Enlarge Windows

[Blue Max]

I have a 26D. Has anyone enlarged the tiny window openings? If so, How much bigger did you make them, and how long ago? Any stress cracks? I'm thinking about opening them up an inch or so top and bottom.

FYI-I made slightly bigger windows from plexiglass, and had a great time removing the lovely factory silicone on the old windows.

Thanks a bunch!

[Blue Max]

Anyone?

[Doug91mac26s]

I have a 26S and haven't done it, can't say it's something I'd want to do either. I've heard of at least one person who installed opening oval port holes though. You might consider posting your question on the other boards that have more older MAC model discussion; trailersailor.com or macgregorowners.com I frequent this board all the time too, and have for a few years, but most activity here involves 26X and 26M models.

[Divecoz]

JSYK... a Round wound Guitar G string ( get your minds out of the gutter!) works well for this removal .just like a saw o sorts. Better quality Flat wound strings dont work nearly as well if at all..

I have a 26D. Has anyone enlarged the tiny window openings? If so, How much bigger did you make them, and how long ago? Any stress cracks? I'm thinking about opening them up an inch or so top and bottom.

FYI-I made slightly bigger windows from plexiglass, and had a great time removing the lovely factory silicone on the old windows.

Thanks a bunch!

[FinallySailing]

get your minds out of the gutter!

LOL

[Blue Max]

FYI- I gave up waiting and called Bill at Macgregor, only to my disappointment that he is no longer there. However, the gentleman I spoke with (I'm horrible with names but grateful for the assistance) told me that if fastened properly the windows would provide as much support as the missing fiberglass, so I shouldn't worry about enlarging the holes. I will probably go forward with the modification, using discression.

[vizwhiz]

I was curious about this - just missed seeing your post, blue...sorry.

I have thought about it as I've been working on the boat (S & D have the same windows), and wondered what it would take. Would be good to see what you decide to do and how it turns out.

[Blue Max]

I chickened out and left them alone. If I ever sell the boat, the next owner might be concerned about hull integrity, so just easier to leave it. I installed the new windows yesterday though.

I also got an unkind comment about the appearance of my boat (what are sisters for?), so I guess I need to find a way to shine her up!

[Doug91mac26s]

Your right those windows are narrow, but I think they look good on the boat.



I've been wanting to install opening ports. I wish I could find a narrow enough black plastic opening port like these Beckson's, but the frame is about an inch too wide. If there is something like that at about 5.5 inches wide, it woud be perfect, you could cut a hole in the existing plexiglass and the port would blend right in, keeping with the design.

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm ... entCat=374

http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d64/d ... /?start=20