Retrofitting hull ports

[Pizzazz]

What do you think about adding hull ports to an existing design such as the Hunter 31 from the 80s? I saw these pictures on yachtworld.com and liked it. Do you think it makes sense, makes the boat better, are there any structural risks? I have always wanted to have hull windows to look at the water while sitting below. I have enclosed three pictures, the original design that I have and the modification done to that boat for sale.

Would you do it?

Thank you for your feedback.

SV Pizzazz

[J.Kitchens]

Looks expensive.

[Jim Cate]

Structural issues? Well, of course there are issues; the critical thing is evaluating them, and that is likely beyond most amateur NAs.

Second issue is keeping the water out. Hunters being fairly lightly built vessels in general, the hull likely flexes a bit whilst sailing and keeping a good seal between hull and glazing isn't going to be easy. Cutting a big hole in the structure isn't gonna help with the flexing, either. How much of a problem will this be? Hard to say,but the consequences of getting it wrong are not so nice to consider.

I would not do this myself... risking really buggering the boat in order to gain a small bit of visibility is a poor bet IMO.

Jim