2012 50 Sundancer

[quality time]

The biggest difference in this type of design (as we see on some older DAs like 380...44..480..) is that it at least has 3 separate sections. This makes the actual glass surface smaller and adds supporting structure inbetween. I think this is the best way to find the "golden middle" between design and functinality.



I can't tell you much details other than it looks and feels very solid and I'd say meant to take a big hit head on as well. The other part that I like is that it's all sectional (3 front sections and 3 side sections on each side). So, you have much bigger chance that not all will fail and replaicement cost won't be astronamical either. I don't know how it is on the Vikings and other brands, but single window of that size just scares me in terms of replacement cost.

This is the only info we get from the parts manual:

View attachment 21743

The only "glass" on the front of that Viking is fiberglass. The mask is just painted black to imitate a windshield.

 

[copb8tx]

Just to clarify, the windows aren't as big as they appear in the photo. In the cabin they are separate, albiet large, sets of windows. There's a lot of support behind the glass. Within the window there are some small opening portholes. These big windows are becoming fixtures on many large very capable seagoing boats. I think they'll take a lick pretty well.

Now as far as dock rash, that's a scary possibility.

 

[copb8tx]

The only "glass" on the front of that Viking is fiberglass. The mask is just painted black to imitate a windshield.

That's what I was trying to say.

 

[copb8tx]

We can just wait another 15 years, and our 1996 - 2004 boats will all be back in style again, just like Dad's old neckties.

Not sure I'm on board (get it?!) with that one. I don't see them producing anything that looks like the 70's and 80's styles at the moment. I really like the new styles and interiors. The difference between my '05 and '93 was huge.

 

[Alex F]

The only "glass" on the front of that Viking is fiberglass. The mask is just painted black to imitate a windshield.

Alright, maybe that Viking wasn't a good example. How about this one? This is my picture, not something from a website. This yacht was on our dock in Montauk. We've got close to 100 witnesses that those are some real windows, but they are custom made.

 

[wetpaint]

Thats like comparing watermelon to grapes........and I luv both!

 

[Woody]

I would hope that if you ordered that 50' DA you could say I don't want those big windows, but maybe not.

 

[Alex F]

Thats like comparing watermelon to grapes........and I luv both!

I agree, John.

But, I'm pretty sure that both of them have seen some rough seas and thanks God (knock on wood) I haven't heard reports of broken winshield on DBs, unlike the side windows in express style cruisers.

 

[fwebster]

Alex,

I've got a lot of time in Viking and Hattaras convertibles, mostly in open water, 50-100 miles off shore. I am a sea Ray fan and am usually 100% supportive of the brand, but trust me........your boat is a coastal cruiser and has no business trying to do what those boats do or go where they go. Make an open water crossing with a Sea Ray in 10-12 ft seas and you'll be repairing headliners, drawers, cabinet doors, shelves, etc....do it in a Viking or Hattaras and all you do is wash off the salt spray.

 

[Alex F]

Thanks for clarification, Frank. It's an interesting comparison and good info from first hand experience. In reality I didn't expect a lot more from my boat than what you describe. As John said, the size of our fuel tanks kind of puts our boats (at least smaller DB models) in the coastal category.

Do you know by any chance any details about our windows, are they made to withstand some good pounding or their strength limits are slim?

What’s your opinion on these new style large side windows under the robrails on the new models, do you agree with our concerns?