Replacement Windows - Glass or perspex

[Amp1ng]

Just about to replace all the windows on my Fulmar which are now completely opaque with crazing. I've been advised to use glass by a local marine window specialist on the basis that its tougher than acrylic and doesn't craze with UV. I'm worried about the flexibility needed to assume the shape of the cabin and for movement in the hull and superstructure when underway.

Has anybody else done this or got a view on whether this is the right thing to do. Aparently glass is about the same price as perspex as a replacement material so why didn't Westerly use glass originally?

Thanks all

 

[MrCramp]

I would replace like with like, and would be concerned about flexibility like you are.

 

[lustyd]

local marine window specialist

If you're not going to listen to him then why ask a bunch of random people on the internet? If it's his job then he should know best, if you get him to fit them then it's his problem if they break in the first couple of years which is when they would probably cause a problem anyway.

 

[vyv_cox]

Are the windows in frames or directly bolted to the coach roof? If in frames then toughened glass will perform better, no crazing of course, and always clearer. If they are bolted directly you need to quiz him carefully about how the holes are to be made, curvature applied, etc.

 

[Pye_End]

What windows are they?

 

[seumask]

Fulmar windows on our boat are in frames, so cant see why glass would not work as the rubber setting would accomodate any movement, I would hope. Glass does however usually have more condensation on it I think as it is a better conductor of heat than say perspex IMHO.

 

[xeitosaphil]

so cant see why glass would not work as the rubber setting would accomodate any movement, I would hope.

As part of the refit and upgrade of my Hurley 30 two years ago I too replaced the Perspex windows which were fastened to the outside of the coach roof with bolts, with toughened glass aluminum framed ones.
The windows used were toughened Glass, which the manufacture had manufactured pre- bent to the coach roof camber. The total measurement of the camber of the coach roof, was part of the measurements he required when I filled out the order. Having sent me template material I took templates of the opening for him which he then transferred to computer to make actual templates for manufacture, which included size of glass and aluminum sections to be used. Having sent all the templates back to me for approval, the amount of bend in the coach roof was stipulated and the windows were manufactured for me to fit.
The Hurley 30 has a long window which was pre bent, but the small window to the heads were ok so left straight.
The manufacturer will have a formula to calculate just how much ordinary glass will bend for safety reasons while left in its normal state, and any more than he thinks is outside the safety margin, he will have to get them pre-bent prior to the glass being toughened, but he will know all about that.
I am very pleased with the finished windows and it makes a considerable difference to light and ease of keeping them clean apart from the better aesthetics they give the boat.
I used Houdini windows, not the cheapest, but in my opinion you get what you pay for, and they do have a good reputation, I have used them twice now and have not been disappointed either time.

 

[status]

I replaced my Fulmar windows last year. Found this information invaluable:

http://www.inadee.co.uk/documents/windowprocedure1.pdf

The whole of http://www.inadee.co.uk is useful for Fulmar owners. Much thanks to the site owner, who I know not.

After much consideration I went with polycarbonate for two reasons. The company I work for uses industrial plastics so was able to get a deal from a supplier, and we have a CNC cutter that was able to cut the shapes perfectly!

My frames were quite corroded in places but while they were all stripped I cleaned them up and got them re-anodized at the staggering cost of £30.

The interscrews that hold the frames in are a nightmare, searched everywhere for a supplier but ended up using Trafalgar Yachts.

The worst moment was taking the frames out, all but one came out easily. The reluctant one gave way suddenly, skipped across the deck, ducked the guard wires and was then to be found glittering merily at me from 7 meters under the keel. Cost me several pints in the local dive club.

Stuart

 

[bignick]

The interscrews that hold the frames in are a nightmare, searched everywhere for a supplier but ended up using Trafalgar Yachts.
Stuart

Also known as chicago fasteners, if that assists anyone in finding them.

 

[Happydaze]

I replaced all the windows on our Corsair 8 years ago and chose toughened glass for all the windows except the small ones up front. The small pieces of glass have to be individually hardened and the cost was too excessive. Having said that, the small ones need doing again. John

 

[status]

Also known as chicago fasteners, if that assists anyone in finding them.

Or book screws. Still did not help. They are just an odd size for the Fulmar!

Stuart