Hi all, Does anyone know of anyone around Sydney that can replace the windows on a sail boat, each side has two 90cm x 20cm, i think perspex windows, that are seriously cracked, so i would like to replace them with shaded perspex, but im hopeing there might be someone out there that can tie up alongside and do the job for me. the boat is located in Five Dock Bay, Sydney.
Thanks ![]()
I am also looking at replacing/repairing crazed hatches, I found this site, but have not followed it up yet though.
boathatches.com.au/
I strongly recommend Michael Bartley at Woolwich marina (not Woolwich dock). I had the perspex windows on my Northshore 33 replaced due to crazing by a shipwright recommended to me and will remain nameless. The job was so bad they looked atrocious and leaked like a sieve. I finally took my boat to Michael who had to remove the windows and seal and affix them properly. The result has been terrific. I should add he also fixed other shoddy work done by the previous un-named shipwright. Since that time he is the only person I trust.
Perspex is no - no to use it.
Only carbonate it's not much more expensive,
also get tinned. Many times stronger and shutter resistant.
"Perspex" is an ambiguous description of a type of plastic. Originally Perspex is/was a brand name for one company's product, the fact that this product became very successful gave rise to nearly every other brand of plastic sheeting being referred to as "Perspex".
There is available a type of modified acrylic sheet that is tougher and more scratch resistant than the standard acrylic sheets, I would assume perfect for boats as it is available in many thicknesses and tints.
Polycarbonate will yellow and haze in about 12 months unless UV resistant types are chosen, furthermore PC also contains BPA (bisphenol-A) a chemical that we are trying to disassociate ourselves from as it is harmful to people . Unfortunately BPA is a key ingredient of PC.
I know what my choice would be.
Do it yourself.
Take old windows out.
Cover with builders plastic.
Take to supplier have cut.
Return and replace.
I did it on my Northshore 33 and whilst it was a pain it was doable.
Plan on 2 hours per window by the time you get old windows off.
Scrape off old sealant.
Prep and replace.
Getting the old sealant off is the worst part!
I did mine under the tuition of the boat yard guys and afterwards they said they probably could have saved some time but not much.
Has anyone successfully replaced the acrylic in Lewmar New Standard Portlights?
The acrylic lens is shaped with lugs that the handles and hinges are glued to. I'm not sure whether the handles/hinges can be reused. From the Lewmar site, it appears replacement lenses come with the handles/hinges glued on. Good way to stop any DIYers I guess?
A couple of decent articles (including sealants):
-www.butlerprojects.com/articles/ports/
- www.diy-wood-boat.com/Porthole.html