Acrylic portlight question

[xavpil]

Hey friends, I removed the porlights on the 1980 Cat 27 anD I want to replace with cast acrylic window.
I’ve gathered a lot info online but nothing specific to the curved shape of the CataLina 27. The surface isn’t flat so the acrylic would have to bend, which could be done, but also stay “glued”.
Anyone has experience with the process?
Thx!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Which window? Below is a video for a frame less install. He used VHB to hold it in place while the adhesive dried. Pics of your window would be helpful
Boatworks Today

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Forgot to mention, 4200/5200 are not compatible with Acrylic. One material will eat away at the other just enough to create a leak over time... at least so I've read

 

[xavpil]

Which window?
Boatworks Today

Great video. Exactly how I intend to do it, except that his windows are installed on a flat surface, whereas the Catalina 27 windows are installed on a curved surface.

 

[kloudie1]

Here is the straight poop on the VHB. If you can easily hold the plexi in place to keep it curved, the tape alone probably will hold it after it has cured for a day. I was advised to use their primer on the cabin side as well as on the plexi. My plexi is slightly curved and it was no problem to get it bonded. It is critical to get a good force on the bond area immediately at installation.. I used a wallpaper seam roller. If nervous, you can use a couple of screws fore and aft to hold it until it fully cures (72 hours). Then remove the screws and plug with Dow 795..
3m-vhb-tapes.pdf

 

[xavpil]

was advised to use their primer

Claude, what primer?
And thx for the great tip

 

[xavpil]

where did you get your acrylic?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Piedmont has good prices and a Milwaukee location
Piedmont Plastics

 

[xavpil]

Piedmont has good prices and a Milwaukee location
Piedmont Plastics

Fantastic! I just spoke with them

 

[kloudie1]

XAVPIL, I used 3M #94 primer, available from Amazon and some other places. I didn't know how much I'd need so I bought a pint .. It only took about 4 ounces for the job. I bought the 3/8 plexi from a local plastics supply here in Baton Rouge. they cut it to size. When I did my hatch lenses, I bought the plexi from Tap Plastics in Stockton, Ca. They cut it and radiused the corners exactly to my measurements.

 

[xavpil]

XAVPIL, I used 3M #94 primer, available from Amazon and some other places. I didn't know how much I'd need so I bought a pint .. It only took about 4 ounces for the job. I bought the 3/8 plexi from a local plastics supply here in Baton Rouge. they cut it to size. When I did my hatch lenses, I bought the plexi from Tap Plastics in Stockton, Ca. They cut it and radiused the corners exactly to my measurements.
View attachment 215479

 

[xavpil]

3M #94 primer 3/8 plexi from a local plastics supply here in Baton Rouge. they cut it to size. When I did my hatch lenses, I bought the plexi from Tap Plastics in Stockton, Ca. They cut it and radiused the corners exactly to my measure

priceless !!!! thx

 

[DonScribner]

Dudes!
Plexi (aka polycarbonate) is a great fit for many locations, but acrylic is harder for any place that might take a blow. Either can be mounted with 3M VHB tape ($^&^%% amazing product) and sealed with DOW 795 for amazing results. (Same combo that keeps skyscraper windows in place). Google instructions. It is an amazing combination of technologies.

 

[xavpil]

Plexi (aka polycarbonate) is a great fit for many locations, but acrylic is harder for any place that might take a blow.

I think we were talking about Acrylic, cast acrylic in fact.

 

[DonScribner]

I think we were talking about Acrylic, cast acrylic in fact.

You are correct! Plexi is acrylic and Lexan is poly. My bad. Rookie mistake! I work with both every day.

 

[xavpil]

You are correct! Plexi is acrylic and Lexan is poly. My bad. Rookie mistake! I work with both every day.

oh no worries!! I just wanted to make sure got it right

 

[SailingLoto]

I used vhb and dow795 on my Laguna. Was able to find cast acrylic on ebay

 

[xavpil]

I used vhb and dow795 on my Laguna. Was able to find cast acrylic on ebay

thx !!!

 

[Hollyberry]

Another endorsement for DC 795 (sometimes labeled Dowsil) when you buy it check the 'best before 'date. Limited shelf life

Although I used screws (pre existing windows were screwed on) you can see it managed curvature and twist... sealed with DC 795

 

[xavpil]

Another endorsement for DC 795 (sometimes labeled Dowsil) when you buy it check the 'best before 'date. Limited shelf life

Although I used screws (pre existing windows were screwed on) you can see it managed curvature and twist... sealed with DC 795

it looks GREAT!!!!!