Perspex Washboards - any recommendations?

[Humblebee]

Hello all, I am thinking of replacing the wooden washboards on my elderly Westerly. There are plenty of firms on the internet who can cut and shape perspex sheet but I just wondered if anyone had used a particular supplier for the same work? If a firm has previously made washboards their experience might be relevant.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[Poignard]

I bought a piece of 12mm thick for a hatch top from Alda Plastics and I was very pleased with the service and the product.

Boat Hatches, Boat Windows and Marine Products | Alda Plastics, Hampshire, UK

 

[Refueler]

Don't know about UK - but over here Perspex has been ballistic in price due to Covid ... supplies were bought up by shops / businesses etc to screen their cash counters / desks etc.

It still hard to find and when you do - it really makes the wallet scream !

I always wanted to create Perspex washboards for my 25 ... not for all time use - but when on board to allow some light in etc. Thought about blue or smoky brown ...

My 38 has it and I really like it ... but its clear - so needs a draw screen to reduce light in.

Sorry I don't know any suppliers to suggest.

 

[jwilson]

Home - Nu Sign Marine Limited, based in Plymouth Devon in Plymouth made a perfect reproduction for me of a broken 12mm acrylic washboard with accurate curves and cutouts for vent and lock. Not cheap but good work, and fairly quick.

 

[PCUK]

Trent Plastics - no marine nonsense, just good service.

 

[Rappey]

I used 4mm and put a wooden strip either side of the acrylic to take up the slack. Mine are only for when I'm on the boat to keep the rain or cold out.
Dont want to scrap my wooden ones as they are solid teak.

 

[Refueler]

I used 4mm and put a wooden strip either side of the acrylic to take up the slack. Mine are only for when I'm on the boat to keep the rain or cold out.
Dont want to scrap my wooden ones as they are solid teak.

Bit of thread drift .... but another addition I think about - is fly screen material in a frame ... so you get air movement - but no mossies / bugs ...

 

[Plum]

Hello all, I am thinking of replacing the wooden washboards on my elderly Westerly. There are plenty of firms on the internet who can cut and shape perspex sheet but I just wondered if anyone had used a particular supplier for the same work? If a firm has previously made washboards their experience might be relevant.
Thanks,
Chris

Very wise to go for the genuine Perspex brand that has guaranteed UV resistance rather than an unknown grade of acrylic that crazes after 5 years. I got mine (for hatches) from Simply Plastics and it comes with the correct Perspex branded protective film Cut to Size Acrylic (Perspex) Sheet, Polycarbonate, Tube & Rod - Simply Plastics

 

[Laysula]

On my last boatI replaced the cracked perspex washboard with a polycarbonate one. I made it myself by buying a sheet of polycarbonate and cutting it out with a jigsaw. Polished the edges using a file and then wet and dry, making sure to keep the protective covering on until you have finished. If you want a two or three piece one then you can cut the joins with the jigsaw set at an angle.

 

[pioneer]

I recently had 15mm perspex washboards fitted. Changed the configuration from 2 to 3 and had handles fitted on inside as well as a vent with fly screen. Generally happy with them and very glad I reduced their size and have the handles, as they are fairly heavy. If I was doing it again I would reduce the weight by reducing the thickness and build up the edges to fit the slot. I also use the original timber washboards in the winter.

 

[Sea Change]

In the true spirit of PBO, my perspex washboard is made from an old sign that I found in the marina skip. It's about 5mm thick and was dead easy to cut with a circular saw.
In the right light you can still make out the rules for the Portimao swimming pool.

 

[dancrane]

Very wise to go for the genuine Perspex brand that has guaranteed UV resistance rather than an unknown grade of acrylic that crazes after 5 years.

I admit, I ask in complete ignorance - but isn't all Perspex/acrylic/plexiglass prone to eventual scratching/misting or UV discolouring?

I've thought about washboards and concluded that a pane of toughened glass set into a recess in the wood, would be as good a solution.

 

[MoodySabre]

Hadlow Marine - very good to deal with and excellent work.

 

[burgundyben]

Precision Units in Poole are very good.

 

[Plum]

I admit, I ask in complete ignorance - but isn't all Perspex/acrylic/plexiglass prone to eventual scratching/misting or UV discolouring?

I've thought about washboards and concluded that a pane of toughened glass set into a recess in the wood, would be as good a solution.

Eventually yes, the grade depends on 5 or 30 years before they look old

 

[Humblebee]

Thanks all for the helpful suggestions. I'm a bit clearer (pardon the pun) about what to get and where to look for help.
Chris

 

[Humblebee]

One last question, the wooden washboards are 15mm thick but many plastic sheets come in thinner sizes. Would 5mm or 8mm thickness be strong enough?

 

[Gixer]

Another vote for Hadlow Marine

 

[rogerthebodger]

The issue with any perspex is that the thinner it is the easer it is to smash with a hammer.

The electrical cover panels must be made of polycarbonate and are tested by hitting it hard with a hammer but do tent to flex so could be pushed out if not fixed at the edges.

I have 4 different wash boards.

1) wood / ply
2) polycarbonate in a stainless frame bolted so it cannot be flexed put and cannot ne smashed out with a hammer,
3 stainless steel frame with 12mm dis bars to allow ventilation that can be fitted in a bag of mosie mesh to prevent mosies getting in at night
4) some light duty Perspex with a inner frame that pieces of black perspex can b slotted in for privacy

https://flic.kr/p/WM4dUv

https://flic.kr/p/WHVUsU

https://flic.kr/p/WooQuN

 

[Sea Change]

One last question, the wooden washboards are 15mm thick but many plastic sheets come in thinner sizes. Would 5mm or 8mm thickness be strong enough?

Depends on whether you just want it to let extra light in whilst you're aboard, or if it's a proper replacement for your main washboards.
Ours is just a thin sheet, cut to shape. Or rattles about a bit because the slot is much wider, and it has no way of locking it. If we're leaving the boat, we put the wooden boards in and lock up.