tangofour
Well-Known Member
I intend replacing the wrap around skylight and side ports on my Oceanis 390, a major task that I dont want to repeat in future if at all possible. The current material is a 12mm thick perspex or acrylic smoke tinted material. Pretty much standard boaty stuff.
In an attempt to avoid UV surface damage ( hairline crazing )I am considering replacing this with the same thickness material but using clear Lexan. Lexan at that thickness is almost 'bulletproof'. In order to cut down UV, heat and light into the interior of the boat, after some long consultations with several manufacturers, I have decided to use a commercial grade 'window film' applied to the outside of the ports and skylights. ( usually used on acrylic glazing for conservatories )
I see several advantages in this.
1 - Lexan is stronger than Perspex.
2 - The manufacturer 'guarantees' that the film will prevent the traditional surface crazing of the underlying Lexan.
3 - The film is 'sacrificial' and can be replaced after 5 years or so.
Can anyone think of any drawbacks to this approach?
In an attempt to avoid UV surface damage ( hairline crazing )I am considering replacing this with the same thickness material but using clear Lexan. Lexan at that thickness is almost 'bulletproof'. In order to cut down UV, heat and light into the interior of the boat, after some long consultations with several manufacturers, I have decided to use a commercial grade 'window film' applied to the outside of the ports and skylights. ( usually used on acrylic glazing for conservatories )
I see several advantages in this.
1 - Lexan is stronger than Perspex.
2 - The manufacturer 'guarantees' that the film will prevent the traditional surface crazing of the underlying Lexan.
3 - The film is 'sacrificial' and can be replaced after 5 years or so.
Can anyone think of any drawbacks to this approach?
