Replacement windows
- Thread starter Drock
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went to Isasailor and saw Mac21 windows, don't know if they'll work. I just replaced the windows on my Mac 22 with dark tint lexan I ordered online and cut myself. I used the old windows as templates and increased the size 1 1/4" all the way around. Making them 2 1/2" larger in width and hieght. I also cut the hull to enlarge the actual opening of the window allowing more light in the cabin. It gives the boat a much nicer appearence. Mike Coons
How did you work it?
Hey Mike, what did you use to cut the Lexan, and how (with what) did you smooth the edges?
Hey Mike, what did you use to cut the Lexan, and how (with what) did you smooth the edges?
how about strength?
Mike, I was thinking of doing what you did to my 21, because I wanted larger openings for more light. I ended up just going the IdaSailor route partly because I didn't want to hassle with cutting the lexan myself, but also because I was afraid that by making the holes too much bigger, I would be compromising the strength of the coachroof. I assume you have had no problems in this category? I'll add a plug for the IdaSailor windows in case anybody is interested. I am very pleased with the quality of the workmanship on the windows. They arrived soundly packaged and with the contact paper still on both sides of the acrylic. The edges are beveled just like the originals, and the holes lined up perfectly. If you want to make your own windows so you can choose your own size/shape, more power to you. But if you just want to make your windows look better with minimal hassle, the IdaSailor windows won't disappoint. They are a little expensive, though. You can see a before/after picture here: http://www.mnagy.net/mac21/index.php?categoryid=4&p17_sectionid=4&p17_imageid=27 Drock, if I were you, I'd e-mail Joel at IdaSailor and see if they have or can make you windows to fit your 22. The few times I had a question, Joel was quick to answer, and seemed concerned with making sure I was happy.
Mike, I was thinking of doing what you did to my 21, because I wanted larger openings for more light. I ended up just going the IdaSailor route partly because I didn't want to hassle with cutting the lexan myself, but also because I was afraid that by making the holes too much bigger, I would be compromising the strength of the coachroof. I assume you have had no problems in this category? I'll add a plug for the IdaSailor windows in case anybody is interested. I am very pleased with the quality of the workmanship on the windows. They arrived soundly packaged and with the contact paper still on both sides of the acrylic. The edges are beveled just like the originals, and the holes lined up perfectly. If you want to make your own windows so you can choose your own size/shape, more power to you. But if you just want to make your windows look better with minimal hassle, the IdaSailor windows won't disappoint. They are a little expensive, though. You can see a before/after picture here: http://www.mnagy.net/mac21/index.php?categoryid=4&p17_sectionid=4&p17_imageid=27 Drock, if I were you, I'd e-mail Joel at IdaSailor and see if they have or can make you windows to fit your 22. The few times I had a question, Joel was quick to answer, and seemed concerned with making sure I was happy.
how about strength?
CP-Mike, The larger openings are great and I've had no problems with the structural soundness. Lexan is very strong and I increased the number of screws around the window. It really lights up the cabin and the view from the cabin is awesome. I also didn't like the original opening from the factory. When I first got the boat I thought a previous owner had installed them because the openings were so jagged and not professional looking. I'm not sure if all macs are like this, maybe mine were cut on a Friday after lunch. Mike Coons
CP-Mike, The larger openings are great and I've had no problems with the structural soundness. Lexan is very strong and I increased the number of screws around the window. It really lights up the cabin and the view from the cabin is awesome. I also didn't like the original opening from the factory. When I first got the boat I thought a previous owner had installed them because the openings were so jagged and not professional looking. I'm not sure if all macs are like this, maybe mine were cut on a Friday after lunch. Mike Coons
How did you work it?
Drock, I used a rotozip to cut the lexan and the hull opening. Then for the edges I used a belt sander to get the rough shape and wet sanded it from there. I used a sanding wheel on a dremel to smooth out the fiber glass after I cut the hull. It's a good size job but the results are worth it. Mike Coons
Drock, I used a rotozip to cut the lexan and the hull opening. Then for the edges I used a belt sander to get the rough shape and wet sanded it from there. I used a sanding wheel on a dremel to smooth out the fiber glass after I cut the hull. It's a good size job but the results are worth it. Mike Coons
mine aren't rough
That's interesting that you say your window openings were jagged. I can't imagine them coming from the factory like that. Mine were perfectly shaped. Just the designed size was not to my liking, but I've (almost) gotten over it. Glad to hear that the modded windows are working out for you.
That's interesting that you say your window openings were jagged. I can't imagine them coming from the factory like that. Mine were perfectly shaped. Just the designed size was not to my liking, but I've (almost) gotten over it. Glad to hear that the modded windows are working out for you.
How many hours is this job? please.
Can someone give me an idea how long the removal and replacement of the windows took? more than 4 hrs? thanks!
Can someone give me an idea how long the removal and replacement of the windows took? more than 4 hrs? thanks!
how many hours for what?
Are you trying to fabricate your own windows out of Lexan/acrylic, or are you using the IdaSailor windows? When I replaced the windows on my 21 with IdaSailor windows, it took me probably 8 hours. Removing the old windows and the old nastified sealant was a huge pain in the rear. I finally found that gasoline on a rag takes off cured silicone relatively easily. But you still need to use a putty knife to scrape the old stuff off. After that it's fairly straightforward. If you work quickly and/or have a helper, it could be done in about four or five hours, I'd imagine. If you want to make your own windows, I have no idea how long it'd take, but I imagine it'd be considerably longer than four hours to make new windows, remove the old ones, and apply the new ones.
Are you trying to fabricate your own windows out of Lexan/acrylic, or are you using the IdaSailor windows? When I replaced the windows on my 21 with IdaSailor windows, it took me probably 8 hours. Removing the old windows and the old nastified sealant was a huge pain in the rear. I finally found that gasoline on a rag takes off cured silicone relatively easily. But you still need to use a putty knife to scrape the old stuff off. After that it's fairly straightforward. If you work quickly and/or have a helper, it could be done in about four or five hours, I'd imagine. If you want to make your own windows, I have no idea how long it'd take, but I imagine it'd be considerably longer than four hours to make new windows, remove the old ones, and apply the new ones.
THANX!
No, I'd buy vs make.... but 2 hrs per window, still seems like too much work for me.. (and it doesnt make the boat go any faster LoL) just wanted to know how hard the removal of the 5200 and/or silicone took. thanks!
No, I'd buy vs make.... but 2 hrs per window, still seems like too much work for me.. (and it doesnt make the boat go any faster LoL) just wanted to know how hard the removal of the 5200 and/or silicone took. thanks!
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