plastic window fabric for sprayhood

[nicholat]

I've recently replaced some of the window material on our cockpit canopy using the Taiwan 30 thou plastic from Kayospruce. Unfortunately, although the plastic is clear, it has quite a bit of distortion, which is fine for the side and back windows as we don't sail with these on, but not so good for the sprayhood windows which remains up most of the time when we're sailing.

Kayospruce told me they've stopped selling the Crystal View product and Stratoglass is stratospheric in price, so I was wondering if anyone can recommend any other window fabric available in the UK that doesn't have too much distortion for a reasonable price.

Thanks in advance,
Nichola

 

[earlybird]

I've bought from Hawke House Marine in the past. They stock two thickness grades IIRC, seems good quality with good service.

 

[srm]

I renewed plastic in my sprayhood early 2010 with plastic from Point North (http://www.profabrics.co.uk/) - don't know the brand but used the thicker of their two materials. Obviously, not as good as glass but it's acceptable for a sprayhood.

 

[John thomas]

but what is the material PVC or is there other material better than pvc??

 

[duncan99210]

I renewed plastic in my sprayhood early 2010 with plastic from Point North (http://www.profabrics.co.uk/) - don't know the brand but used the thicker of their two materials. Obviously, not as good as glass but it's acceptable for a sprayhood.

+1 we used their thinner grade stuff for the window in our new bimini. Not glass like but fine for the purpose. And not ruinously expensive either.

 

[John thomas]

but what is the material????? PVC, Polyester Polyetheleyne????????

 

[duncan99210]

Smells like pvc but couldn't guarantee it. Anyhow, what does it matter if it does the job?

 

[John thomas]

just to know what to ask for!

 

[ip485]

Hawke House +1 used both thicknesses and has proved very good quality. No perfect distortion free clarity but pretty good, and not seen any better in a flexible material. Stratroglass is not flexible and difficult to use anyway.

 

[PlankWalker]

I got mine from Hawk House, got the thinner stuff as it's easier to pass the spray hood under the arm of the sewing machine, done one and a half seasons now and no problem with its clarity.

Plank

 

[seumask]

I have used the clear stuff from Points north and after 2 seasons is still good and clear, easy to work with , however I suspect the dsitortions will depend on the skills of the canvas maker and the ability to create a design with good tension in all direction of the fabric/ window.