F36 Sliding Windows

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:52 am

This winter I want to remove,replace cracked glass,rebed and repaint the window frames. Any tips on the easiest approach to all of this? Its a DIY project. Also any thoughts to replacing with lexan or plexi glass? thanks for the input.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:21 am

Search the threads on how to do it ....

Theres also much in the threads pro/con on Lexan and Plexi v. glass. The general consensus is stay with glass. Why do you want to change?

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:26 am

Just an idea I was toying with. You can purchase the product already tinted is the main reason why.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:36 am

I've posted the process before. A search should bring it up. Good luck.

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:16 pm

Allen SR

I am about to do the same on my F32, I have 4 cracked windows on my the boat, 3 on the port side, one in front. I am also thinking of going to a lexan or polycarbonate, it is not less expensive than glass, but it will not crack like glass. (guaranteed)
I have read a lot of posts on this forum about replacing glass and the frequent need to do so, it seems that the design of the flybridge supports may be the culprit of the cracking glass problem, it also helps explain the change of the sportfisher design of many modern builders, that has eliminated the front glass completely.
While eliminating the front glass gives the designer a ton of space to mount super cool entertainment centers, luxury galleys etc, I suspect and have read that this design was a structural change more than a cosmetic change.

That being said, I believe this is the same reason we F-32 & 36 owners are replacing glass and is the primary reason I am considering using Polycarbonate as the replacement.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 2:51 pm

Remember - polycarb scratches easily (Lexan Marguard is the best) - and will "tear" into a crack fron the edge if its not thick enough. It will also rattle a bit more.

We fish on a 36 Contendor that has nice thick vinyl front & side windows, and we have to be very careful when cleaning - soft cotton towels only. NO squeegee.