Yet another window question...

[skipper681]

I am replacing the plastic windows and I'm doing away with the rubbers, I need to buy some stainless steel bolts and nuts, problem is I don't know what size to get. The Acrylic is 5mm and the cabin is about 6mm, so that is the length sorted, I don't know what width I need or how many, it's a 19ft Hurley with four windows.

Ebay links most welcome

 

[alan17]

I would use 5mm socket pan head screws spaced every 4 inches. Do not over tighten and do not use counter sunk screws. These would most likely lead to cracks developing.

 

[skipper681]

what about these, they're just bolts and no nuts http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A2-STAINL...ixing_MJ&var=410282053737&hash=item19e8f9df28

 

[Tranona]

6mm is rather too big for this job. 4 or 5mm is adequate. You need a nut for inside. Remember to drill clearance holes and use butyl tape to seal.

 

[skipper681]

6mm is rather too big for this job. 4 or 5mm is adequate. You need a nut for inside. Remember to drill clearance holes and use butyl tape to seal.

Thanks Tranona,

 

[Poignard]

I think 4mm is fine.

My windows are Perspex set into rebates in the mahogany coachroof. They are kept in position by s/s bezels on the outside.

Originally these bezels were secured with #6 woodscrews, and bad splits developed in way of these, where the grain is short. Having repaired these splits I will through bolt instead of using wodscrews (as suggested by several helpful forum members). 4mm countersunk machine screws fit the screwholes in the bezels perfectly so that's the size I will use, with dome nuts inside. There are 12 screws on each window. The windows are approx 14" x 7".

Henry Royce (of Rolls-Royce) said it was much better to use many small fastenings than a few big ones. I think that makes sense.

 

[Fantasie 19]

6mm is rather too big for this job. 4 or 5mm is adequate. You need a nut for inside. Remember to drill clearance holes and use butyl tape to seal.

+1 exactly....

 

[rob2]

A line of nuts inside does look a bit Goth - like a studded collar...! If you want a more pleasing finish inside, you could make a simple wooden frame around the window aperture, then you can simply screw through into it. Ideally, each screw should have a nylon washer under its head, the hole should be larger than normal clearance to allow for the thermal expansion of the acrylic, and a second washer between the acrylic and the cabin side to prevent too much mastic being squeezed out. The idea is that the screws are clamping the materials together, but not locating them as that creates point loading and stress raisers.

Rob.

 

[alahol2]

I am replacing the plastic windows and I'm doing away with the rubbers, I need to buy some stainless steel bolts and nuts, problem is I don't know what size to get. The Acrylic is 5mm and the cabin is about 6mm, so that is the length sorted, I don't know what width I need or how many, it's a 19ft Hurley with four windows.

Ebay links most welcome

This just about covers what has been said above... http://www.troppo.co.uk/odds/Flying%20Fox%20Windows.pdf