Questions about windows, engine and sails.

[Brian Hofler]

I recently purchased an old Vega (Hull no. 79), and I have the following
questions.

Front Window

In my part of the world (Norway) there is a lot of bad weather, so I would
prefer to have an inside steering position. This however means I will need a
forward looking window. I was planing to cut two windows appox. 7" by 14"
looking forward from just behind the mast. I have already purchased a 5mm
polykarbonate (Lexane) plate, and stainless bolts to secure it. I will use
one bolt every 3".
The question is of course if this will weaken the hull, and if so, can it
lead to further cracking, and eventually a breakdown of the structure.

Change of motor

In my Vega there is an O-21 Combi gas engine. I'm planning on change it to a
diesel. I saw a Volvo Penta MD7A, 1980 model, in the paper yesterday. It do
however have to travel a fair distance to look at / bye the engine. My
question is if this engine is compatible with my folding propeller and
reversing mechanism.
And also I wonder if it will fit my engine base, I guess I could manage to
figure this out via phone with the seller, but if anyone knows I would
appreciate if you could give me a hint.
I'm also concerned about the spare part situation for this engine, does
anyone know?

Main sail repair

My main sail is a bit bulgy. Is it possible to use my standard sowing
machine, a thick tread, simply cut away the bulge, and sow it together
again. Or is there another way, or should I just bye a new one.

Any replies are welcome, I don't expect anyone to know the answer to all of
these questions, but if you know something about any of them, please reply.


Rgds
Bjørn

 

[reefmagnet]

If I was concerned with being able to steer from inside, rather than
cutting a hole in the deck and trying to make some sort of pilothouse I
would buy an autopilot and operate the helm with the remote control. In
Journeyman we steer that way sometimes while sitting in the companionway
and looking through the dodger in the window and peeking over the top
sometimes. You can't do this in crowded water of course.We use a Tillermaster.

I have owned Journeyman for 3 years and the longer I own her the more I
hesitate to make any major structural changes. The boats are very well and
carefully designed and a change could have unanticipated consequences.At
12:34 PM 09/15/2000 +0200, you wrote:

 

[reefmagnet]

Dear Bjorn,

My advice is: sell your Vega and buy another
boat.
Ciao,
Yvonne.

 

[reefmagnet]

Well, your right, the boat were not exactly as I wanted it when I bought it,
but it was relatively cheap (less than 5000 USD), and when I bought the boat the
plan was to modify it to suit my needs. Since my wife is not too keen on sailing
I have only been granted a very limited budget, and this seemed the best way to
go for the money.
The modifications below are not very expensive, I have bought new windows for
the whole boat, total 5 windows. All windows are in black Lexan, and all windows
will be bolted to the outside of the boat. The two new front windows will look
like one, and the two windows in the forepeak will also look like one from the
outside. The cost for the Lexan was 140 USD (heavily discounted), and the cost
for the stainless bolts were 7 USD pr kg at a local scrap yard. If anyone would
like a picture of the boat with new windows (when its finished), you can mail me
at bjorn.tennebekk@... . 
Another issue with the front window is that I think this window was included on
the very first Vegas, at least it\'s there on some of the drawings I got with the
boat. I assume it was removed due to problems of keeping it thight, problems
with structural integrity or just for economic reasons. I think all of these
problems should not be present when using Lexan bolted to the outside. Any
comment on the window modifications is still welcome.
What the motor will end up at I don\'t know, but the seller is asking 1075
USD, I\'m not quite sure what is included yet, but I will go and have a look at
it this afternoon. Also I expect to get some small money for my old gas
engine.
In total the boat will cost me appox. 10.000 USD, a fair price for a complete
27 ft boat, even though it will always be an old boat (1967).
Rgds
Bjørn