Question about Front Window

C

Capt Rick

New member
Guys,

I've got a 16' Angler which, unlike its bigger sisters, doesn't have any windows that open up front. There are side windows that slide open but they don't provide a lot of relief on a hot day. Have any of you found a window out there that can be installed to open? I called the C-dory factory and, having just bought C-dory, the fellows there weren't able to be of much help although they were kind enough to give me the number to Diamond Sea Glaze (they make the windows for C-Dory). I called them and they can make a custom window that opens. They're going to send me an estimate but I have a hunch it's going to be very, very pricey. So, I was wondering if any of you have come up with some relatively affordable way to better ventilate the driver during a hot day. I could open the forward hatch but when the waves are big, too much water comes in. I could also put in a dorade type vent on the roof but am not sure I'd like what it did to the looks of the boat. Any ideas would be appreciated.


Rick
 
Rick:

This last summer we wanted more ventilation on our C-25. The front center window allowed water spray in and too windy and would close without warning while underway.

We chose to add a roof hatch with screen that can also be used for AC when at dock.

Unfortunately, any addition of a hatch or window will be a little pricey.

Bill
 
In a number of my sailing vessels I added two 10" clear opening hatches in the ceiling over the foreward part of the pilot house. One opened foreward and the other opened aft--this allowed wind circulation even if there was spray. You can also get "window shades" to keep the sunlight out of the cabin. These hatches cost about $250 each--installation is fairly easily.

Freeman also makes custom boat opening windows. They are in Oregon so may be cheaper than Diamond Sea Glaze. Motion Windows in Vancouver, WA also makes custom opening windows. B & J Windows in Lousiania also make opening boat windows. I would check with each of these suppliers, using the cut out size in your C D `16 middle window.
 
Capt Rick – here in the NW I find most water coming over the bow is deflected to the side of the boat, so it will come into an open front window as much or more than an open hatch. Water coming from either bow side will also come in an open front window as much or more than it will into an open hatch. The only exception to this is if you have the waves from one bow side and you open the window on the opposite side. Then as soon as you change directions or the weather switches directions, you have to close one window and open the other one. I think you will find the cost is more than any little benefit you may get from opening front windows.

What I am getting at is, save your money if you want the opening front window for ventilation with a dryer ride. The hatch will do just as good of a job without any more water coming into the cabin than would with an open front window. If you want the front windows to open for aesthetic or other reasons, then do it, but don’t expect it to give you a dryer ride from water over the bow or sides.
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Dave dlt.gif
 
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