Crazed Plastic Windows

[MatthewCoyne]

Crazed Plastic Windows

Hi all,
Have just removed the cabin windows from my Quarter Tonner as one was split, the other one crazed.
My question is what do I replace them with and where can I get them from. Are they perspex ? polycarbonate ? acrylic ?
What is de rigeur material for yacht windows ? They are 1/4" thick by about 2' x 9".
Oh, by the way, they have a blue tint also. Anyone recommend a supplier in the Portsmouth / South East area ?
Kind regards,
Matt.

 

[VicS]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

Two suggestions I have for the portsmouth area

Sunlight Plastics in Waterlooville, www.sunlightplastics.co.uk

Talking Plastics in Horndean. www.talkingplastics.com

Both advertise in PBO every month and should be able to supply the blue tinted stuff.
Acrylic or polycarbonate is a choice for you to make (Perspex is a registered name for acrylic, or polymethylmethacrylate to give it its full name). Polycarbonate is shatterproof, hence its use for riot shields, but is a bit softer and therefore more easily scratched than acrylic. Neither is immune to the effects of UV light and both can be damaged by solvents although I believe polycarbonate is the more susceptible to that.

I'd guess from the fact that one of yours is split that it is probably acrylic.

 

[neil_s]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

I just got mine from Sunlight plastics. They did a good job, and quick, too, if you need it.

Neil

 

[VicS]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

[ QUOTE ]
got mine from Sunlight plastics

[/ QUOTE ] That was quick. it only sems afew days ago that you were asking the same question your self.

I'll be down to watch you fit them!

BTW I did not get a newsletter or tidetable any idea why.

 

[leadersail]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

I would steer clear of acrylic, it will yellow and turn brittle after a couple of years.

Polycarbonate should last ten years before it crazes and even then remains serviceable.

 

[VicS]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

[ QUOTE ]
I would steer clear of acrylic, it will yellow and turn brittle after a couple of years.

Polycarbonate should last ten years before it crazes and even then remains serviceable

[/ QUOTE ]

Well my acrylic windows lasted over 20 years although to be fair they might well have been replaced a bit earlier. Certainly not within 10 years though. I would not know if they turned yellow as they had a smokey brown tint but it would not look too good if colourless stuff turned yellow.

 

[William_H]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

Here in Oz if you keep a boat for any lenght of time you find perspex windows are another consumable. My first lasted about 12 years and now the replacements are starting to show craing after a similar period.. It is not a huge expense so just replace them. Just don't tighten the screws too much and drill slightly oversized holes.. olewill

 

[roly_voya]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

The ideal stuff is solid polycarbonate, any plastics supplier will sell it by the sheet but its not cheap. Reletively easy to cut with a jig saw and to trim with a router but you need to eithe run power tools slowly or flood the sheet with water to cool it othrwise the swafe melts and refuses behind the saw! Obviosly don't go poring water on your 240v jigsaw, you need air tools to go this route.

 

[MatthewCoyne]

Re: Crazed Plastic Windows

Many thanks to all the replies. Much appreciated. Have gone the acrylic route, with a blue tint. Reasons why are it is more UV stable, second (main)reason is cost , third reason he had it in stock...
I went from the recommendations of a marine window chap in Reading, BERKS. VERY helpful.
Thanks all.