boat windscreen replace ?

[emuparkpete]

Hi, can anyone suggest replacement materials for my old boat windows.
The current ones are faded/scratched purplish perspex with black aluminium channel surrounds.
I was wondering how Lexan (polycarbonate) would go and would like to get some new channel from somewhere.
Any help would be gr8.:)

[snelly1971]

I dont know how new the product is ...but i am pretty sure it is poly carb 500 or something like that...great stuff...but wash the salt off before cleaning the windows as it will eventually scratch.....They are making all new trailer boats here in Tassie fit this instead of Glass for Survey Requirements. You can purchase it from Plastic Fab in Hobart Tas...Cheers Mick

[zigfreed]

Snelly

Try Capral Aluminum for your window surround section, they make a lot of standard aluminum extrusions that are used by boat builders.

Sorry mate cant help you on the polycarbonate thing.

Zig

[snelly1971]

Better re-read the post Zig...it was emuparkpete who wanted help..cheers

[zigfreed]

Apoligies to the both of you, quick time out during work and did'nt read it properly.


cheers


Zig

[ozscott]

I think I used Lexan in a previous boat years ago. It was the same stuff that they used in the prisons. It was ab about 3mm thick and very strong. The trouble was that unless it was perfectly clean of salt it would scratch like a bastard.

Cheers

[snelly1971]

Yep Ozscott....lexan is great but this new poly carb 500 ??/ is its new replacement..dont really know how much / if better...it is.

[emuparkpete]

Thanks a bunch lads, going into Rocky plastics with old screens to get a quote, they say they have some dark/smokey or clear Lexan and will cut to shape.
Still havent had any luck with the surrounds though - waiting on an email from Capral - ta guys, Pete.

[BM]

Polycarbonate is a lot more expensive than acrylic.

An 8x4 of tinted acrylic (4.5mm, standard windscreen thickness) is about $180 retail.

An equivalent 8x4 of polycarb, including the UV coating (which breaks down) and the scratch resistant coating (which isn't) is about $300.

Acrylic is the go presently.

Cheers
Cheers

[snelly1971]

Dont be fooled ....Lexan scratches very easily as well....and the tinted lexan goes smokey after a few years....