Perspex cover for a hatch

[GilesC]

I've been thinking about cutting out a large chunk of the main sliding (slightly curved) hatch, and having a perspex "window" in it. My boat is pretty dark inside and could do with every bit of additional daylight in there it can get - particularly on dull, drizzly afternoons, and the hatch not being of any structural significance seems a likely option to attack.

Has anyone else tried this success, or is this a recipe for disaster?

 

[philmarks]

Not tried, but suggest you get the perspex (lexan?) radiused by a supplier eg Technautic - don't have contact details bu tthey're always int he back of YM or PBO.

 

[Johnjo]

An alternative!
What I have on my boat is perspex set in a frame which we use instead
of the washboards when its raining,
lets in lots of light and you can see what is happening astern.

regards mike

 

[seaesta]

Dont use perspex use polycarbonate. This is very very tough and will not let you down in adverse conditions. Perpex can shatter whilst 12mm thick polycarb is virtually "bullet proof". I replaced an opaque hatch with a polycarbonate one a few years back it is one of the best mods I have made. She is much lighter below. I think that "Lexan" is a USA brand name for polycarbonate but not sure. Some schools and colleges have plastic bending equipement.

 

[wishbone]

Hi I would strongly recommend polycarbonate you can get it from a nationwide company called Amari Plastics, they will cut it for free, they will also know of companies like ourselves that have bending and polishing equipment.

All the best
Wishbone
www.reflect-designs.co.uk

 

[ean_p]

while been 'stronger' isn't polycarbonate much softer and therefore much more likely to scratch.....and that acryilic is adequetly strong for all applications.....??

 

[chippie]

I have done this with the forehatch on my boat.,it made a gloomy cabin into a bright one. The hatchcover had a gentle curve in it, but a flat piece of perspex fitted ok as it was a rectangle and I oriented it longitudinally. A size of about 250mm by
150mm lets in plenty of light .I used perspex (I think) as a friend had some laying around.

 

[Pelican]

I fitted an Astrodome to my hatch a few years ago - gives me lots of light in the cabin, more headroom, all round vision - I have a remote control to my autohelm so can navigate from inside - no need to go out in the cold/wet.
Pelican

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Giles,

Have you considered fitting a couple of deck Prisms, easy to fit, lots of light, no safety issues.

Just a thought.

Soavagoodweekend Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

 

[wishbone]

True! But I have broken 6mm perspex in half when it was below freezing. Ruined a new sign we had made. Check out say ICI’s site they make perspex or check with dealer for data sheet 10mm dose take some breaking but depends on span! Dead weight,

Wishbone

 

[GilesC]

I can guess what you're talking about, but I've never seen one. Can you give me a bit more info on them - I've no idea where to start looking!

Cheers

Giles