Storm shutter for boat ports

[arch007]

Thinking of adding emergency storm shutter to boat port windows.

Wondering how to attach them.

Was thinking of an acrylic panel that goes over the existing window with a screw in the center and a bar on the other side to screw the shutter shut.

So how best to attach port shutter and are these shutters even needed ?

[Benz]

Unless the ports are large and fragile, I can't see why. But if you must, I'd glass a u-channel vertically at either side of the port, with the open bit facing inward, and use that as a track to slide the acrylic panel into.
But I think effort better spent would be in replacing any suspect ports with tempered glass. My skylight hatch is thick enough tempered glass that we walk on it.

[boatman61]

If your planning on crossing the N Atlantic mid winter.. Definitely.
But for normal in season sailing... Naah.!!!
As for fitting them.. you will definitely need some way to lock them in as green water sweeping over the boat will wash them out of a simple slot arrangement.. maybe drill some holes in the slotting brackets with corresponding tapped holes in the acrylic for short holding screws to be attatched.

[Manateeman]

What boat, what kind of ports, where, ...very difficult to answer without some information.
Mark

[arch007]

Boat is a cape dory with spartan bronze ports.

The ports are small and look good.

Just not sure how strong.

There is no place to attach a storm shutter.

[Mike OReilly]

Not sure if this is what you're referring to, but my boat has hefty storm bronze hatches on the forward opening ports. They close from the inside, and seal the ports. I have five in all in the V-berth. Three on the forward end of the cabin and two smaller ports below the rail on the side of the hull.

I can't find a good picture of them, but this shows one of the smaller ones.

[WoodenKetch]

If they are less than 8" you will never break them. And if you do they are way above the waterline, not likely to sink you.

Look at all the new boats with 48" of unsupported glass, makes your little portlight seem positively safe. (which they are)

If they are in the hull rather than the cabin then thick glass will help you sleep at night, no good way to attach external storm boards.

[Don C L]

The Downeaster 38 I used to sail has large lights and the owner had a large piece of Lexan that would slide in over them in slots on either side. I never used them and I don't think he ever did either, but nice to have them I guess. But those windows are pretty large. Something you might think of is to have 2 pieces of plywood with a bolt in the middle available to put in and seal a light that has popped out or broken.

[Scubaseas]

I wouldn't worry about it on a Cape Dory. They are relatively small port lights and well supported at that. If it was a 12" X36" piece of glass held in place with a rubber weather strip, sure you would need one.

Have a look at John Vigor's "Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat: A Guide to Essential Features, Handling, and Gear" as a good reference book.

[dick sargent]

I once read that a strong metal mesh placed over ports was ample protection from solid-water impact. Sounds logical but have no more info about it.

[AiniA]

You can find better things to spend your time and money on.

[johnn33]

Storm covers or deadlights - one source
https://shop.classicmarine.co.uk/hul...ortlights.html

John

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by dick sargent

I once read that a strong metal mesh placed over ports was ample protection from solid-water impact. Sounds logical but have no more info about it.

You are correct, folks were amazed when doing studies that showed the mesh had the ability to substantially dissipate the force of a crashing wave on a port.