Mac 26x -12 Added portholes and hatches...good or bad?

[Greg1999]

I am looking at a 1999 26x. The owner has added a bunch of opening portals and hatches. There are 4 in the roof (one in the hatch cover, one in the roof, and two where the plexiglass windows used to be. He's also added porthole along both sides of the hull. Part of my thinks this is genius....lots of airflow. But part of my is worried about structural integrity and water issues with that many opening in the hull. Everything else about the boat is great, including the price. Thoughts or suggestions would be most welcome!

 

[timebandit]

I'm thinking you can use all the ventilation you can get in Florida. The vents look stronger then the surrounding area they are installed in.

 

[BudGates]

The portholes in the photos shouldn't be a problem. I would, however, be concerned with any portholes in the hull. I would also be concerned about water intrusion and maintenance. Every porthole will add more maintenance and more chance of failure. If you're willing to take on these issues that's great. Personally I would stay away from this boat.

 

[Jackdaw]

Installed correctly, none of these port should be a problem. Including the hull ones. The key word here is correctly. Hopefully the hull ports are fixed and non-opening. I'd be much less excited about that.

 

[walt]

Robust freeboard is part of the safety equation for water ballast - helps keep them self righting in a knockdown. At least I would have all of those locked tight if the sails are up.

 

[Benny17441]

Id like to see a picture of that.