Shearwater
Well-Known Member
Why does it happen? Are there some better acrylics than others ? Two boats I've just looked at have crazed (crazy?) windows but the third didn't and they were all late -80's build.
crazing in acrylic windows
- Thread starter Shearwater
- Start date
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Are you sure they are all acrylic? Yes it will craze with age and UV exposure. However, polycarbnate which looks superficially the same won't although despite being infinitely stronger is softer and can scrape more easily. However, generally preferred overall for boat windows.
S
Skyva_2
Guest
Replacing the window is a fairly common event for boats of that age.
There are specialst suppliers who will do it if you get the windows out.
There are specialst suppliers who will do it if you get the windows out.
Nigel_Ward
Well-Known Member
http://cool-palimpsest.stanford.edu/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/1996/1253.html
Seems it is due to UV damage.
The one you have seen with less damage could have been covered in winter, be a more uv resitsant colour, or not acrylic at all as Tranona says.
Seems it is due to UV damage.
The one you have seen with less damage could have been covered in winter, be a more uv resitsant colour, or not acrylic at all as Tranona says.
PetiteFleur
Well-Known Member
As said, it's due to UV over the years. It's said that the strength is reduced, however when I replaced some crazed windows some years ago, I thought I would see how strong they were, so put one in a vise and tried to break it - it did eventually break but only with the help of a 3lb club hammer and a lot of effort. I was certainly surprised.
PetiteFleur
Well-Known Member
Quite possibly the 3rd boat you viewed had had the windows replaced recently.
roger
Well-Known Member
The professional advice is always to keep your boat in a cool, fry place in the dark - problem solved.
jfkal
Well-Known Member
Frying only makes it worse /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Shearwater
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
As said, it's due to UV over the years. It's said that the strength is reduced, however when I replaced some crazed windows some years ago, I thought I would see how strong they were, so put one in a vise and tried to break it - it did eventually break but only with the help of a 3lb club hammer and a lot of effort. I was certainly surprised.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you, I was going to ask if it's OK to remove them to replace their seals and to put them back, pending replacement at a later date; it seems they should withstand gentle handling..... and I bet they're not cheap !!
As said, it's due to UV over the years. It's said that the strength is reduced, however when I replaced some crazed windows some years ago, I thought I would see how strong they were, so put one in a vise and tried to break it - it did eventually break but only with the help of a 3lb club hammer and a lot of effort. I was certainly surprised.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you, I was going to ask if it's OK to remove them to replace their seals and to put them back, pending replacement at a later date; it seems they should withstand gentle handling..... and I bet they're not cheap !!
Tranona
Well-Known Member
If you are going to all that trouble, replace them. Any signmaker will cut them out to pattern. Just make your decision on material - polycarbonate is a little more expensive. The biggest hassle with replacing windows is not cost of materials but time and getting them to seal properly.
Scotty_Tradewind
Well-Known Member
uv damage mostly.
I have that problem with my forehatch.
I've been advised that a simple canvas cover left over it when boat is not un use will seriously limit the crazing.
I have that problem with my forehatch.
I've been advised that a simple canvas cover left over it when boat is not un use will seriously limit the crazing.
