Foamex: New idea for boad windows. What do you think?

[pprendergast]

Hi Folks, I screwed up on installing a new windscreen, by buying perspex that discoloured and could not be brought back to life. I want to make sure the replacement is not going to lead to the same problem. My boat is only worth aboujt £3500 without the engine though, and so I'm not going to spend a fortune on the windscreen by getting it done professionally with top grade materials etc.

A good boatyard owner on hearing of the issue, has advised me to get FOAMEX windows made by a company that makes signs in my Irish locality (Spectrum signs). The boat-yard guy said they used them recently and they were fine. From the web Foamex seems to be also called Foam PVC and Forex. The web says the product is 'water resistant suitable for display boards, signage and portable display stands..' This is making me a little bit nervous, but the boatyard owner isputable, refrequently revamps large cruisers, and has been in business for 50 years. He also says if I take in the windscreen, the company will cut the new piece for me, which sounds great. HAS ANYONE ANY EXPERIENCE OF THIS PRODUCT? thanks guys.

 

[bigwow]

We used to use Foamex to screen print on and to stick vinyl logo's on. We found it quite brittle and opaque.

 

[rob2]

I don't understand. Foamex is a light foam board with a skin each side. Completely opaque and can be snapped in your hands in its thinner versions. I suspect your boatyard are thinking of something else and using the wrong name!

The only two plastics which will work as a windscreen are acrylic sheet (perspex) or polycarbonate. Acrylic has a harder surface and is quite adequate, whilst polycarbonate is stronger, harder to cut and scratches rather easily. Both wll suffer over the years from UV degradation.

Rob.

 

[alahol2]

Could be talking about this but it only goes up to 3mm thickness?

 

[Boathook]

What about toughened glass? Use the old window as a template.