Orana 44: Cockpit and Saloon Mainsail viewing ports

[cwjohm]

Hi

We are very close to buying an Orana 44, and I have asked for mainsail viewing ports in the cockpit and saloon, the same as the Lipari and Helia now incorporate as standard. It seems however, that the cost of installing these is significant.

From my perspective it seems that in bad weather these viewing ports would be essential, but I would like feedback from Orana or Helia owners as to the value of retrofitting these ports given their cost.

Thank you in advance.

[Cotemar]

Yes, it would be a very expensive upgrade to have a ship yard cut and seal a hole in a cored deck and install a few windows.

It should not be a deal breaker for you as that is the way the boat was designed. Any modifications to the boat are on your shoulders as a buyer. If you do not like the boat design then you look for a design you like.

You may think that you really really need those windows only to find that in a few months of using the boat you never needed them.

Adding hatches to the saloon and bimini is a DIY job which you can do when you have spare cash and time. It should never hold you up from buying a boat

[FSMike]

I've never owned your make of boat, but after dealing with windows in the tops of both rigid and cloth biminis, on monos, cats, and tris, I've come to the conclusion that to really see what the sail is doing you need to stick your head out from under. I think those observation windows aren't worth it.
I'd rather have the shade.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by FSMike

I've never owned your make of boat, but after dealing with windows in the tops of both rigid and cloth biminis, on monos, cats, and tris, I've come to the conclusion that to really see what the sail is doing you need to stick your head out from under. I think those observation windows aren't worth it.
I'd rather have the shade.

I agree with you 150%

The windows in the saloon and bimini that the OP is talking about are actually right below the boom and are usless for seeing a sail above.

Much better to use the boat for a bit and see what you really need.

[DtM]

I could not agree more. You need a good look at the sails and probably more when the weather is really bad.