Microplus or not, please help

[mikeeve1]

I have bought this boat that is a project for myself however it is missing the front window and I cant find any Microplus boats on the internet with a full front window, the Microplus appear to all have 2 front windows, or do you think it could be another boat?
Thanks in advance
Mike. Here is the link to the original add with photos. https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-vehicles/16ft-micro-plus.-and-trailer.-/1170360496

 

[Tranona]

Not a Microplus. Problem is there were many similar boats knocked out in sheds in the 70's and 80's and as Microplus was one of the popular ones it became a sort of generic name for that type.

Best of luck trying to make a screen for the boat - will probably cost more than you paid for the boat. Boats like that are really not worth the effort of trying to make usable. Better to spend a bit more and get a functioning boat as cheaper in the long run.

 

[prv]

You're obviously not going to find the original article, it's not like buying car parts.

One option might be to glass up the whole opening, making the middle part more or less flat, and then cut out a hole or two and bolt a sheet of polycarbonate over the top. Won't take too much skill to make a functional but butt-ugly version, a bit more care could produce something only a bit ugly.

Alternatively, I guess you could try making a mould and then drape-forming acrylic over it with the aid of a suitable heat source. Will need skill and a fair bit of luck too I suspect.

Pete

 

[Spi D]

...Boats like that are really not worth the effort of trying to make usable. Better to spend a bit more and get a functioning boat as cheaper in the long run.

Indeed. No reason to insist on worries when so many other boats are available. The time and Money spent on a project like this will never justify against something a bit more expensive but in 'just add water' condition.

 

[BruceK]

I'd have to concur yet I restore many old bikes and cars that cost several times what they are worth to do so. A cheap entry into biking / car was not what I was after. To the OP, a cheap entry into water that wasn't but should you wish to proceed then good luck and welcome to the forum

 

[dpb]

I would try making the window out of several layers of polycarbonate sheet that were thin enough to achieve the curve (makrolon or similar) and then figure a way to add a trim around the edges to smarten them up, maybe a rubber C section. I think two or three sheets should do it.

 

[colhel]

Apart from only having one window that looks very much like a microplus to me (the pictures are very small ob Gumtree mind). Could it be a special or home modified I wonder.

 

[prv]

I would try making the window out of several layers of polycarbonate sheet that were thin enough to achieve the curve

Can you bond them together somehow? If not, surely you'll end up with moisture in between, and best case cloudiness, worse case green and black ming.

Pete

 

[maverickofpoole]

Firstly welcome to the forum

Almost certainly not a microplus as none that I know of ever had a curved screen. Probably not a home finish job either as virtually nobody would have gone to the expense of curved windows.

You could take a template to a plastics specialist to get your window formed or maybe your best bet would be to infill the curved sections and have either 1 or 2 flat front windows

Good luck with whatever you choose to do

 

[dpb]

Can you bond them together somehow? If not, surely you'll end up with moisture in between, and best case cloudiness, worse case green and black ming.

Pete

I agree, do it on a warm dry day and use silicone between the sheets along the perimeter. It would probably last a few years before needing doing again to keep up appearances.

 

[Tranona]

I agree, do it on a warm dry day and use silicone between the sheets along the perimeter. It would probably last a few years before needing doing again to keep up appearances.

think that would be a disaster. Silicone simply would not seal - it does not stick to plastic and water would quickly get between the sheets. Originally the perspex would have been bent over a former using heat. Although bending thin perspex might work it probably would not hold the curve. The only sensible suggestion so far is to remake the front end so that two flat panels could be fitted. Lot of work for a boat that is essentially worthless.

 

[CLB]

I'm going to respectfully suggest that this boat is beyond fixing up. I think you will end up spending far more than it's worth. If you paid the asking price of 150, you should be able to get your money back on the trailer and the teleflex steering system. You would of course still need to dispose of the boat. I suspect the previous owner reached the same conclusion and sold it on for peanuts rather than try to deal with the hassle of disposal. Sorry to rain on your parade, but just trying to offer a realistic appraisal.