Sedan Bridge Ventilation

[Jackie J V]

When I'm out on the water, I usually have the centre/front smiley open across the bottom to let a little air flow through the bridge area both for cooling and to reduce concern about stationwagon effect. That puts strain on the zippers, which will eventually break due to the practice.

Has anyone ever considered adding a portlight of some sort to the wind shield to introduce ventilation?

Here's the front area to which I'm referring:

And here's a "sketch" of what I mean:

Obviously this is pretty rough. If I were to do this, I'd have to find the specific fixture with a slim frame and clear glass so as not to interfere with visibility.

Am I missing anything that makes this a dumb idea. I can't see why not, but given that I hadn't seen this before, I thought I must be missing something.

In my boat, I don't really get much spray here, and when in heavy seas, I could just make sure its closed I guess.

Paul

 

[Carver370]

I have seen where some have a small maybe 5 inch section on the top of the center window that unzips and flips up. I always figured it was exactly for this reason.

 

[wetpaint]

I guess you are doing this because you do not want the whole front center piece open all the way (at all times)....I think that is pretty creative.....My only concern would be if doing that, it would weaken your glass structurally. I am also assuming you do not get enought ventilation from the top hatch in your hard top or if it is raining, water would come in......I remember on my dance I had the automatic hatch in the windshield and that was great....I guess that is what you want to achieve.....

 

[Jackie J V]

Thanks for the comments.

I don't seem to get much of anything coming in through the top hatch and thus rarely use it.

The smaller smilie would be a potential solution, thanks. Simple is usually better and I missed that horrifically simple solution.:smt021

What I like about the portlight though, is the ability to use when it's raining. Right now I'm kind of scuppered and have to just let it get wet inside (which is not a crisis really).

As for the structural strength of the glass, that is something I was pondering as well. Don't know if it would be an issue or not. It is some kind of polycarbonite material.

 

[earthmover17]

I've been researching a window for my center eisenglass panel. Seaview makes a window with wiper for the front panel but you can't open it. Still trying to figure out how to do it.
Sea Ray missed it on quite a few things on the 560 and this was one of the big ones. The visibility through the bridge area is horrible.
Your solution seems like it would work well for the Temps that you boat in.
If you figure it out let us know.

Jack

 

[Jackie J V]

Thanks Jack. I've been thinking about putting the Seaview insert in as well. That's part of the thinking in trying to get alternate forms of ventilation coming back through the bridge.

 

[drob]

Wonder what idea Gary would have thought of?????? Or is this a touchy subject still?

 

[earthmover17]

He's probably already figured it out but unfortunatly we won't get his input.

Jack

 

[earthmover17]

Thanks Jack. I've been thinking about putting the Seaview insert in as well. That's part of the thinking in trying to get alternate forms of ventilation coming back through the bridge.[/quote
As I look at it seems it's a solid frame and won't open. I love the concept but without being able to open it I would fry in the Florida heat. I find it odd that Seaview didn't go the extra mile and make one that would open.

Jack

 

[wetpaint]

This is a great enclosure....maybe you could eliminate the panels and do one panel and cut some small vents in it close to the winshield

 

[Jackie J V]

Good consideration Wetpaint. That is a very nice and clean windscreen. Is that EZ2CY?

Paul

 

[wetpaint]

I believe it is which could present a challenge in itself....just a quick question...do you have a/c on your bridge...if not.....

 

[Jackie J V]

Wetpaint,
I do have dedicated AC on the bridge, however I generally do not run the generator while underway unless I'm charging up the battery banks. Also, the AC won't provide the ventilation that I'm looking for to counter the station wagon effect.

Paul