RAN Sailing · video

What this video covers

Johan installs three round portholes on each side of a 52-foot custom-built sailboat, using the forward cabin as a testing station to establish a standardized workflow for the rest of the hull.10:09 To maintain structural integrity, he cuts holes larger than the stainless steel flanges, allowing him to create an inner reinforcement ring of solid glass and epoxy.10:49 This design ensures that mounting bolts pass through solid laminate rather than the cedar-planked core, preventing water ingress and potential rot.11:22 He laminates custom flanges using unidirectional carbon fiber and seals the perimeter with thickened epoxy to bond the ring to the hull.17:36 The final installation features 19-millimeter thick insulated glass, consisting of an 8-millimeter hardened outer pane, an 8-millimeter argon gas gap, and an 11-millimeter laminated inner pane.19:07 By following the shear line for positioning rather than the waterline, the installation achieves a traditional aesthetic while providing thermal and acoustic insulation.24:08

More from RAN Sailing

This Is Where Boat Builds Break People - Ep. 501 Ran SailingAug 2026Our 52ft Sailboat Build Reaches Another Milestone! - Ep. 500 Ran SailingAug 2026How Many Hatches Does a 52ft Sailboat Need? - Ep. 499 Ran SailingAug 2026Making Our Sailboat One Solid Structure - Ep. 498 Ran SailingAug 2026

From RAN Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.