Replace boat glazing with unbreakable glazing

Project Overview

Clear plastic is a great alternative to traditional glass for boat windows.  Plastic is easy to work with and produces seaworthy results. Plastic is easy for boat owners to work with and make curved windows: it flexes and can be fastened straight onto the boat cabin or fit into frames. There is a choice between two popular clear plastics - acrylic and polycarbonate. Use our Ste by Step Guide for help making your decision.  

Step by Step

Step 1 - Consider Polycarbonate and Acrylic Glazing
Polycarbonate is better for certain purposes because it is virtually indestructible and very light in weight. Polycarbonate is unbreakable because it flexes instead - and this very benefit can also be a downside for polycarbonate boat windows as flexibility can make the polycarbonate windows difficult to seal.   This means that potentially polycarbonate windows can leak. So, unless your boat is sailing in and out of war zones and bullets or very strong storms - or if water proofing doesn't matter that much - perhaps take a look at cheaper option, acrylic.

Step 2 - Decide how strong you need your glazing
The question about the difference in strength between polycarbonate and acrylic needs to be kept in perspective. Unless you need virtually unbreakable glazing, acrylic (often known as Perspex) is strong enough for boat windows and hatches.  Indeed, major boat manufacturers use acrylic in their deck hatches and hulls.

Step 3 - Is scratch resistance important
Other factors besides strength also play a role in determining which material is best suited for boat windows. Acrylic resists scratches better than polycarbonate and minor scratches can be buffed out whereas they cannot with polycarbonate. 

Step 4 - Decide whether your glazing should be UV protected
Compared to polycarbonate, acrylic is less vulnerable to UV-light. Polycarbonate is available with UV protection.

Step 5 - Is cost an over-riding factor ?
Acrylic is cheaper than polycarbonate.

Do get in touch with our friendly team of experts for any further help. They will be happy to advise.

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