Replace side windows on a sailboat.

[Hultman]

Has anyone replaced the fixed side plastic windows on a sailboat? I have a 1985 Hunter 31 and the two fixed plastic side windows are no longer perfectly clear. Not sure of the material that was used to manufacture them. They look like they have hundreds of small cracks. Would like to replace them. Is this something that can be done by the owner.

 

[Navicula]

Yes they can be replaced by you... I did mine, the windows are crazed... It happens over time and if you use products other than soap and water to clean them, it will speed up the crazing process

I removed my windows by cutting around the adhesive with a knife and they came out in one piece ..... I had new ones made at a plastic company, the even put the bevel like the oem ones.... I used a Dow product ( seven something )to adhere the back in place... The result was a factory finish

Search this site and you will find alot of info on this

 

[mitiempo]

Easily done with the proper materials and preparation. Acrylic (Plexiglas) is the longest lasting material and Dow 795 the best choice of adhesive.

 

[njlarry]

Just replaced mine this past spring. Windows were fabricated by a local glass/mirror shop. Used 3m VHB tape to help hold in place and sealed with Dow 795. Very pleased with both. The back of the windows were masked and areas that would show cabin side gel coat thru the plexigalss were spray painted with black DEI high temp silicone coating which is compatible with the Dow 795.
I'll try to attach pics which show blocks of wood and blue tape used to hold panes in place while 795 set up. Blue tape also made masking for the black caulking easier.
The whole procedure is outlined in an online Sail magazine project article.
Allow some time to let any wet area dry out before placing the panels.

 

[Steve Dion]

Great looking finished product. Another option to anchor the windows in place is to drill holes and secure with screws. Once the DOW795 cures you can remove the screws and fill the holes with additional 795.

 

[Steve Dion]

Check around about the quality of the acrylic too. Not all acrylic is created equal.

 

[mitiempo]

Check around about the quality of the acrylic too. Not all acrylic is created equal.

Cast acrylic is considered the better choice.

 

[Richard Bryer]

I did mine a few years back- the process is documented in the Modifications section of this site. The boat is a H34.

 

[Rick I]

Just got mine done. I got aluminum frames made so no leaks!! A bit pricey but no more little irritating leaks.


http://www.fixleakyboats.com/about.html

 

[njlarry]

Yes you can temp hold the piece in place with screws but why bother as the idea is to eliminate the screws. Drilling pleixglas near the edge is risky, one false move amd the whole piece is ruined. Pratice on an old piece first. Also it is a much cleaner look without screw holes. I did consider using two screws below the bottom edge for support and later filling in the small holes but that adds more work to the job.
BTY, 795 cures very fast, once you open the tube be ready to rock! I don't think you can seal it tight enough to reuse a tube the next day or even a few hours later. Once cured, it and not the VHB is what holds the window on.

 

[twdevore]

We did ours last year. Followed Don Casey's instructions to the "T". Original lights were attached with ugly barrel bolts. Used Dow 795 for sealant. No screws now. Next time I will make the plexi bigger to allow for more room for sealant. Mine are flush mounted so I can go as big as room will allow. Do the extra step with the paint. It makes a huge difference. A local plexiglass company cut the sheets for us.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=163262