Acrylic slider over companionway

[decktosser]

I'm betting that this topic has been discussed before but my search has not turned anything up that is specific to my Hunter 23. In short, my acrylic slider has cracked and I am wondering what others have done with this issue. The Hunter store wants over $325 to purchase new plus $125 in shipping...far to rich for my budget. Thinking about just replacing it with plywood but would like to hear from others before I get started. If there is a thread somewhere, perhaps someone can point me to it??

Thanks

 

[Rick Macdonald]

I'm not sure if that piece is acrylic (Plexiglass) or polycarbonate (Lexan). Apparently Lexan is stronger and doesn't crack as easily. I looked at a random website:

LEXAN CLEAR POLYCARBONATE SHEETS at freckleface.com, LEXAN SHEET, HYZOD SHEET, MAKROLON SHEET, PALTUF SHEET, PALSUN SHEET, TUFFAK SHEET

Shipping can be expensive so maybe get a quote from there or a similar place on the size you need and compare that to what the Hunter Store said (which probably doesn't include new wook pieces?). You could drill and countersink the screwholes for the teak pieces from the old piece. You may be able to find what you need at a materials supply store near you and avoid shipping charges.

You could also consider something like HDPE or UHMW (both likely solid white) etc, but I have no idea about the strengths of these materials. I'm a no-maintenance kinda guy so plywood would be my last choice!

 

[Dave Groshong]

I have always used acrylic, be sure to cut the angles correctly to keep water heading out, not in. At least 1/2 inch. I've done it once with plywood, use the thickest you can and epoxy seal the edges before painting.

 

[rgranger]

I would use starboard

White/White King Starboard Plastic Sheets

We offer White/White King Starboard in both established sizes, or cut to your unique requirements. The established sizes offer the most competitive sq/ft price (due to optimized yields), while the cut to size option provides you the opportunity to expedite your project by purchasing material...

www.boatoutfitters.com

or some HDPE knock-off.

Huge Selection of HDPE Sheets In Stock & Cut-to-Size from ePlastics.com

Huge Selection of HDPE Sheets In Stock & Cut-to-Size from ePlastics.com. Fast Shipping and Easy Online Ordering. Trusted for Over 100 Years.

www.eplastics.com

To be honest, I don't like the fact that the top hatch is transparent. I normally put the pop-top enclosure up when I'm at anchor so it has no value then but when I do leave the boat locked up... the transparent top acts like a greenhouse and makes the boat ridiculously hot.

 

[decktosser]

Good advice from all....thanks...I think maybe Starboard might be the way to go...

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

If you're in Calgary, you'll definitely find a sales outlet for acrylic. Something around 1/2" and smoky in colour for privacy.

Many sales outlets also do plastic fabrication so take the old one (even in pieces) with you for a pattern.

 

[Wnilsen]

You can get HDPE sheets in any size and color. Even with shipping, I have found it is cheapest and fastest to get sheets on eBay. It cuts easily, although you may have to sand the edges when you are done. I used it to replace the teak companionway boards. Fast and easy and no maintenance needed!

 

[markwbird]

Tap Plastics

 

[decktosser]

You can get HDPE sheets in any size and color. Even with shipping, I have found it is cheapest and fastest to get sheets on eBay. It cuts easily, although you may have to sand the edges when you are done. I used it to replace the teak companionway boards. Fast and easy and no maintenance needed!

The problem is that these sheets are only 24" wide and the hatch measures 34" wide by 29" deep...I suppose that I could glue two pieces together....

 

[Wnilsen]

I got 30" x 48" for my last project. We built a house deck with it and it came in 4' x 8' sheets from the manufacturer.

 

[steveinusa]

I used a 1/2" piece of Plexiglass I ordered from Home Depot. The slider rails I changed and used strips of aluminum also from HD. The wood parts I custom made from Teak pieces I got from Sailor's Exchange in Saint Augustine, Fl. Cost me about $150 and is twice a durable as a prefab deal.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

You might check with marine yards or even window companies or even auto repair places for material but I do not suggest wood

 

[DrKGB]

This post was super helpful. The acrylic slider on my H23 split in two and I replaced it with the Starboard (link above) recommended by rgranger at less than half the price of the acrylic. I found BoatOutfitters super easy to work with and they had it to me within a few days. Thanks for all the great advice.

 

[JoeWhite]

If it helps any, on my H25.5 I used the brown board that is used around plants in landscaping. It is 5/8 thick, 8" wide and 12 feet long. It can be cut into 3 planks and slipped into the groove.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Talk to local sign and plastic fabrication shops. I would recommend Piedmont Plastics (nationwide) if you want raw material