Extruded or cast acrylic for wheelhouse window

[C08]

My Polycarbonate window is unusable after only 3 years due presumably to UV degradation (never used anything other than water to clean) so I need to fit a new window. The side windows are acrylic and are as clear as day so the new front window will be acrylic also. Any experiences as to whether cast or extruded acrylic sheet is best to go for on the grounds of ease of sawing to shape without cracking?

 

[Plum]

My Polycarbonate window is unusable after only 3 years due presumably to UV degradation (never used anything other than water to clean) so I need to fit a new window. The side windows are acrylic and are as clear as day so the new front window will be acrylic also. Any experiences as to whether cast or extruded acrylic sheet is best to go for on the grounds of ease of sawing to shape without cracking?

When i replaced the acrylic in my hatches i used cast acrylic and although only 2 years old are still in perfect condition. I drilled holes for the catches with no problem although i had them cut to size with radiussed corners from https://www.simplyplastics.com

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[danstanford]

Cast has no stress and so will not be as likely to develop cracks later. You can get scratch resistant coatings as well but if you want less than a sheet you will need to shop around.

 

[UK-WOOZY]

Hadlow Marine made my 3 windows for a jeanneau sundream. front window is 12mm and it curved fine when bolted to the GRP/frame. Made from perspex cast acrylic. I paid £670 for all the bolts, tape, windows. Myself and a friend fitted them

 

[LittleSister]

Do I recall correctly that someone on a previous similar thread said they got safety or toughened glass windows for little more than the cost of plastic?

 

[C08]

Do I recall correctly that someone on a previous similar thread said they got safety or toughened glass windows for little more than the cost of plastic?[/QUOTE

Glass would be nice as I could then have a wiper but a window in glass 1600mmx700mm I think would be more than the £80 cost for 6mm Cast Acrylic. Also the little problem of drilling holes ( I have a few holes to locate it and then stick in the window with CT1).

 

[Rum Run]

Do I recall correctly that someone on a previous similar thread said they got safety or toughened glass windows for little more than the cost of plastic?[/QUOTE

Glass would be nice as I could then have a wiper but a window in glass 1600mmx700mm I think would be more than the £80 cost for 6mm Cast Acrylic. Also the little problem of drilling holes ( I have a few holes to locate it and then stick in the window with CT1).

It is possible to get toughened glass panels with holes in: they are diamond drilled after toughening afaik. I've had a panel 250mm square done with four 12mm dia holes and one 45mm diameter

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes, I have replaced the perspex windscreens on my motorsailer with 4 mm toughened glass. Holes, shape etc are no problem within some limits, e.g no holes less than the glass thickness. Mine have two 10 mm holes for wiper shafts. Supplier was VGC (Vehicle glass company) I sent a diagram done on PowerPoint, screens were parallellograms. Supplied with primer and adhesive. Very happy with them.

 

[C08]

Yes, I have replaced the perspex windscreens on my motorsailer with 4 mm toughened glass. Holes, shape etc are no problem within some limits, e.g no holes less than the glass thickness. Mine have two 10 mm holes for wiper shafts. Supplier was VGC (Vehicle glass company) I sent a diagram done on PowerPoint, screens were parallellograms. Supplied with primer and adhesive. Very happy with them.

That is interesting but now ordered Cast Acrylic. I asked the advice of the dealer whether cast or extruded was best and they thought that although Plexiglas (Extr) gave a longer guarantee against yellowing they thought the cast sheet was more resistant to the marine environment. They sold both and were not upselling as the cast acrylic was cheaper. Just a thought.
Thanks for the VGC link as I have a cracked window that they look to be ideal for supply., if and when it spreads.