Warrior35 curved windows

[Newboy6458]

I have inherited a mkII Warrior35 project.
The previous keeper removed the fore cabin windows, the front pair with the big curves.

Any ideas on refitting new ones, currently ashore in the Poole harbour area.

Thanks in advance.

Phil

 

[TradewindSailor]

I don't know the Warrior .... but you should be able to estimate the minimum radius of curvature of the windows, even if you stand on the inside with a piece of string.

Replacing with polycarbonate or acrylic:
You will probably want to use 8mm but check the spec sheet first for minimum curvature info for cold bending. If I remember correctly acrylic can be bent tighter that p-c ...... but you might be able to use a thinner p-c material.

Consider using grey smoked or bronze smoked as it keeps the cabin cooler in summer.

 

[PlankWalker]

The sort of curves required for the Warrior cant be done cold, it needs heating over a former and I cant think of an easy DIY way of doing that. There are companies that can do it but it will cost!

Don't use tinted it will spoil the mark, and keeping cool isn't required in these parts.

P.S. Welcome to the Forum.

Plank

 

[coopec]

Newboy6458

Maybe you can get a few ideas from this site?
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/threads/30224-How-do-you-bend-Lexan-or-polycarbonate OR

this site?

 

[Newboy6458]

Thanks guys.

I understand they were built at Porchester by Trident marine in the late 70's.
Does anyone have any contacts in the area?

Cheers
Phil

 

[alahol2]

Just drop these people an email for a quote. I bought my last windows from them, shaped but not curved. They were easy to deal with, had good prices and I see they do thermoforming. http://www.trentplastics.co.uk/2012/services/info_8.html#Thermo

 

[doug748]

If you have to make the windows from scratch you will need to fabricate a male former corresponding to the outside curve of the 'ole in the cabin top (or the inside depending on fit), and the corresponding inside curve of the frames, if you have them.

You can cobble the former up out of chipboard and stuff. The heated sheet is then drape formed over the jig. The plastic becomes very wobbly so it is easy to do and you can re-heat it and try again if you drop a clanger. A key problem will be finding an oven big enough, you may be able to chat up a friendly baker.

There are a couple of points to watch like drying the plastic first, so mug things up by doing a search on "drape forming thermoplastics" or some such.

For bedding the windows I have heard that there are certain foam type, tape sealants that work exceptionally well but I have no experience myself. No doubt others will advise.