I need to renew my windshield frames , but I am considering going to fiberglass frames, and maybe even the sliders in the salon. I always thought that the aluminum frames were much stronger, but maybe not. Has anyone replaced their frames with fiberglass , and what do you think of the results. I get the feeling that it is expensive, but I haven’t checked pricing yet. I would appreciate any advice.
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Thread: Fiberglass Window Frames
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05-20-2020 08:26 AM #1Senior Member
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Fiberglass Window Frames
JMooney
61 MY 1983 #341
“Jerrie”
Miami , FL
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05-20-2020 09:08 AM #2Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2005
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
You are correct the aluminum frames are much stronger.
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05-22-2020 04:07 PM #3Senior Member
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- Nov 2006
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
Several on the forum have had success with side windows, but unsure about windshield ones.
Just to support the forum, I suggest you look immediately to the left sidebar of this page and get at least a quote from BB Marine who has paid for advertising nearly as long as I have been visiting this forum!
DAN
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
Trying to figure out how you've determined aluminum frames are stronger than fiberglass frames?
We built and installed our own fiberglass frames over 25 years ago, haven't had a leak or other glass issue to date.
Have posted before how they were built and installed, basically used 3/8" flat fiberglass sheet, cut out the window openings. then cutout the corresponding openings out of 1/4" flat fiberglass sheet (to create the interior receiver to attach the tempered glass to) and then used epoxy to glue the 2 sheets together. The entire panel was then glassed onto the outside of the cabin side and faired in.
On the inside we did a lot of structural work making sure everything was tied together, including replacing some wet wood, etc.CRICKET
1966 HAT50C101
Purchased 1985 12v71Ns
Repowered 1989 with 8v92TI
Repowered 2001 with 3406E
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
"DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU READ OR HEAR AND ONLY HALF OF WHAT YOU SEE" - BEN FRANKLIN
Endless Summer
1967 50c 12/71n DDA 525hp
ex Miss Betsy
owners:
Howard P. Miller 1967-1974
Richard F Hull 1974-1976
Robert J. & R.Scott Smith 1976-present
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
Think sliders could be built similar to how ours are, just ups the degree of difficulty some.
You only need 1 panel to move/slide, right?
So build it the way we did and then slide the panel behind that one, only difference would be the 2 pieces of glass wouldn't be as close as in the current aluminum frame.
Our goal was to keep the water out no matter what, if the AC breaks we go home...........CRICKET
1966 HAT50C101
Purchased 1985 12v71Ns
Repowered 1989 with 8v92TI
Repowered 2001 with 3406E
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
The boats behind the house. A lot of times if I’m on and off the boat all day I just leave the hatches and side windows open and it’s pretty comfortable. When I’m in a marina and someone else is paying the electric I keep it cranked up. But at the house running the ac in the boat will push the electric bill over $1000/month
"DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU READ OR HEAR AND ONLY HALF OF WHAT YOU SEE" - BEN FRANKLIN
Endless Summer
1967 50c 12/71n DDA 525hp
ex Miss Betsy
owners:
Howard P. Miller 1967-1974
Richard F Hull 1974-1976
Robert J. & R.Scott Smith 1976-present
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05-22-2020 08:35 PM #8
Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
I have replaced the forward lower windows on the 58’ Motoryacht I run (1978) and have been very satisfied. I used the frames made by Lookout Boat Windows and had them do the install. Two years after I had them replace the quarter fender/spray rails and am equally satisfied with the quality of workmanship and installation.
Capt' Hoop (Master 100 Ton/towing)
1978- 58 MY “Amare La Vita”
2001- 60C “Noah's Ark”
1986 Scarab II “Summer Hummer”
1979 Sleekcraft Aristocrat (jet) “She’s a squirter”
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05-23-2020 06:15 AM #9Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2007
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
What about Stainless steel frames? Or extruded aluminum frames (like on production boats and RVs) that are easy to install and inexpensive and just replace them every 10-15 years?
FTFD... i drive a slow 1968 41c381
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Re: Fiberglass Window Frames
"DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU READ OR HEAR AND ONLY HALF OF WHAT YOU SEE" - BEN FRANKLIN
Endless Summer
1967 50c 12/71n DDA 525hp
ex Miss Betsy
owners:
Howard P. Miller 1967-1974
Richard F Hull 1974-1976
Robert J. & R.Scott Smith 1976-present