Windows plexi/lexan

[CEShawn]

So for those of us who are not as lucky to have framed windows...

Seen both and now I think I'm getting a little confused. I thought Lexan was better. Also I've seen some of these with a light tint and I have a few those are slick just wondering where those came from...

 

[plowin]

Plexi is not as impact resistant as lexan. Lexan is more impact resistant but is easier to scratch. The benefit to both of these window styles is that they are simple to change should you need to. I do not know anything about tinting them. Generally most guys are using lexan over plexi.

 

[atlanticblue]

All of mine besides the fronts must be tinted plexi, real flexible and scratched like a mofo. Will replace with glass. Someday!!!!!!

 

[CEShawn]

Someday is the name of my brothers boat. My front windows I really like sides new ASAP. Maybe tomorrow which could fall under someday.

 

[atlanticblue]

I hear you! First things first. If replace my windows I will probably lift the roof and build new sides for the house, I hope next year!!!!

 

[Prdlobster]

We use Lexan with Margard coating on our offshore lobster boats. I believe it comes in 3 tints...clear, grey and greylite. The darkest of the tints is almost too dark because you can't see colors of running lights etc from a distance when looking out them.

 

[petrel]

Lexan is what you need. It will get scratched up over time, but it will take a sea. Keep 'em waxed. Rain X will ruin them.

 

[steveinak]

Shawn i'm sort of in the same boat as you with needing to get windows for the split house, i asked at the local plastic/fiberglass shop and they told me i'd be happier with plexi/acrylic over lexan because of the lexan scratching easier. If my windows were going to be on the front of the house i'd think about lexan but with them being on the side and out of the weather for the most part i'm going to go with plexi, what shocked me was that 2 windows 24"x28"each out of 1/4" material were going to cost $80, don't know if that is reasonable or not but its about the only game in town unless i go to anchorage and shop around.
I'm thinking i can just glue them up with some 5200 and not use any screws or bolts that way they will look close to the rubber gasketed windows that are in the boat already.

 

[Prdlobster]

Petrel...what kind of wax do you use? I've been using Rain-X for a long time now and it doesn't seem to have an effect on them. I'd say we replace them about every 10 years or so for preventive maintenance.

 

[El Mar]

Why not actual fixed glass set in a rubber gasket??

Can't be too much more expensive, no? Then you have real glass, no scratching etc.

 

[petrel]

I use Collinite insulator wax, but I'm sure there are some other good alternatives. I've not tried Rain-X. I was told not to years ago, but maybe they told me wrong. One of those things you don't want to try if you think it might smoke up the windows. Anyhow, the side windows in my DMR are getting smoked up after many years. Does anyone know if they can be buffed out like headlights in a similar state?

 

[CEShawn]

On one boat I saw the trim or edge of the plexiglass or Lexan window painted black to look like a frame...

Steve that is what I have now I think combo..

 

[steveinak]

On one boat I saw the trim or edge of the plexiglass or Lexan window painted black to look like a frame...

Steve that is what I have now I think combo..

Thats why i'm going to use black 5200 for the gasket/glue for my windows. I know some folks that have large lexan windows in a 45' jet boat that they use to take tourists on river cruises, they don't have fresh water at the dock so they use river water to clean the windows well the silt in the water has clouded the lexan so you can hardly see out of them they were told to buy plexi/acrylic but they didn't listen and now they have to replace all the windows.

 

[Prdlobster]

We use a Butyl Tape from Revere products as a gasket between the Lexan and the wheelhouse. It's nice stuff cause it peels right off the window and the wheelhouse if you have to take the windows down for some reason(in our case to maintain the steel where the fasteners go through the window and wheelhouse). If you use something like a 5200 it's a pain in the ass clean off the window and wheelhouse for proper sealing and reinstalling.

 

[31jcptown]

Mr10

You guys might want to look into this product I am using it on my 31 just purchased it so no real personal experince yet but 2 of my Friends use it and sware by it. Its expensive but I only like to do things once
LEXAN* MR10 Sheet Available from Modern Plastics

 

[CEShawn]

Anyword on how your order came out there 31JC?

So I've had it with my port window, its really messed up, like fogged/white.

I bought lexan, but thinking of returning it tomorrow because of the thickness. Only HD had 1/4" plexiglass and for one window its going to be $100. The Lexan comes out to .097 which is goingto be way to thin. I dont know what i was thinking now, hell I've been on the water by myself for 15 hours.

Funny so I went to put rain-x on my front window, by the fact there are no scratches on it, I believe it might be plexiglass. So today I go out and the rain-x never worked a drop, can't even tell its on. Mind you I only put it on one window... Then I was thinking maybe at 14kts not doing the 18kts where it washes off with the next wave and/or the angle, both, etc.

I tried putting it on my scratched up side window, jesus, that window is done now... I wonder if those magic foreign headlight polish kits would work...

 

[harpoon83]

Ive never tried it, but my friend has used toothpaste to polish headlights. The granulars in the toothpast cut the oxidation off of the lenses. Might work on your window??

 

[steveinak]

Anyword on how your order came out there 31JC?

So I've had it with my port window, its really messed up, like fogged/white.

I bought lexan, but thinking of returning it tomorrow because of the thickness. Only HD had 1/4" plexiglass and for one window its going to be $100. The Lexan comes out to .097 which is goingto be way to thin. I dont know what i was thinking now, hell I've been on the water by myself for 15 hours.

Funny so I went to put rain-x on my front window, by the fact there are no scratches on it, I believe it might be plexiglass. So today I go out and the rain-x never worked a drop, can't even tell its on. Mind you I only put it on one window... Then I was thinking maybe at 14kts not doing the 18kts where it washes off with the next wave and/or the angle, both, etc.

I tried putting it on my scratched up side window, jesus, that window is done now... I wonder if those magic foreign headlight polish kits would work...

Doesn't Rain X eat up and fog the plastic windows ??? I've used some of the "Kit scratch and swirl remover" on my opening window by the hauler and it did help clear up the haze in the window.

 

[petrel]

Rain X works well on glass windows at 14 knots; I don't think speed is the problem.

 

[CEShawn]

Something is up then, hmm...

So here is the before and after. Cracked one piece, may make up the other one, but basically $116 for two windows. Eventually will move into glass but got a $450 quote for the forward angled window, $60 is fine for now, it fits in the budget...

I got a little one inch crack by a screw hole, wondering how long it will take to spread... I have a spare piece I can use.\

Ended up getting the .220 thick plexiglass from Home Depot, ticks me off because that forward window is 38" long so have to buy the big sheet. Eventually may end up trying to find it cheaper online.

Anyone ever try to put a radius on the edge? I guess more so, using a router on it, I guess just like cutting have to go slow.