,

Karl

[Connie Fisher]

Hello Carl,

I purchased an opening center window for the 22', 1983 Classic that I restored.

I too was concerned about specifying a new window, so I sent the existing window out to Motion Windows to use as a pattern.

The new window came back very similar, which with little but some alteration everything worked well.

The Motion Windows window was top quality, no complaints.

Regards,

Ron Fisher

[texasair]

I cut a template out of cardboard and mailed it to them or you can send the whole window like Ron did.

[Peter_BDA]

Thanks everyone for your great advice!!

Peter

[fisherkb]

Thanks all.

I guess the best thing to do is to remove my window and send it off to Motion Windows. It sounds like an easy modification and one that will be well appreciated come next summer.

thanks again,

Karl

[naptime]

Triton now uses AJR Windows Ltd. in Port Coquitlam, BC for the 2012 C-Dory's. There phone number is 604-944-1616. This might be another option.