DreamyLady
Member
Does anyone have a source of information recommending minimum thickness of Acrylic and Polycarbonate sheet for given area or maximum dimension of windows?
Window thickness
- Thread starter DreamyLady
- Start date
Abigail
New member
Not exactly as you've asked for it - but when we replaced our windows we talked to our surveyor. Initially, given smaller windows (non-opening) we trialled 6mm, but soon decided that this was too thin to feel really confident. Not least a bit brittle when putting pressure on with the interlock screws - which is rather less than a load of green stuff hitting it hard.
So installed 12mm andand feel v comfortable with that. HTH
So installed 12mm andand feel v comfortable with that. HTH
LORDNELSON
New member
The acrylic windows in our boat's doghouse are (as near as I can measure them) 10mm thick and seem pretty strong.
paulrossall
New member
I have a Macwester 30 with large windows. I replaced the acrylic last year and was going to use 10mm but the chap only had 12mm so we used that. The external edges of the window were bevelled so they do not look too thick from outside. I would use 12mm again on any other boat.
tcm
...
Re: Windows and thickness
I wd ask how much extra for any obvious edges that you can easily see through the glass (ie where the retaining material doesn't mask a view of the edges) to be polished - otherwise it all looks a bit retrofitted and even DIY, imho.
10mm sounds pretty decent stuff - note that the stuff is hopeless at transmitting heat so the thicker you getit it the faster it may suffer from differential heating between two faces and start deteriorating/crazing. You could get canvas window covers with poppers for when you leave the boat a while to prevent this further. Test the high heat theory by putting any pseudo-glass tumbler in a dishwasher...
I wd ask how much extra for any obvious edges that you can easily see through the glass (ie where the retaining material doesn't mask a view of the edges) to be polished - otherwise it all looks a bit retrofitted and even DIY, imho.
10mm sounds pretty decent stuff - note that the stuff is hopeless at transmitting heat so the thicker you getit it the faster it may suffer from differential heating between two faces and start deteriorating/crazing. You could get canvas window covers with poppers for when you leave the boat a while to prevent this further. Test the high heat theory by putting any pseudo-glass tumbler in a dishwasher...
boatmike
Well-known member
There are standards set for commercial vessels but they vary.
There are no definitive standards for small private yachts.
If you tell me the dimensions of the windows, their location on the boat, type of boat and intended sailing (coastal, blue water etc) I will be able to advise based on commercial standards which I have on file. First decide Acrylic or Polycarb though.
The usual choice is Acrylic as Polycarb is very expensive. You also need to buy Polycarb with a toughened surface to avoid scratches.
PM me details.
There are no definitive standards for small private yachts.
If you tell me the dimensions of the windows, their location on the boat, type of boat and intended sailing (coastal, blue water etc) I will be able to advise based on commercial standards which I have on file. First decide Acrylic or Polycarb though.
The usual choice is Acrylic as Polycarb is very expensive. You also need to buy Polycarb with a toughened surface to avoid scratches.
PM me details.
richardandtracy
New member
Yes.
Regards,
Richard.
Oh, you want the info too..
This is taken from Bruce Robers (the designer of my boat) for acrylic windows:-
Measure minimum dimension of window (may be width or height - never mind, just measure it) If the dimension is
Less than 24", thickness = 1.8" (3.2mm)
Less than 36", t = 3/16" (5mm)
Less than 48", t = 1/4" (6mm)
Less than 60", t = 3/8" (10mm)
Less than 72", t = 1/2" (13mm)
However, I'd never use less than 6mm, and if it could be stood on, make it 12/13mm anyway.
Regards,
Richard.
Oh, you want the info too..
This is taken from Bruce Robers (the designer of my boat) for acrylic windows:-
Measure minimum dimension of window (may be width or height - never mind, just measure it) If the dimension is
Less than 24", thickness = 1.8" (3.2mm)
Less than 36", t = 3/16" (5mm)
Less than 48", t = 1/4" (6mm)
Less than 60", t = 3/8" (10mm)
Less than 72", t = 1/2" (13mm)
However, I'd never use less than 6mm, and if it could be stood on, make it 12/13mm anyway.
