I bought a 1987 272 a couple of years ago and am really pleased with everything except main cabin ventilation. This boat has two fixed hatch lights, 1 in the cabin top just aft of the mast step & 1 located in the galley bulkhead between the galley and the cockpit. Has anyone converted these to opening hatches? I've been thinking that this would certainly improve air flow (especially at anchor) and have been interested in seeing if anyone has done this conversion or even if it is possible. Was this ever an option on the 272. Would appreciate any response!
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Frank Conley
272 Ventilation
Jim, I've also got a 272 and have thought about adding more ventilation. I measured the fixed light behind the mast and have not been able to find a similar sized opening hatch. After replacing the front deck opening hatch, I would only replace the mast light if the replacement hatch was an exact fit (replacing the front hatch with the current Bomar/Gray OEM replacement was enough of a pain in itself). The previous owner of my boat installed two solar powered exhaust fans, one in the middle of the front opening hatch and the second in the hatch light. One draws air in and the other exhausts it. They work well to exchange the air in the boat. I would recommend the units with rechargeable battery backups so the air exchange continues when the sun isn't shining. Let me know what you do with the light in the mast step, I need to replace mine as the corners are chipped off and I am expecting it to start leaking anytime. Frank
Jim, I've also got a 272 and have thought about adding more ventilation. I measured the fixed light behind the mast and have not been able to find a similar sized opening hatch. After replacing the front deck opening hatch, I would only replace the mast light if the replacement hatch was an exact fit (replacing the front hatch with the current Bomar/Gray OEM replacement was enough of a pain in itself). The previous owner of my boat installed two solar powered exhaust fans, one in the middle of the front opening hatch and the second in the hatch light. One draws air in and the other exhausts it. They work well to exchange the air in the boat. I would recommend the units with rechargeable battery backups so the air exchange continues when the sun isn't shining. Let me know what you do with the light in the mast step, I need to replace mine as the corners are chipped off and I am expecting it to start leaking anytime. Frank
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Bob Todd
I plan on adding opening ports...
...in the main cabin in my 272LE. I'll do this in the off-season and post some pics when it's done. Cheers, Bob
...in the main cabin in my 272LE. I'll do this in the off-season and post some pics when it's done. Cheers, Bob
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Tom Ehmke
Cabin ventilation
Jim, I installed two operable portlights in the cabin area of my 272 several years ago. I located one of them directly above the galley in the fixed portlight and the other in the opposite portlight to port. They have served me well for the past few years. No problems with leaks. (Knock wood...I mean fibreglass:>) I found a couple of suitable portlights at a marine flea market at the Cleveland boat show. They are eliptical in shape, but any shape will work as long as they will fit into the area in the existing portlight which must be cut out to receive them. Here's how I did it. First, I selected the location to be cut out and then masked off the entire area with masking tape inside and out. This was intended to give me a surface to trace out the opening for the lights and also to prevent splitting of the plexiglass. After laying out the hole locatins, I drilled holes at the corners to prevent stress cracks while sawing and using a sabresaw (jigsaw to some folks) I cut out the openings from the outside. After checking for fit and drilling holes for the mounting nuts and bolts, I bedded the new lights in marine silicone, let them set for awhile to allow the sealant to set up, then bolted everything into place. Problems. You must be careful when cutting the plexiglass. The plexiglass cracked in one place in spite of my precautions. I attribute that to the age and brittleness of the plexiglass. My boat is a 1986 model. Although there are no leaks and the crack is difficult to see, it is there and may become worse over time due to further aging of the material and the normal flexing of the hull and cabintop from sailing. Tom Note to Frank and Bob. Hope you guys are contiuing to have a great sailing season!!!
Jim, I installed two operable portlights in the cabin area of my 272 several years ago. I located one of them directly above the galley in the fixed portlight and the other in the opposite portlight to port. They have served me well for the past few years. No problems with leaks. (Knock wood...I mean fibreglass:>) I found a couple of suitable portlights at a marine flea market at the Cleveland boat show. They are eliptical in shape, but any shape will work as long as they will fit into the area in the existing portlight which must be cut out to receive them. Here's how I did it. First, I selected the location to be cut out and then masked off the entire area with masking tape inside and out. This was intended to give me a surface to trace out the opening for the lights and also to prevent splitting of the plexiglass. After laying out the hole locatins, I drilled holes at the corners to prevent stress cracks while sawing and using a sabresaw (jigsaw to some folks) I cut out the openings from the outside. After checking for fit and drilling holes for the mounting nuts and bolts, I bedded the new lights in marine silicone, let them set for awhile to allow the sealant to set up, then bolted everything into place. Problems. You must be careful when cutting the plexiglass. The plexiglass cracked in one place in spite of my precautions. I attribute that to the age and brittleness of the plexiglass. My boat is a 1986 model. Although there are no leaks and the crack is difficult to see, it is there and may become worse over time due to further aging of the material and the normal flexing of the hull and cabintop from sailing. Tom Note to Frank and Bob. Hope you guys are contiuing to have a great sailing season!!!
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Bob Todd
My sailing season came to an abrupt halt...
Memorial Day weekend...got knocked down going around Beavertail and tore some cartilage in my knee. Finally had surgery this past Wednesday and hope to be out on the boat by next weekend. I had a couple of friends take me out on my boat a couple of times just to be on the water. However, they had marching orders from the 1st mate not to let me do anything but relax. So I at least went for a nice ride. I did manage to sneak out for the photo shoot that Cruising Direct did on my boat, I was not going to miss that for ANYTHING! Cheers, Bob
Memorial Day weekend...got knocked down going around Beavertail and tore some cartilage in my knee. Finally had surgery this past Wednesday and hope to be out on the boat by next weekend. I had a couple of friends take me out on my boat a couple of times just to be on the water. However, they had marching orders from the 1st mate not to let me do anything but relax. So I at least went for a nice ride. I did manage to sneak out for the photo shoot that Cruising Direct did on my boat, I was not going to miss that for ANYTHING! Cheers, Bob
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Tom Ehmke
Bob Todd... summertime woes
Bob, sorry to hear about your knee problem/surgery. More important though, IS THE BOAT OK???!!!(;<) Seriously, did the injury occur on the boat as a result of a knockdown? I'm interested in how it happened. Was anyone else injured? I broke my heel on July 3rd jumping about 10' down from a ladder that shifted while I was repairing a section of roof gutter for a friend. So much for the good samaritan reward. Was on crutches for a couple of weeks, but got down to the boat last week for two glorious sails (and one dud... no wind, lots of bugs). I'm still limping a little but the doc says the broken bone is protected by soft tissue so I can do whatever my foot will allow me to do. Take care of yourself and be sure to post the Cruising Direct photos here for all to see. Tom
Bob, sorry to hear about your knee problem/surgery. More important though, IS THE BOAT OK???!!!(;<) Seriously, did the injury occur on the boat as a result of a knockdown? I'm interested in how it happened. Was anyone else injured? I broke my heel on July 3rd jumping about 10' down from a ladder that shifted while I was repairing a section of roof gutter for a friend. So much for the good samaritan reward. Was on crutches for a couple of weeks, but got down to the boat last week for two glorious sails (and one dud... no wind, lots of bugs). I'm still limping a little but the doc says the broken bone is protected by soft tissue so I can do whatever my foot will allow me to do. Take care of yourself and be sure to post the Cruising Direct photos here for all to see. Tom
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Bob Todd
Hey Tom...
Luckily, the boat is just fine. Just your sudden gust combined with being hit broadside by a wave that came clear out of the blue. No other injuries. My wife was leaning back on the bulkhead under the dodger. She said I looked like I went weightless...floating in mid-air. The sailing pics that Cruising Direct shot were done by: www.billyblack.com Check this guy's website out, he's the real deal. North Sails has him on contract at $1500.00 per shoot plus expenses. The pics are posted on my web page and also on Cruising Direct's. My compensation is a set of prints. This guy did a real nice job. Hope your heel heals ok! Cheers, Bob
Luckily, the boat is just fine. Just your sudden gust combined with being hit broadside by a wave that came clear out of the blue. No other injuries. My wife was leaning back on the bulkhead under the dodger. She said I looked like I went weightless...floating in mid-air. The sailing pics that Cruising Direct shot were done by: www.billyblack.com Check this guy's website out, he's the real deal. North Sails has him on contract at $1500.00 per shoot plus expenses. The pics are posted on my web page and also on Cruising Direct's. My compensation is a set of prints. This guy did a real nice job. Hope your heel heals ok! Cheers, Bob
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