Would you "customize" your boat??

NoIllusion

NoIllusion

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27 Nov 2003
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Boat at Bucklers....SWMBO and I in Lymington
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The perspex hatch between cockpit and flybridge on my boat is beginning to "craze" around the edge. I am considering either replacing it (although I expect that to be quite an expensive option) or having the existing one "wrapped" in carbon. Would having it wrapped in carbon be "tasteful" or would it detract from the boats originality???. (Boat is a P42 Fly)

Any thoughts???.........or any other ideas????
 
The hatch is flat isn't it? If so then you can just buy the perspex from a trade supplier and fit in yourself (use the old one as a pattern for colour and holes etc). Make sure its the right grade of perspex though, as I guess it probably has some kind of UV stabiliser. I prefer the perpex hatch so you can see through, though many boats have GRP hatches.

You can also treat perspex with a UV protective polish to make it last longer. I don't know the name of the product though as I used a contractor to do it
 
It's personal choice but I wouldn't do carbon there. Wouldn't look right, just imho. I would think it would detract not add value. Just imho. I would consider:

1. Perspex blank spare part if availalbe from OEM supplier eg Trend
2. Copycat perspex blank ie give to www.sunlightplastics.co.uk near you and ask them to copy
3. White wrap
 
Almost everyone customises their boats in one way or another. Sometimes it's a detrimental thing to do with regard to resale value, other times it can assist a sale. There are many out there that like the carbon look and many that dont. Whilst my Princess 41 perspex hatch is many years older than yours, I have simply replaced the item with standard 10mm perspex. If it crazes in the sunlight, I'll be no worse off than before and I can always do it again.
 
Personally I dont like perspex becasue it crazes and can fail and break.

Poly carbonate such as Lexan or Macrolon looks the same is many many times stronger it is the stuff used for riot shields and bullet proof glass.

It si slightly softer and a little more prone to scratching.

It comes in many colours and thicknesses.

When working protect the surface and cut and work using wood tools at slow speed so no heat, seal in with silicone or a clear or coloured Sika.
 
NoIllusion said:
Would having it wrapped in carbon be "tasteful" or would it detract from the boats originality???
Click to expand...
I'd ratther call it fugly than tasteful, to be completely honest.
Re. the concern on resale value, the hatch as such is neither here nor there, but my first thought, if considering a boat whose hatch was wrapped, would be that the owner probably tried to save also on more important maintenance items.
Don't take this as anything personal, but you asked for views and this is mine. :)
 
NoIllusion said:
The perspex hatch between cockpit and flybridge on my boat is beginning to "craze" around the edge. I am considering either replacing it (although I expect that to be quite an expensive option) or having the existing one "wrapped" in carbon. Would having it wrapped in carbon be "tasteful" or would it detract from the boats originality???. (Boat is a P42 Fly)

Any thoughts???.........or any other ideas????
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input...........I've decided to replace the hatch based on the feedback.

Cheers guys!!
 
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