On Wed, 7 May 2008 11:13:42 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

What about the issue of big windows with big waves? Seems like they would
blow out; whereas, small portlights wouldn't.

Then again, an open cockpit starts out with even less protection from
the elements.




True, but that's not why I mentioned it. An open cockpit will not stop a
wave, but if a portlight is destroyed, it might be a bigger problem. I'm not
that familiar with pilothouse boats, but I would think that if the
pilothouse section is compromised, there's not much that can be done. If a
cockpit is awash, it'll drain (perhaps minus crew, but that's another
issue).


During WWII the Queen Mary was in a North Atlantic gale with no big
deal 30 to 40 foot waves. A freak wave broke the pilothouse windows 93
feet above sea level, and rolled her almost to the point of no return.
Weak windows should not go far offshore.

Casady