While we're on the subject of windows..

[SvenglishTommy]

While we\'re on the subject of windows..

My boat has perspex (I think) tinted windows which are pretty old and scratched, not to mention ugly as hell. The boat has two holes on each side, but they are covered with only one piece of perspex, which gives it that horrible 70s look.

I would love to replace them with aluminium framed glass windows, but the cost is way too much for me to consider, especially as it is mainly for aesthetic reasons. I was thinking about replacing them with seperate clear perspex windows over each hole, so my first question is what kind of perspex, and what thickness is generally used for marine windows, any links to suppliers would be much appreciated. I've seen some on ebay but not sure if it's up to the job.

Secondly I was thinking I may be able to get a similar appearance to real framed windows by getting a nice finish on the edges with a router, and maybe painting on a border using some kind of matalic paint. Has anyone done anything like this before, or see any problems with the idea?

 

[Evadne]

Re: While we\'re on the subject of windows..

I have seen a very nice job done where someone laminated wood frames around the edges on a Liz 29. I'll try and dig out the picture and post it.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Re: While we\'re on the subject of windows..

G'day Tom,

6 or 10mm Lexan is very strong and can be edged with a router for a nice finish, to get a framed look, add aluminium angle 12 mm x 12 mm is cheap, just cut one side down to the Lexan thickness less a mm or two and apply a PU caulking compound; or check out your local pinstriper, they have some nice tape that sticks very well and it's easy to apply.

Hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[SvenglishTommy]

Re: While we\'re on the subject of windows..

That's a good idea, I didn't think of laminating or using aluminium angle. The windows have very round edges, they're almost oval in shape, would the aluminium be easy enough to bend into shape? I'm not very experienced at working with metal.

 

[aztec]

Re: While we\'re on the subject of windows..

this is simmilar to what i have just done.

i had 16mm thick mahogany sides to my cabin, so ordered 16mm sealed unit panels to fit.

the "frames" are shaped mahogany strips 40mm by 15mm, routed along the sides, the corner pieces are shaped and trimmed to suit forming a continuous frame around each side. this holds the glass and looks very nice, certainly in keeping with the style of the boat.

the same should work with a thinner cabin side (grp single skin).

another alternative would be to use aluminium or stainless "frames" that are then bolted through the cabin sides.

hope this helps.

steve.

 

[seumask]

Re: While we\'re on the subject of windows..

Or you could do what the previous owner on my boat did fit the perspex replacement and carefully paint on the silver frames, looks just the same from 10 meters and easier than the above.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

Re: While we\'re on the subject of windows..

That was my original plan, and I think it would be a lot easier than aztec's method, which sounds a bit complicated for my abilities. I do like the idea of the aluminium angle though, as long as it can be bent easily.

Nice to hear that it has been done before, and that results look good. Do you have any pics seumask?