No, this is not a top priority for me, but it is something that would be a simple, but awesome add...
On our 1967 42 Commander, we have the traditional, non-motorized, and stripped out support / opener. I am interested in a motorized version, but when I look up 12v actuators (I'm assuming this would be what I want), what I see doesn't have a cover for the motor. Is there such an animal out there, or do I need to get one and figure out the cover on my own? I suppose a nice mahogany cover would look cool, I think it's going to be a bit before I can bring my woodworking skills to something resembling my dad's...
Any help is appreciated...
This actuator looks sleek - https://www.firgelliauto.com/products/super-duty-actuators Have not seen one installed.
Chris,
I have a powered windshield opener that came from a late 1960's Egg Harbor , it may work for your application as it was for a center opening windshield like the 42's have. It has a stainless steel cover and seems to be in great shape. I was going to use it on my 381 Catalina (which had a really difficult to access center opening windshield panel) but never got around to installing before selling the boat and moving up to a 47 Commander that has the factory window opener.
Years ago I looked at a late '60s Pacemaker Alglas 43 Motor Yacht that had the same style windshield opener as the Egg Harbor unit I have. Thankfully I happened to snap a photo of the helm area that showed the windshield opener as installed:
If you're interested please make me an offer, I would love to see it put to good use and free up some space in my garage.
Hello...
Char, thank you for the link... this something about what I was thinking, but when I look at other boats, there is cover that goes over the motor end to make it look a little cleaner. that's what I'm having trouble finding.
Warren... that's pretty cool... can you give me the measurements of it? Also, is it designed to open two windows? I only have one window i need to open... so maybe overkill for my application?
Thanks!
Chris,
I can get you measurements later next week when I am back at the house.
This unit is designed to open a single center window like our Commanders have. Each arm of the opener goes to the bottom corner of the opening center window. The Pacemaker/Egg Harbour window configuration was slightly different as they did not have the small fixed pane below the larger opening pane, but it will work. I had it sized out for my 381 Catalina which has a very similar window arrangement to the 42 Commander. Here are a couple of other photos I found online from a Pacemaker Alglas 48 CPMY that has the same windshield opener:
Chris, I pulled the windshield opener out of garage storage and have it readily accessible in the basement and I took photos and measurements. Please send me an e-mail address via PM and I can send you over the info.