Hatch coveres

ip485

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Firstly, I was trying to think of a good reason for not using laminated glass in hatch covers - they would never suffer UV damage - but I am sure there must be a good reason.

Secondly, anyone have any good recommendations for companies that replace the perspex and their turn around times not wanting to have the hatches off for too long.

.. .. and on which subject - acrylic, perspex and some other material?
 

30boat

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Laminated glass is not very strong.Tempered glass on the other hand is.I have UV resistant perspex in my windows and forehatch and they're still good after 13 years.
 

Tranona

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The two normal alternatives are acrylic or polycarbonate - the latter is stronger but softer surface. With hatches you need to find out the maker as you may find the acrylic is available with gaskets to do a direct replacement. There are also companies that specialise in this type of work such as Eagle Windows and Hadlow Marine who will rebuild. With some designs it is a DIY job and you can buy the material from the same people or the acrylic/polycarbonate from a wide range of sources such as sign makers who will cut to size to your pattern.
 

rjp

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I used 6mm laminated glass to replace the main windows on my wooden boat about 10 years ago. I'm now seeing a gradual clouding advancing from the edges, so far only about 12mm or so, obviously due to moisture ingress into the laminate. I'm not too disappointed, but next time I would probably replace with acrylic.
 

homa

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I don't have experience with laminated glass on small boats, but quite a bit with my job on commercial ships.
We use laminated glass on all windows (passenger ship).
The glass is sensitive to changes in temperature and if it does not fit the frame properly is likely to shatter with quite explosive results ! Have had a number of large windows break in the wheelhouse over the years. Mostly down to poor fitting of the glass. We do have a couple of glass windows in the wheelhouse floor, but no navigating officer has the confidence to stand on them after witnessing how other windows have broken !
We also have a couple of windows that have clouded at the edges (3yr old vessel)
I believe perspex or other plastic composite window material to be more tolerant material for a small boat.
 

shan

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I am dealing with Hadlow Marine at the moment. They are sending me some tinted acrylic samples. I will let you know how it goes.
 

xeitosaphil

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I am dealing with Hadlow Marine at the moment. They are sending me some tinted acrylic samples. I will let you know how it goes.

I had Hadlow Marine replace my forward hatch 10mm perpex, sent the old one off for a pattern and also had them router a ventilator aperture for one of there circular ventilators.
They supplied all the necessary bits, Glassing tape, and liquid rubber sealant for the outside + new ventilator + advised how to fix it myself. I found them very helpful and good on price and delivery.

Four years on, hatch is still clear Blue tinted but I have had made a cover to protect it from UV. I believe they do Bronze tinted or Grey I think I had the last of the Blue?

No connection with company just a satisfied customer.
 

xeitosaphil

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Firstly, I was trying to think of a good reason for not using laminated glass in hatch covers - they would never suffer UV damage - but I am sure there must be a good reason.

Secondly, anyone have any good recommendations for companies that replace the perspex and their turn around times not wanting to have the hatches off for too long.

.. .. and on which subject - acrylic, perspex and some other material?

It could be that hatch covers if of the fore deck sort can be quite large?I think I am correct in thinking that Laminated glass usually uses ordinary glass which is boned to a membrane in the middle section. If it breaks it could be possible to get a shard/sliver under foot which might not be acceptable. The theory is that the middle membrane holds the whole section together as a whole, but you still get small bits that fall of when it breaks.
Toughened glass is ok unless it shatters but then you would end up with a socking great hole with loads of chips like a car wind screen, which could prove catastrophic in a big sea.
Perpex does suffer from UV but is more rigid and able to take some weight, polycarbonate is soft and not sure it could take the weight of foot traffic?

Only my opinion of course
 
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