Glazing a windscreen; info required please

Becky

Becky

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We have decided to have a stainless steel frame made for a windscreen for Cornish Maid.
Obviously the main reason is protect my hair in strong winds. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif



(That is a joke)

BUT.... what should we use for the window material? It must be reasonably strong to withstand big waves, UV resistant preferably, and capable of being bolted to the inside of the frame.

I would think toughened glass, as used by Northshore on their Vancover Pilots would be very good, but also very expensive. So could we consider another material that would come in less expensive?

What do you guys suggest? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

And where can I order it from? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I would have a chat with the guys at Houdini marine windows. They use most materials, glass, plastic etc, so they might give you some ideas. I've just replaced my Nic 38 windows using them and they were very helpful.
 
No engineering take on this,It has always been my view(sic) that if a window is for looking through as opposed to allowing light in,glass is the best stuff .I will leave it to the experts to specify what glass.
 
If you can seal the edges of the glass well, I'd go for laminated. I assume you only need flat panes? If so, any branch of Autoglass (or the like) should be able to cut you a piece whatever size you like and it shouldn't cost and arm and a leg. Automotive quality Laminated isn't as strong as toughened but if it does break, at least the plastic interlayer will keep the sea out. If you manage to break toughened glass, you'll loose the lot. The edges on laminate need to be sealed because otherwise water will get between the lamiates after a while and it will start to go milky. I guess this structure isn't the only thing between the sea and the inside of the boat? If so, maybe it doesn't matter that much either way. Also, is weight / righting moment an issue? If so, glass is heavy so you might like to consider plastics.
 
When I was working at the RNLI HQ 15 years ago, they used to use 'Makrolon' polycarbonate sheeting for their windows on the offshore lifeboats (more info at www.makrolon.com).
Good stuff, but probably rather expensive.

We have used Lexan (another type of polycarbonate) here for windows, but only found out about a year later that it does not like sunlight, and goes opaque...... if using any polycarbonate make sure you use a type that is U-V resistant.
 
Toughened glass. "Plastic" scratches and laminated starts to delaminate after a few years. Toughened glass is more expensive but most "glass" shops can get it made to size now days in a few days to a week.
 
Have you thought of having your screen double glazed?, does have certain benefits, re: Misting,etc. The guys @ Pilkington asured me that 10mm, with 6mm air Gap, and 8mm Toughned would be enough to stop a 56lb weight from 30metres. Suggested that Laminated would not be as strong. Your local glazing outfit should be able to source it for you...Glass not as expensive as people think.
 
Toughened...

Toughened glass is really the only stuff to use, and isn't prohibitively expensive. Laminated will deteriorate fairly quickly in the marine environment. Double-glazing will drive you mad with internal reflections at night. Plastic will gradually become opaque.
 
I e-mailed the Houdini people and they recommended 6mm toughened glass, so it looks like that is the stuff to use.

Thank you all for your comments

Regards Becky
 
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