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Marine Glass????

Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 2:51 pm
by Sabs28
Can "Lexan" be used for boat windows or do I need "Marine Glass"???? :popcorn:

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 10:10 pm
by Chaps
If'n you want to be cool like the cool guys you must use marine glass (whatever that is) :roflmao:

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 10:21 pm
by Gypseas
Thought "lexan" scratches and will look faded in short order

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 6:38 am
by Sabs28

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 8:30 am
by welderbob
lexan is fine for side windows, but don't try and run a windshield wiper on it. It will last long that you think.
welderbob

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 9:27 am
by Sabs28
So where would I find "Marine Grade Glass"?????

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 9:05 am
by skypoke
I chose to use tempered glass for pilothouse. I made patterns in masonite of the glass, went to local glass company and they had the glass cut and tempered. It was surprisingly inexpensive. Your glass supplier has access for rubber extrusions in every imaginable configuration for installation. These can be quite pricey.

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 12:17 pm
by 3f8
Friends don't let friends use plastic. Go Glass! Plastic is just too soft to yield a good long term outcome.

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:23 pm
by ARMOR
Maybe consider Makrolon AR2 by Sheffield Plastics, it is really tough stuff you'll see on tractor cabs and commercial boats. After getting my last quote back for windows and doors I am seriously considering using this stuff on my build....

Speaking of which, anyone ever built their own slider windows? I'd like to keep radius corners and I quite haven't figured out how to do it.

I also would be very interested in seeing a couple door designs if anyone's built their own.

:beer:

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:33 pm
by goatram
The Tempered Glass and Rubber Extrusion is the Better Choice. On my previous build on my Northriver I made my own slider that always Stuck so I converted it to a hinge door.

on the new Boat I used Diamond Seaglaze for both the windows and the slider door. The Work Boat show is coming up in NOV in Seattle. Free and there will be some of the Window Supply Companies there 19 - 21 Marine Expo. A fun Day goofing off for me.

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:37 pm
by ARMOR
DSG has some nice stuff and is pretty much the benchmark. However, they are definitely a premium price as well, especially for the doors. Hence thinking of getting a little creative. Rubber gasket windows are ok until you end up with a window in your lap. The Makrolon is what you'll see on many of the newer commercial fishing boats in AK as a windshield. AR stands for abrasion resistant; the 2 is for two sides. If it is good enough for them it will probably work for me.

:beer:

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2014 1:32 pm
by skypoke
That Makralon sounds good. I have thought about those tempered glass windows in rubber gaskets, having one pop out would be not good at all. If I stay with them I'm going to come up with some sort of clamping arrangement on the inside.

So, is this abrasion resistant plastic tough enough to withstand windshield wipers?

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 9:21 pm
by ARMOR
A couple links for references:

http://www.acplasticsinc.com/techsheets ... lon_AR.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idJGrLcaDlQ

http://articles.sae.org/6797/

The stuff seems pretty tough; just need to make sure to get AR2 (abrasion resistant both sides)

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 2:51 am
by markh2000
The Makralon SR or Lexan scratch resistant material will work fine for your windows. Use 1/4" thick or more, have the window cut 1" wider than your opening all the way around, silicone seal them to your frame, and bolt the Lexan to your frame, 4 to 5" O.C. drill the holes for the bolts a little oversize, as the Lexan materials will expand and contract a little with temperature change.
All aluminum jet boat operators running the big white water here in the Northwest install scratch resistant Lexan in their front windows. Tempered glass will break or blow out. Not a good experience. I have attached some pictures of my boat with Lexan front windows and Lexan top windows. Trust me, these windows have been well tested. You would have a hard time knocking them out with a sledgehammer!
Buy the Pacific Powertrain wiper system or at least the frameless wiper blades, and you will not scratch your windows.
http://pacificpowertraininc.com/product ... ld-wipers/

Over time the Lexan can slightly cloud if left outside in the sun. Window covers while parked outside can prevent this.

Click on the pictures to make them big enough to see better

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 9:24 am
by MacCTD
Wow, those are some good action shots, what happens if you lose power in the river?

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 9:58 am
by markh2000
An engine failure is not very common with our new modern marine engines. Not much more common than your car quitting you out on the freeway...but, they are boats, so,,,**** happens!
For running big whitewater most prefer the redundancy and safety of having two engines(my boat has twin supercharged 6 liter Marine Power engines) in the event of total engine failure, you try to get the boat to shore and tie up to work on it, this is when your glad you have a trolling motor or at least a paddle on board!

Re: Marine Glass????

Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 11:49 am
by Sabs28
MacCTD wrote: what happens if you lose power in the river?
HOLD ON TIGHT. :rotfl: