Hi, I was wondering if anyone has replaced the plexiglass side windows on their Hunter 34. If so, do you know the thickness of the smoked plastic and where did you purchase it. Also, was there any difficulties I should be aware of before I start? Thanks, Ted
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Check the archives.
Ted: Check the archives for Mark Plastics. They have replacement units with the frames. You can find his number in those articles. They are suppose to be better than the originals. His units are with plastic frames (not metal), I don't know which ones you have. The profile of the trim is suppose to be lower than the original Hunter OEM.
Ted: Check the archives for Mark Plastics. They have replacement units with the frames. You can find his number in those articles. They are suppose to be better than the originals. His units are with plastic frames (not metal), I don't know which ones you have. The profile of the trim is suppose to be lower than the original Hunter OEM.
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Ron Mills
Replaced mine last year
and I have never been happier. Now I can see out perfectly and the whole cabin looks so much nicer. Due to the age of the trim, I seriously doubt if you can remove without breaking it in a number of places. Best thing to do is do it right and order the exact replacement from Mark Plastics in LA. They will provide the trim and plastic and all you have to do is use Dow Corning 795 and re-install. Look in archives for Mark Plastics. By doing this you will have no runs, no drips, no errors
and I have never been happier. Now I can see out perfectly and the whole cabin looks so much nicer. Due to the age of the trim, I seriously doubt if you can remove without breaking it in a number of places. Best thing to do is do it right and order the exact replacement from Mark Plastics in LA. They will provide the trim and plastic and all you have to do is use Dow Corning 795 and re-install. Look in archives for Mark Plastics. By doing this you will have no runs, no drips, no errors
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Fred Ficarra
I'm doing mine today
Our H34, Epitome', is a '86. As such, it has no inner frame that needs replacing. All four windows have teak trim inside. The old windows ALL came off in one piece. I had new blanks cut slightly oversize (just in case) and will bevel them on my table saw to match the factory units. Then they will be lined up with the old ones for drilling of the screw holes. (don't want to goof there) The new plastic is lexan and is the same thickness as the old, 1/4". RTV is the way to go for the gasket. Just be sure to tape it off. I'm hopping they will look as good as Rons'. My Beckson `Rain Drain' ports are so clear, they look open. Hum, better get some curtains.
Our H34, Epitome', is a '86. As such, it has no inner frame that needs replacing. All four windows have teak trim inside. The old windows ALL came off in one piece. I had new blanks cut slightly oversize (just in case) and will bevel them on my table saw to match the factory units. Then they will be lined up with the old ones for drilling of the screw holes. (don't want to goof there) The new plastic is lexan and is the same thickness as the old, 1/4". RTV is the way to go for the gasket. Just be sure to tape it off. I'm hopping they will look as good as Rons'. My Beckson `Rain Drain' ports are so clear, they look open. Hum, better get some curtains.
I thought Lexan was NOT the way to go.
Fred: I thought that Lexan was not the way to go on these portlights. There have been several discussions about using this material and the concensus was that Lexan will have problem in just a few years. I though that Plexiglass was the preferred product.
Fred: I thought that Lexan was not the way to go on these portlights. There have been several discussions about using this material and the concensus was that Lexan will have problem in just a few years. I though that Plexiglass was the preferred product.
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Fred Ficarra
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John H380 1999
Did you try Meguiars?
We were going to replace the fixed ports on out 85 H34 when someone told me to try Meguiar's plastic polish. There are two different ones to use - one has a rouge in it to take off the scratches and fog and a second one to polish. And I touched them up every year and they looked new. That might be worth a try before committing to money and labor. Heck, it is almost sailing season. If you like I can get the exact numbers from the bottles when I go to the boat tomorrow.
We were going to replace the fixed ports on out 85 H34 when someone told me to try Meguiar's plastic polish. There are two different ones to use - one has a rouge in it to take off the scratches and fog and a second one to polish. And I touched them up every year and they looked new. That might be worth a try before committing to money and labor. Heck, it is almost sailing season. If you like I can get the exact numbers from the bottles when I go to the boat tomorrow.
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Ron Mills
Absolutely, no way Lexan
Mark at Mark Plastics said absolutely DO NOT USE LEXAN. Additionally Hunter, Beckson and Mark said the only thing to use is DOW Corning 795. Lexan does not hold up in the sunshine. All portlights etc use acrylic. No ifs, ans or buts.
Mark at Mark Plastics said absolutely DO NOT USE LEXAN. Additionally Hunter, Beckson and Mark said the only thing to use is DOW Corning 795. Lexan does not hold up in the sunshine. All portlights etc use acrylic. No ifs, ans or buts.
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Jamie Gartland
Like hunter 37
I am going to do mine next winter.. when I paint the boat... I was thinking of getting one larger dark tinted piece, shaped like the one on the hunter 37 and screwing and sealing it right to the Cabin side. On the inside I am going to frame the old windows with teak. What do you all think about that? Has anyone tried it? Jamie Gartland GLORY BOUND
I am going to do mine next winter.. when I paint the boat... I was thinking of getting one larger dark tinted piece, shaped like the one on the hunter 37 and screwing and sealing it right to the Cabin side. On the inside I am going to frame the old windows with teak. What do you all think about that? Has anyone tried it? Jamie Gartland GLORY BOUND
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Fred Ficarra
To Ron Mills,,,
Ron, I thought I had your email address but no luck. I wanted to ask you where you bought your berth foam for that super mattress. What do I ask for? Thanks Fred
Ron, I thought I had your email address but no luck. I wanted to ask you where you bought your berth foam for that super mattress. What do I ask for? Thanks Fred
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Ron
Window replacement
I bought a new window from Hunter last year for my 1990 35.5. They have the specs. and had it made and shipped. They were resonable and they also have the black sealant.
I bought a new window from Hunter last year for my 1990 35.5. They have the specs. and had it made and shipped. They were resonable and they also have the black sealant.
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Joe Baker
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Fred Ficarra
Yes, two I can think of
First, it would have to be too thick to be effective. H34 side fixed windows are only 1/4". Thicker glass would be an eyesore. Second, glass would have to be heated and bent special for the cabin curve. Plastic is just bolted down to bend it.
First, it would have to be too thick to be effective. H34 side fixed windows are only 1/4". Thicker glass would be an eyesore. Second, glass would have to be heated and bent special for the cabin curve. Plastic is just bolted down to bend it.
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Barry
H34 Windows - Read This!
There are at least 3 variations of window designs from 1983-1987 as Hunter tried to cut costs. The early ones had aluminum frames, later they switched to white frame strips and finally just put plastic over the fiberglass with no trim. Mine were crazed on my 1983 so I had a glass shop reglaze them. When minor crazing appeared a few years later I scrubbed them with BRASSO - you know the stuff used to polish brass. It works great on that plastic (and urethane car paint). Try it before you replace them. Barry
There are at least 3 variations of window designs from 1983-1987 as Hunter tried to cut costs. The early ones had aluminum frames, later they switched to white frame strips and finally just put plastic over the fiberglass with no trim. Mine were crazed on my 1983 so I had a glass shop reglaze them. When minor crazing appeared a few years later I scrubbed them with BRASSO - you know the stuff used to polish brass. It works great on that plastic (and urethane car paint). Try it before you replace them. Barry
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Eric Swift
Glass
Joe - when I called Mark Plastics, I was told that the set of four fixed ports for the Hunter 34 would be around $500. For about $20 more (perhaps per port) I could go with laminated glass. That certainly would be my choice over any kind of plastic unless I hear something to the contrary.
Joe - when I called Mark Plastics, I was told that the set of four fixed ports for the Hunter 34 would be around $500. For about $20 more (perhaps per port) I could go with laminated glass. That certainly would be my choice over any kind of plastic unless I hear something to the contrary.
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