Re-Glazing deck hatches?

[swanny]

I have three original deck hatches on my Contest 36k which are badly crazed. I cannot find any new hatches that would be a like for like fit for the apetures. Odd sizes - 520 x 510. I would need to fit a wooden plinth I believe but I just don't like the look of those. My question is has anyone any experience fo re-glazing deck hatches? There is company in the states online that offer this service but I can't find anything over here. Any ideas?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

There's a UK company too... can't remember the name, but sure someone will..

 

[Flossdog]

Try Eagle Boat Windows.
www.eagleboatwindows.co.uk

 

[MM5AHO]

I did my own this winter. There are a few suppliers like below, and easily cut with a jigsaw to suit. Appears to be like a new one now.

http://www.365plastics.com/acatalog/Products.html?gclid=COKSlL_-_Y8CFQ2wQwodOmBlLg

http://www.polycool.co.uk/?kw=polycarbonate&fl=151878&gclid=CPyppMj-_Y8CFQHdlAodXjioFA

http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/erol.html#1X0

 

[rwoofer]

I used someone in Chandlers Ford who does this as a bit of sideline businesss. If this is convenient then I can try and find their details. Took about 2 weeks and charged about £100 for that size of hatch.

 

[FAITIRA]

Are you a DIYer?. I did my own in my Nic 32 in Coruna 2 yrs ago, 2 hatches plus the 2 forward facing windows. Not as difficult as I thought it would be, I would say I did the four, cost about €150 for the acrylic, cut to shape, which I think is adequate and weathers better than Lexan, which is very uv and scratch sensative, cut out the old acrilic with a stanley type knife, clean v, very carefully, acetone, if you decide to do it yourself I will look up the sealant I used, it was very good. Mask off well, don,t take the film off the acylic, just enough to expose the rim that has to "see" the sealant. It,s not difficult.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Do the major window manufacturers use straight acrylic, tinted in my case? My concern is that hatches have to take weight and shock loads - waves crashing in etc. My present hatch windows have a lot of "give" in them - presumably this is a design feature, so I'd like to retain this when re-windowing.

I'm only have to do this 'cos the present windows have crazed so badly. For a few quid more is there a spec of plastic that is less prone to this defect?

Thanks for any help you can give.

PWG

 

[FAITIRA]

The acrylic I used was 10mm and there is no flex/give, I don,t think its designed to flex, just cheaper!!! not as strong as lexan but I am perfectly happy and lexan has it,s drawbacks, I have used it before on the last boat. I would specify uv resistant when you buy the material, though I think the modern stuff is anyway. My old ones were nearly 30yrs old. Bill.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Check out your local sign writer, they do a lot of this type of work here and for a lot less than manufacturers and chandler too.

Avagoodweekend......