Glassing in front windows

[newinlet]

I am thinking of removing the front windows on my 37 and the non sliding side windows also. I need to re bed the frames and these windows are always covered anyways. Is it a huge job to remove the frames and glass it all in. anybody ever done this ? Since I do not have a lower station and never remove the salon window cover why not just eliminate the glass. Any thoughts Thanks Jim

 

[DCMY #92]

I am close to wrapping up the modifications you suggest on our 1965 41 DCMY. You can see photos and descriptions of the job in the thread "1965 41 DCMY Refit" on page 15 of Hatteras Tech Talk.

Rivolta Yachts did the work for me, so I can't say how difficult glassing up the window openings is. The front corner windows are curved which complicated the layup some. Also, I had flush access panels made for getting furniture, the refrigerator and washer/dryer in/out. Rivolta used foam core and made the job look easy. The side cabin window openings on our boat have a radius at each corner. Rivolta had frames made to fit the original opening shape.

I am looking forward to not fighting window frame leaks. Plus, the boat is somewhat lighter now.

 

[surfdancer45]

I had the front windows done on my 36 Conv several years ago and it has been one of my better moves. The caution I would give you is to have the job done by a very savy fiberglass guy. I have seen some cases of boats not done correctly and the glass started to crack and then the paint peel. Good luck with your project. Bobdue to the flexing of that area.

 

[ohiohatteras]

I had the front windows done on my 36 Conv several years ago and it has been one of my better moves. The caution I would give you is to have the job done by a very savy fiberglass guy. I have seen some cases of boats not done correctly and the glass started to crack and then the paint peel. Good luck with your project. Bobdue to the flexing of that area.

Gotta go with a "ditto" on this! I did mine 3 years ago and have since removed the lower station and built in an entertainment center. There's no need for a windshield on a sportfish! Not sure I would remove the side windows tho....

 

[Boatsb]

If done right the window frames are removed and the filler panels will be correctly attached ( not with caulk or 5200) so the front becomes a single unit. Then the glass needs to be thick enough to hold up to a small amount of flexing.