Acrylic windshield

Ralph Johnstone · Nov 29, 2012

Acrylic Windshields

rlrmystic said:
Looks like a previous conversation is closed.
I have to replace my windshield. It's nearly flat with a slight curve. Can flat stock work? Who has. Gone though this ?
Any help thanks?

Here is a copy of an e-mail from (at that time) Hunter Marine. They make it sound quite simple.

_________________________________________________________________________

Ralph,

The fixed are not quite as easy as the lenses on the opening ports.

If there are any screws ,remove . Cut the caulk all the way around,

and slip mono filiament line under and pull around to cut all caulking

loose.Then of course to replace, all the old caulking needs to be removed

for a clean surface.

Thanks,

Ronnie Barnes

Replacement parts are sold with a 30 day Limited Warranty.
Electrical and underwater components are sold with NO warranty.
Shipping and delivery dates CANNOT be guaranteed.

______________________________________________________________________

What concerns me is the large landings that the acrylic is glued to with Dow Corning 795. I think that's going to be a real bear to get that mono filament line all the way under the acrylic.

I've already replaced the acrylic in all of the Lewmar hatches and I know the old 795 in those was an absolute SOB to remove :cussing:. It was only about 1/4" wide and quite open but still very difficult.

I've been grumbling about replacing the fixed windows for a couple of years now and it's just matter of making the first cut to get the job started.

PS Flat stock is fine for the job. Use a few small screws to hold it in place while the 795 sets. Remove the screws after and fill the small holes with 795 for appearance. This was how mine were factory installed.

catsailor · Nov 29, 2012

rlrmystic said:
Looks like a previous conversation is closed.
I have to replace my windshield. It's nearly flat with a slight curve. Can flat stock work? Who has. Gone though this ?
Any help thanks?

Google Makralon and Ranier. Both are semi-flexible products that are used in dodgers when something more rigid and durable is desired. Basically thin Lexan.

http://marinefabricatormag.com/articles/0508_mfa2_unobstructed.html

Rick D · Nov 29, 2012

Are you talking abbout the forward fixed port? If so, I had all the ports replaced on my 40.5. The 'windshield' was cut from flat stock and formed in an oven. I suggest you discuss it with Hunter or take photos to a large plastic supplier who may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Bill Roosa · Nov 29, 2012

You might be able to refinish and rebed the windshield if there are no cracks.
Why are you replacing it (and which one exactly)

Sailm8 · Nov 30, 2012

I have a 29.5 with the same problem. I stopped the removal process waiting for the dry season and now that it has arrived I need to get back to work. Has anyone replaced it with 2 opening hatches? I think this would be ideal.

onecoolair · Nov 30, 2012

Sailm8 said:
I have a 29.5 with the same problem. I stopped the removal process waiting for the dry season and now that it has arrived I need to get back to work. Has anyone replaced it with 2 opening hatches? I think this would be ideal.

I have the h356 and if the deck skylights were not of such a odd shape I would have put in opening hatches which would been much better. I have insulated sunbrella hatch covers on all my hatches so the acrylic glass has not started to craze like the fixed side windows have. Should have made protective side coverers for the sides also from day one.

Sailm8 · Dec 1, 2012

Yeah they are an odd size. I wonder how difficult it would be to "square" them up to a standard size?

Forrest15112 · Dec 1, 2012

Check with a local glass shop. Most will sell you raw material or cut to size for you. I am going this route here very soon. My local glass shop could get any material, at any thickness available, any color available.

Rick D · Dec 1, 2012

You could always put a opening hatches within it if you really wanted to. Of course, you would have to allow for the curvature. Hunter Vision 32 & 36's had opening ports installed within the fixed ports. The downside is another spot to leak and not a good place to put something to trip over.

mystichunter · Dec 6, 2012

oh, this isn't for the dodger but for the bowed glass the lies on the bow bedded in the boat mold

Rick D · Mar 19, 2013

Don't fight it; there are tons of posts on this and that product is the standard.

Steve Dion · Mar 19, 2013

$350 seems awfully cheap. I would be sure that you know what you are getting. Brand, thickness, specs, color etc. This should be acrylic (ie: Plexiglass etc). Do you have a sun cover for the area? If not, I would get one before you get the replacement.

I agree with Rick regarding the DOW795. It is the preferred product. There are other products like Sika but why would you want to use anything other than the DOW product? The stuff is not expensive and it does an excellent job.

Steve Dion · Mar 21, 2013

If DOW is not your product of choice then you can try the Sika (295) product.

emergpa1 · Mar 22, 2013

Ralph Johnstone said:
Here is a copy of an e-mail from (at that time) Hunter Marine. They make it sound quite simple.

_________________________________________________________________________

Ralph,
The fixed are not quite as easy as the lenses on the opening ports.
If there are any screws ,remove . Cut the caulk all the way around,
and slip mono filiament line under and pull around to cut all caulking
loose.Then of course to replace, all the old caulking needs to be removed
for a clean surface.

Thanks,

Ronnie Barnes

Replacement parts are sold with a 30 day Limited Warranty.
Electrical and underwater components are sold with NO warranty.
Shipping and delivery dates CANNOT be guaranteed.

______________________________________________________________________

What concerns me is the large landings that the acrylic is glued to with Dow Corning 795. I think that's going to be a real bear to get that mono filament line all the way under the acrylic.

I've already replaced the acrylic in all of the Lewmar hatches and I know the old 795 in those was an absolute SOB to remove :cussing:. It was only about 1/4" wide and quite open but still very difficult.

I've been grumbling about replacing the fixed windows for a couple of years now and it's just matter of making the first cut to get the job started.

PS Flat stock is fine for the job. Use a few small screws to hold it in place while the 795 sets. Remove the screws after and fill the small holes with 795 for appearance. This was how mine were factory installed.

There is a great article on a new ( to me) way of installing fixed port lights. This month's "Sail". It is by Don Casey. Check it out.

Acrylic windshield

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