I was watching this Youtube video on Choosing Lexan or Plexiglass for new fixed portlights. I will be installing with VHB tape and Dow 795 to install in a recess on my Catalina 30 Mk2. What say you?
Plexiglass (acrylic) or Lexan (polycarbonate) for replacement lens for fixed portlights
- Thread starter Hayden Watson
- Start date
Select Plastics/Hatchmasters repair and replace boat hatches, they recommend acrylic. Most of the hatch companies use acrylic.
Here's an article on their site:
hatchmasters.com
Here's an article on their site:
Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate - HatchMasters
I spend inordinate amounts of time discussing the pros and cons of acrylic and polycarbonate. In so much as I would like to bring some clarity to this issue. Please consider the following: All major hatch, portlight, and window manufacturers use Acrylic in offshore / bluewater marine products...
hatchmasters.com
That was a good read. Thanks. He says he prefers acrylic and then spends the rest of the article telling about the physical characteristics of polycarb. If anyone has a good article on the physical characteristics of acrylic, I'd like to read it.Select Plastics/Hatchmasters repair and replace boat hatches, they recommend acrylic. Most of the hatch companies use acrylic.
Here's an article on their site:
Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate - HatchMasters
I spend inordinate amounts of time discussing the pros and cons of acrylic and polycarbonate. In so much as I would like to bring some clarity to this issue. Please consider the following: All major hatch, portlight, and window manufacturers use Acrylic in offshore / bluewater marine products...
The answer is YES and NO!
Poly(methyl methacrylate) - Wikipedia
Variations are done for many kinds of uses.
Jim...
PS: I have been involved in making them.
What is Acrylic / Plexiglass? | Acme Plastics
Acrylic and plexiglass sheets are versatile, cost effective, and durable. Click here to learn key information about the properties of these plastics.
The 4 stock fixed ports on my boat are Lexan (r), and when they became cloudy from UV they were replaced with new lenses back in the 90's. We are about to replace them again, same reasons. No cracks or checking, tho.
There are a few small scratches from contact with sailing gear, but that's all. It will be great to get some clarity back.
As others point out, both of these materials have their strong points, literally.
In our case we are following the lens material spec's from the designer/builder. FWIW, we do use the more expensive tinted version with the UV-protective layer and an "anti scratch" layer added.
Regarding cost... when you replace them every 20 or 25 years, (within reason) just use the best material. Labor is pretty intensive for either port light replacement or rebuilding. Luckily it's task well suited to a patient owner.
.......Unsolicited Opinions offered, with Friday Pandemic Discount.... now only one cent per.
There are a few small scratches from contact with sailing gear, but that's all. It will be great to get some clarity back.
As others point out, both of these materials have their strong points, literally.
In our case we are following the lens material spec's from the designer/builder. FWIW, we do use the more expensive tinted version with the UV-protective layer and an "anti scratch" layer added.
Regarding cost... when you replace them every 20 or 25 years, (within reason) just use the best material. Labor is pretty intensive for either port light replacement or rebuilding. Luckily it's task well suited to a patient owner.
.......Unsolicited Opinions offered, with Friday Pandemic Discount.... now only one cent per.
On a related question, what is the best method to remove the old lens without breaking it? I am hoping to use them for templates for routing the new lens to shape. On my Catalina 20 mk2 they are mounted in a recess in the cabin top. I have considered a multi-tool from the inside. One other thought was to use a thin wire similar to how glue-in-place auto glass is removed. I found this video and it looks like it might work. windshield removal
HF windshield removal kit.
HF windshield removal kit.
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Big warning when using Plexiglas® or Lucite® [the Acrylic sheeting we have been talking about]
Never use Windex with Ammonia D to clean them.
I do not allow Ammonia cleaners on my boat at all!
Jim...
PS:
Never use Windex with Ammonia D to clean them.
I do not allow Ammonia cleaners on my boat at all!
Jim...
PS:
You mean Lexan® ? If yes (r) = ® if you on a PC then CNTL R or ALT R ... Mac is OPTION R
I found this PDF on the resource page here on SBO and keep a copy on my computer for future reference. It walks you through the removal process.