Aft Deck Enclosure

[Vincentc]

I had a few more zipper failures with the canvas and vinyl aft deck enclosure and decided to replace it all with hard acrylic. I took off all of the canvas and started to work on the new project. I've completed about 2/3 's of the area and am pleased with the results.

The panels are 2'x4' 1/8" cell cast acrylic. The top edge is set in 1/4" stainless "U" channel and I drilled a couple of holes in the stainless to hold the panels at the top. The sides are secured with 3M Dual lock.

It had been very humid and there is some condensation on the acrylic.

Once I get the enclosure completed I will start on the 1/2" acrylic wing doors.

 

[Beckytek]

Looks great and should last for a very long time. I did my bridge with .060" acrylic and sunbrella. It's so clear, almost invisible.

 

[fissioneng]

Looks great. How does it hold up in a blow? How's it attached to the rail?

 

[Walter P]

Looks great.... We need more details such as how do you open the panels? Attachments, cost, availability of components etc. Also can you take some close up photos of attachment points and panel joints? Thanks....

Walt

 

[Vincentc]

I purchased the 3/8" and 1/2" acrylic from PopDisplay, an ebay vendor, and the 1/8" acrylic from Calsak Plastics in Georgia. It is all cell cast. Total acrylic cost was about $800 which included 4 1/2" panels for the wing doors.

I cut the acrylic with a Freud table saw blade designed for plastic and acrylic, purchased from amazon. A table saw is necessary. I used Wel-Bond acrylic glue to make up the corner panels. I searched either amazon or ebay for the 1/4" stainless "U-chanel. The VHB 1/2" clear tape and 3m Dual Lock 3650 was purchased on ebay.

The flat panels were 2'x4' and cut to fit. I attached a lenght of ss channel along the top edge of each panel with vhb and silicone sealer (to fill the void left with 1/4 channel and 1/8 acrylic). I used a 1/4 drill and a drill press to drill 2 mounting holes in the ss channel.

The panels are attached at the top to 1/2" Meranti plywood 2" wide. I cut some wedges out of 1" sapele, ....

This description requires pictures and I do not have them available right now. I will get back to this, probably tonight.

to be continued

Vincent

 

[Walter P]

Thanks Vincent.....

Walt

 

[Northcott]

We installed the aft windows on top hinges for easy opening and it provides shade and shelter from the rain...