Storm Windows

[Coldwaterdiver]

Looking for advice on building storm windows for blue water crusing. I have a Samson 41' pilot house cutter rig sloop. I tried to insert an image but the button didn't work. The biggest window is about 2.5'x4'. Thanks, Duane

[Hud3]

CWD,

If you want to try again on the photo, and it's located on your computer's hard drive, do this...

Click the "Post Reply" button (don't use "Quick Reply")
Click on the "paperclip icon" above the text box, which allows you to add attachments .
Browse to find your image and just follow the prompts.

[Coldwaterdiver]

tried to post pic but it was to big

[Coldwaterdiver]

none of the upper tool bar items work for me.

[Christian Van H]

Open the picture with Microsoft Office Picture manager if ya have it, the use "Export" to save a smaller copy to the same folder...Say 800X600 or so.

[Coldwaterdiver]

Thanks for the help I'll try it now.

[Coldwaterdiver]

IT WORKED!!! Thanks Christian

[Dick Pluta]

I have storm shutters for my Islander Freeport 41. The main saloon windows are quite large, about 15 x 40, but not as large as yours. The shutters are about 1/2 inch thick and mount on studs protruding from the deckhouse. The only problem is that the studs are toe catchers. I haven't had a need for them yet but appreciate having them on board.

Dick PLuta
AEGEA

[Christian Van H]

Instead of studs, consider using Stainless threaded inserts. They have them at West. You drill a hole in the cabin side, and use a bolt as a mandrel to screw the insert in (coat it with a little epoxy first. Then, when making crossings, pull out your 1/2 or greater plexi or Lexan shutters and bolt them on the cabin sides. I must say you've got alot of glass there though...

Here: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...3&classNum=356

[Dick Pluta]

The inserts have a couple of problems. First, the hole tends to get fouled with crap, which makes it hard to put in the screws. Second, you have to hold the shutters in position while you get in the first few bolts. Not always easy in a seaway. The studs are,for the most part, good, easy to install and no alignment problems. I have wingnuts on the studs which, when you remove them, automatically cleans the screws. Then slip the shutters on the studs, run up the wingnuts and you're done. They do, however, tend to leave scars about the ankles.

Dick Pluta
AEGEA

[Dick Pluta]

Christian,

BTW, we're neighbors. When we are in NJ we live in Bedminster.

Dick Pluta

[Charlie]

Originally Posted by Dick Pluta

The inserts have a couple of problems. First, the hole tends to get fouled with crap, which makes it hard to put in the screws. Second, you have to hold the shutters in position while you get in the first few bolts. Not always easy in a seaway. The studs are,for the most part, good, easy to install and no alignment problems. I have wingnuts on the studs which, when you remove them, automatically cleans the screws. Then slip the shutters on the studs, run up the wingnuts and you're done. They do, however, tend to leave scars about the ankles.

Dick Pluta
AEGEA

with the inserts place a machine bolt in the hole that just touches flush. That way the holes cannot fill with crap. Second place the shutters on any time you are doing a passage. It gets them out of the way and should you need them they are already there. Another option is to use studs in the inserts. Put a nut on the stud such that it will hold the shutter off the window and leave enough room to put a wing nut on that will hold the shutter in place.

[speciald@ocens.]

Another thing you might consider is to put #M security film on the windows. This plastic film will keep the windows from breaking sort of like a car windshield. Also, it comes in different shades and reflect heat and UV, keeping the cabin cooler and keeping your fabrics from fading. I have alot more glass ( see avitar) and it only cost about $300 for professional installation. I don't have storm shutters. Bill Dixon, who designed my boat, says they are needed because of the strength of the glasing.

[Cheechako]

hmmm, maybe instead of another layer of windows to store and deal with, just replace yours with really thick ones and be done with it...? From a technical standpoint , two thin layers do not nearly have the strength of one layer of equal thickness... Think of it this way, if you have a 3/4" x 2" x 2 ft long piece of wood, try to bend it. Now put two 3/8" x 2 " x 2ft long pieces together and try to bend them, you'll find they bend much easier.....

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by Dick Pluta

Christian,

BTW, we're neighbors. When we are in NJ we live in Bedminster.

Dick Pluta

Howdy neighbor!!! We are doing our refit in Trenton, NJ. Gawd help us!

BTW, we keep SS set screws w/ Tef Gel in the inserts, and usually I would install the shutters before leaving port. they're a bear though...