Composite Window Frames

[Jimmy Watts]

I have been working on this style of window frame for a while. I can now build fixed window frames only using the composite material. With this material, there is never any corrosion and you can paint them any color you want. If they are installed with the type caulking I use, there will not be any screw heads to look at and the frames will become part of the hull thus eliminating 99.99999% of any leaks between the hull and the frame. The glass is installed like the boats are now a days so you kind of update the look except you still have the exterior flange.

I am presently working on a curved fixed window style for areas like the galley window. I will post pictures when that is finished.

The follow pictures are frames I built and installed on a Viking (sorry but it was for a lawyer) and on a Hatteras. They were painted with Awl Grip after installation (not by me). If you want to contact me, please do so by private message or email at jwattw14@earthlink.net. Hope you like them.

Jimmy

 

[Jimmy Watts]

More pictures

 

[Jimmy Watts]

Last of the pictures

 

[Starman]

looks good Jimmy,

How are the frames held in place ?

 

[egaito]

Are they all fixed, or are sliding window frames available?

 

[Jimmy Watts]

The frames are only available in the fixed style and they are enbedded with Plexus. It is an adhesive with its tensile strength between 1700 & 2000 psi and its shear strength between 1300 & 1800 psi. Hatteras has been using it for many years now. Thanks

Jimmy

 

[Jimmy Watts]

Jim,

Here are several samples of my black anodized windows. The composite are actually cheaper than aluminum. Hope this helps.

Jimmy

 

[Capt K]

I've seen some of Jimmy's materials and they seem like a great product! I will be working with him to re-do my 50' MY.

K

 

[Angela]

I've got to wait until he comes up with a sliding window style. Jimmy, how's that coming? Or is it not being developed yet?

 

[Jimmy Watts]

Angela,

I have not been able to discover or find a product that would enable a composite slider to be made that would work well. Keeping in mind the original design of the slider extrusion which has the slots for the nylon glide to snap into and the fuzz to slide into. You could just cut a slot and set the glass into that but with dirt and grime build up, it would really become hard to open. I beleive that a slot would also cause rattling of the windows.

The main problem is trying to produce a slider with something that would act as a buffer between the glass and composite slots. If anyone out there knows of some sort of sealer (kind of like the fuzz) that can be glued into position (cutting slots is impossible) without any steel at all and is narrow enough to keep the frames width from growing, I would surely appreciate some advice. I am not giving up on the idea, just seeking some advice if you can help. I do not own a Hatteras, but I see them everyday living in New Bern where they are built and I try to make sure that any product I put on a Hatteras is going to last and live up to my Hatteras standards.

With the pictures of the Viking above, well we were just trying to help upgrade it closer to a Hatteras standard. Impossible but I still tried.

Thanks for any help,

Jimmy

 

[captwoodyb]

Hello Jimmy, I tried to email you but it was sent back to me. I am awlgripping a 53 FBMY 1972 . Considering replacing the windschield, (3 large windows) always leaked, I have owned the boat for 20 years plus. I would be interested in pricing and availability to replace the frames with your composite frames. There does not appear to be any mounting screws ? How are they installed and removed later for re-bedding if it becomes necessary ? I am also going to replace the first windows port and starboard near the helm, in front of the sliding doors since they are beginning to fog in the corners. Thanks..........Captwoodyb

 

[krush]

What are the frames made out of? Do you make them in house?

 

[MicroKap]

The rear salon window on my 1980 60' Sportfish has a crack in it. The original aluminum framed window was previously replaced with one similar to the windows you have installed. How do I go about taking out the glass for replacement. Also, what do you recommend as replacement material. The boat came up from Florida with a fairly dark window tint. There are no screw heads visible from the interior or exterior and the window fram is painted to match the hull color. Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Jimmy Watts]

Larry,

That is a beautiful boat. I sent you a PM with my recommendations. Thanks

Jimmy

 

[captwoodyb]

Hi Jimmy, I got your information ref pricing and availability. I will keep you in mind when I do the windows. Might be inclined to bring the boat to you are you close to the coast or ICW. Would not be until next year.

 

[Jimmy Watts]

Captwoody,

I live in New Bern, home of Hatteras now. New Bern is about 20 miles up the Neuse River from the ICW by way of Orienal, NC or Adams Creek. There is a new develpoment being built here especially designed for Hatteras boats. It will have docks and dry ground capabilities. The idea behind this is to give Hatteras boat owners a rework facility here where they are built. You can find some places that can do as good on some aspects, but here you should be able to get most anything you want done and normally by someone that has already got experience at it. I am not sure when they plan to open, but I will deep you posted. I beleive that they have just started driving pilings. Hope to meet you one day. Thanks.

Jimmy

 

[oc hatt]

Hi Jimmy, I own a 36 ft 1975 Hatteras flybridge and I am looking into replacing the side salon windows and the back bulkhead window as well. The front is glassed over. I have some wood rot on the inside around the windows that would need to be replaced as well. I saw your post on composite windows and I wanted to see if you could give me a ball park figure on replacing my windows. It sounds like you have extensive experience on the topic and I would be very interested in hearing back from you about cost as well as where you are located. The boat is in Ocean City MD so I do not know if it would be possible to bring the boat to you or not depending on your location, if not could I buy the windows from you and have someone else put them in. Also any suggestions on who I could get to put them in and complete the job in the Virginia Beach area or possibly north eastern NC would be much appreciated as well.
Thanks
OC HATT
email sw14791@gsk.com

 

[Bertramp]

I have a series 1 - 45C ..... what kind of pricing would it be for the side windows ?
thanks

 

[Capt K]

I have a series 1 - 45C ..... what kind of pricing would it be for the side windows ?
thanks

Steve, I have spoken with Jimmy and gotten some samples of the frame material. It looks like it is going to be great stuff to replace the originals with. PM him and he'll give you some prices, etc. I am planning on doing most, if not all, of my frames and glass with him as I get organized, moneywise.

K

 

[Jimmy Watts]

Angela,

I wanted to update you on the potential of slider frames using composite. That does not appear to be possible. I am having a major problem trying to get the track cut consistantly while being able to end up with a finished product that can hold some form of fuzz.

I have had good success with making composite fixed galley windows though. It takes a while but it can be done.

Thanks,

Jimmy Watts

New email: jwatts14@embarqmail.com