Changing Acrylic Windows

[jfkal]

The acrylic windows of my Sunshine are heavily crazed. So i intend to make templates get new sets cut and install them myself. Any suggestions on were the pitfalls in DIY are and how to avoid them?

 

[billmacfarlane]

Why don't you try asking same question on Jeanneau owners web site ?

 

[jfkal]

Because it is a generic issue.

 

[vyv_cox]

The main ones that I know - The bolt holes need to have considerable clearance around the bolts, or thermal growth will lead to cracking. The holes need to be drilled well, with a sharp bit, or cracking can result. Don't use solvent based sealants with polycarbonate sheet, it causes massive cracking and the windows will fall out within a few months.

 

[Guest]

When you have drilled the holes, slightly countersink them each side. This helps to cut down significantly on the risk of cracks spreading from the holes. Actually this is a good tip to try if you are drilling and screwing into GRP as well........if you counterbore before putting in a self-tapper it stops the screw flaking the gelcoat.

 

[Guest]

If you can get the same people to make the new ones AND do any drilling - do that. The drill bits, for example, need to have a sharper angle than std drillbits for wood to avoid cracking. Usually, there's a protective film over the perspex from the supplier. Ask if they can keep that on for as long as possible.

You need antistatic cleaner and cloth to finish off.

As for making templates - it will be best to give them the old ones for a single take-off of the measurements so you can go back if they don't fit - otherwise there's two lots of of errors of margin, and your templates may be at fault. But use hardboard/plywood templates praps to board up the holes whilst getting new ones made?

Whilst dismantling, establish if your seals etc would be ok if a bit thicker or thinner in case they can't exactly match the thickness of the perspex (inches v mm) etc.

It may not be too expensive to get a spare made- but depends on how long you plan to keep the boat, and how many years for thr crazing to appear.

 

[bryantee]

Have a look at Hadlow marine windows. <http//pages.euphony.net/j-p/index.html
seem to know what its all about

 

[peterg]

use this.....

as the URL http://www.hadlowmarine.co.uk/ to access their website..

 

[TonyMS]

If you're going to do the cutting and drilling yourself, use polycarbonate rather than acrylic. It is much more forgiving.