Eisenglass replacement question????

J

jdshep

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exMember
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Jan 26, 2006
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20051
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241
Has anyone replaced the plastic in one of their zippered bridge enclosure panels with Lexan Marguard or similar product? I am courious of the method used to accomplish this. I know there are those you can go to to get this done, but if I could do it myself i might keep the cost down to where I would do two panels. I just hate looking through the Eisenglass ripples.
John D
 
I'm quite sure this Lexan product is very similar to EZ2CY in that it is too rigid to roll up or sew to canvas. It most likely needs to be glued to canvas like EZ2CY. If you decide to go with flexible PVC; make sure you use .040 gauge DP (Double Polished) clear which can be sewn to canvas. There are several manufactureres of DP clear for enclosures. A very popular product is Strataglas which has a coating that resist scratches.
 
If you have access to an industrial sewing machine, it can be done. A normal house sewing machine will not have a large enough stitch to sew it correctly, and the Lexan will tend to crack along the stitch line.
 
I ran a similar thread on another forum, there i was told by someome one in the business Lexan MarGard was a product he did use, but it was expensive. He said he glued fabric to the Lexan which was then sewn to the zipper. I thought he said he used .060 thick material. I am trying to find someone who has tackled this to hear how they approached the problem. I have used 3/16 Lexan MarGard for a windshield on a utility truck "Kawasaki Mule". The Lexan material without MarGard is used for race car windshields. I was thinking of using the thicker material as before 3/16 as i know it will handle wind and rain and not distort. Does anyone know of a source for the zippers?
Your input is appreciated
John d
2005 Meridian 411 SB
 
John - I wouldn't know where to begin doing the replacement myself but I can say that Stratoglass is light years ahead of the regular grade vinyl.

It retains the optical clarity since it isn't as "flimsy" yet you can still roll or fold it up if you like.
 
After reading some of the February PassageMaker I have decided to take a second look at the Seaview windshield insert. This does not place the clear opening as low as i would like, but it might be the easiest way to get a see thru panel, even if I have to stand to use it. Has anyone used one of these inserts on their boat?
John d
 
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