Page 68: of Marine News Magazine (November 2015)

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WORKBOAT DESIGN

Marine Closure Selection

Windows, doors and hatches are an essential and integral part of any commercial vessel. The key to selecting the appropriate closure for a given application is to focus on performance, features and aesthetics.

By Craig Ritchie egardless of how they might vary in size, style, con- B B , R RALANCING THE UDGET ESPECTING THE EGULATIONS struction or purpose, every vessel a? oat shares one “There’s a bit more to it than that,” notes Ron Dykes, key element – they all contain windows, hatches commercial and government/military general sales manager R and doors. It is dif? cult to imagine a functional commer- for Gold Beach, Oregon-based closure manufacturer Free- cial vessel without them. From ? shing boats to tugs to yard man Marine. “And it goes far beyond ensuring that products tenders to military craft, hatches, doors and windows – simply meet Class, Flag or International Treaty requirements. marine closures – serve an essential purpose. But whether For example, a door or window to be ? tted at main deck designing a new build or re? tting an existing vessel, closure level will face different requirements than one installed in a selection is often one of the most overlooked, yet critical, wheelhouse two decks up. Even on the same wheelhouse, a elements in vessel design. More often than not, the discus- forward-facing window will face different design pressures sion ends with a simple “and the door goes over here.” than one situated on the back of the wheelhouse facing aft.”

November 2015

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