Acrylic boat windscreens? Replacing my Tinny screen...

Hi guys,

My windscreen on the tinny is aged and has a cracked finish, and I want to replace this - I asked around a few months ago and got a quote for around $800, but I only paid $3000 for the whole boat, so am looking for a cheaper option. I looked at the frame and it seems like quite a simple remove, put new acrylic in and screw it back together? Anyone done this recently and any advice before I go ahead? another thing, it looks like what I would call perspex, but the dude at the plastics shop recommended 4,5mm acrylic - is this better or just cheaper? Does it stand up to the weather and sun? There is a slight curve in the screen too, but across the boat, not like a car winscreen, just a straight curve of the shape of the front of the tinny - will that be a problem? The total cost with new rubbers DIY is $120 plus GST.... So quite a savings...if it is a simple job?


carnarvonite's picture

Posts: 8682

Date Joined: 24/07/07

D i Y

Thu, 2012-08-23 13:25

I think Bunnings sell sheets of acrylic / perspex and its just a case of making a pattern on paper or cardboard of your old one to get the right size for your new one and tracing it over.

I use a cutting disc on a small angle grinder to cut it, just going through in layers instead of a full depth cut all the way.

wangler's picture

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Date Joined: 26/04/08

Make a template

Thu, 2012-08-23 17:14

 out of 3mm mdf and take to a shop. If you are south take it to Windows west and thet will cut the acrylic to size. They have a proper table saw  with the correct blade for cutting the stuff. If it get too hot then cools may become brittle. Use the UV acrylic that is suposed to be in windsrceens.

trust me

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Faulkner Family's picture

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 i did this in my first boat

Thu, 2012-08-23 17:55

 i did this in my first boat and only used 5mm perspex. the slight curve wont be a prob but just be careful cutting the stuff out as it can get brittle. a fine hacksaw blade would do the job fine weather it be by hand or in a jigsaw but take it slow with the jigsaw. if you need to drill holes it wont be a prob but just dont over tighten the screws as that can crack the perspex. def cheaper to diy that pay for it to be done

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davidbland50's picture

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Date Joined: 24/07/11

If you are NOR

Thu, 2012-08-23 20:34

try Whitfords City Glass. I used them for making up my windscreen for my latest boat as well as my previous boat. They not only cut the perspex out but also fitted to shape the slight curve in the front windscreen. Would recommend them highly.

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Faulkner Family's picture

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Date Joined: 11/03/08

 yeah he is north of the

Fri, 2012-08-24 06:44

 yeah he is north of the river by about 1500k's 

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RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together

davidbland50's picture

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Date Joined: 24/07/11

Pic

Fri, 2012-08-24 10:15

Thought Gotcha, you might like to see the end result of the new windows and windscreen on my old boat.

You might be able to see the slight curve in the windscreen which they did for me (at no extra cost, I might add). That was done two years ago and this picture was taken this morning out the front of my place. As to what Faulkner Family said, I'm sure there is somebody up there who is just as capable.

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Date Joined: 01/01/70

Thanks Guys..

Tue, 2012-08-28 13:50

Appreciate the advice and the pics - will post the results of the new screen, once I have done the job...

Posts: 1

Date Joined: 08/08/09

boat screens

Wed, 2013-06-12 23:25

 can anyone tell me what framing is used for screens and where  to buy it? i need to replace mine.

wangler's picture

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Date Joined: 26/04/08

Windows west

Mon, 2013-06-17 09:17

 In Henderson

http://www.windowswest.com.au/

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Want to make someone mad... tell a lie! Want to get the world upset... tell the TRUTH !

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Posts: 83

Date Joined: 16/11/10

when you have a curve in the

Mon, 2013-06-17 12:51

when you have a curve in the screen hit it with a hot air gun to on low to remove the tension otherwise it can crack easier.

i forgot to do mine and one slight knock and crack  i live with the crack till i can be assed re doing it