Rich Hampel wrote:

Its done all the time ... most Bob Perry designed boats have forward
facing (and opening) portlights.

In article , Stephen Trapani
wrote:

Well, I hope I don't turn into the guy who asks all the nutty questions,
but wouldn't the right sort of hatch or port facing forward in the cabin
of a sailboat make it safer to be below using an autopilot? Why don't
sail designers do more of this? Isn't it possible to make it seaworthy?

Stephen

What is unsafe about using an autopilot? What is unsafe about being
below when underway whether using an autopilot or not?

We've got opening ports along the side of the cabin (11 in the forward
section and 7 in the aft cabin), and deck hatches of various kinds,
some of which are hinged on one side and some on the other. The
hinges can be reversed if desired. But when underway all those
hatches are shut and dogged down, and so are all the ports.
(particularly the ones in the stern if the engine is on)

I consider it unsafe to have open hatches when underway. We usually
have the companionways open though unless we are in really heavy seas.


grandma Rosalie

S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id2.html