Replacement Dodger Windows

[Mysterious Ways]

I am replacing my old, scratched, cloudy plastic dodger window. I received two prices for the material; $640 for scratch resistant 30 guage plastic, and $150 for regular 30 guage plastic (these are Canadian $ prices). Do these prices sound reasonable? Is there a specific brand/supplier that you could recommend? Is it worth the extra money for the scratch resistant plastic?
Thanks.

 

[Rick D]

If It Were I...

...I'd go for the $150 version. Reason? It appears you are not going to replace the dodger material. If I'm guessing right, it's about half or more gone. So, no need to have the high end optic material. If I were changing it out completely, I'd opt for the Stratoglass at the higher cost (as I did three years ago).

 

[Rich Stidger]

Wow, I am surprised at the range of the two prices. I would expect that labor is the greatest cost and that would be the same regardless of the material being used.

I had the windows in my dodger replaced last winter by a local shop. The charge for my windows and some repairs to my bimini were about $400. This was for Stratoglass 30 mil stuff. Other local quotes for just my window replacement was $600+.

The local shop told me that my bimini was in good shape for 10 years old. I guess I am expecting a total replacement at about 15 years.

I agree with Rick D. that if the expected life of the material is not more than another 5 years or so I would go for the less expensive material. Especially considering the big price difference.

I will say that the Stratoglass is really nice stuff....

 

[Dan Johnson]

Life span...

Part of your decision equation should be the life span left in the dodger itself. If it's relatively new, a higher cost would make sense. If nearing retirement, then the lower cost choice would be more economical.

I faced a similar decision last year: replace the dodger for a big chunk of cash or just the window panels for less than half as much. A couple of more seasons for the lower expense made more sense then. It now needs a new zipper and some stitching (at reasronable costs), but that will make it good for at least another couple of seasons.

Eventually I will have to bite the bullet, but replacing the autopilot in the coming year now seems to be a more critical expenditure than a new dodger.