Replacing the windows -what about the hatches?

[peter2407]

I am looking at replacing the crazed windows on the boat. The two hatches (Lewmar) are also crazed. What are thoughts on their replacement - buy new hatches or replace the perspex from the same perspex/acrylic or whatever supplier?

 

[GrahamM376]

I am looking at replacing the crazed windows on the boat. The two hatches (Lewmar) are also crazed. What are thoughts on their replacement - buy new hatches or replace the perspex from the same perspex/acrylic or whatever supplier?

Replacing perspex on Lewmar Rollstop is very easy but haven't done other models. Just run a Stanley knife around the frame and push the old out. Use as template for cutting and bed the new one (take lid off the frame) with Arbo 1096 and leave with weight on for a couple of days. Seaclear Windows have new seal rubbers if you need them but they're a pain to replace.

 

[peter2407]

Thanks Graham

 

[VicS]

Seaclear ( Maidstone) mentioned.

Other names

Hadlow marine ... between Maidstone and Tonbridge

Eagle boat windows ... "up north"

also

Project Plastics in Colchester

Sunlight plastics in Waterlooville

for supplying material or cutting etc new windows

 

[ip485]

Just done mine which were a little crazed with some trepidation - but all well.

Some tricks I learnt;

A new Stanley blade helps cutting through the sealant, having carefully removed the rubber first,

Keep the old Perspex, its the perfect template,

Place the new lens in the frame and tape around the border of the frame on the underside,

Repeat taping on the top doing both the frame and perspex so only the sealand bead is left,

On mine at least (and this is really important, when you offer the perspex to the frame you end up with a few mm of perspex all the way around that buts onto the frame underneath - if you allow the sealant over the border it looks really messy unless it is even. I sprayed a black edge around the perspex first which gives a really professional result and of course is on the inside so protected from weathering.

Finally of course make sure the perspex is the correct thickness or you will end up with a ridge or crater (which collects water).

For the final tidying up I found black or grey bumper spray results in the hardware looking new if it has faded a little.

(sus Acrylic for Perspex as you wish).

PS - reckon on about £60 for the cut material for a large hatch, a few quid for the sealant and paint (if used) so a lot cheaper than replacing, the result is perfect, and the whole process takes maybe an hour per hatch - mine are Lewmar.