How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

[rebeljim]

HELP..... I just got this old boat that is in decent shape. I do not know anything about it except the following.
Year: 1970
Manufacture: Las Vegas Boat Co (built in Los Altos CA)
Model: Sahara
Length: 20' (title says 17')
Hull type: tri-hull.

Where can I find out information on this boat? I need to fix the floor in spots, get a bilge pump, replace some old wood and snap fasteners. I also need to fill in some holes that some previous owner had drilled to install down riggers. I am new to boating as an owner. My dad had a boat when I was a kid but I remember next to nothing. I'd appreciate any help and information or suggestion you all might be able to give. Thank to all in advance.

Vr,

Mike

Referencing from the quote above and link below, i'm trying to find out how I can locate a windshield for a '71 Las Vegas Sahara? Need glass and framework. Thank you. http://forums.iboats.com/boat-restoration-building-hull-repair/have-you-heard-boat-213988.html

 

[rebeljim]

Smile How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

Smile How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

I have a '71 Sahara with an '90 Mercury 100hp. These are great boats! She runs great. Now granted I have had the floor and transom both replaced several years ago but, for a boat of her age she's in great shape! Just had her winterized by a new mechanic and he said the compression is like a new engine.

I'm looking for a new windshield. It was crushed in '85 by a severe storm here in Pa and was "replaced" using plexiglass and pieces of the old frame work. I have the 2 side pieces of glass and the door, but need the 2 windshields. Most of the aluminum frame work has been trimmed and holes drilled in it, so I need all the framework also.

Does anyone know of a company that makes windshields if you provide them with measurements and pictures of how it used to look?

Any help would be appreciated!!

Happy Boating!!

Jim

 

[rebeljim]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

Here are some photos of my '71 Las Vegas Sahara.

Would love to see others!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

You can try Lanier Marine in GA, but I've hear they can be difficult to deal w/, esp via the internet & phone.

Try some salvage yards:
Salvage Yards, by Wilde1

Not sure where you are in SE PA, but if you make it east to the coast, you may find more boat scrap/junk yards or salvage places nearer large bays &/or places w/ easy access to the ocean.

Not inexpensive, but they may be able to make frames:

OCEAN DYNAMICSWelcome to iboats, good luck w/ your project

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

Get some measurements and start watching Craig's List. Windshields are very seldom unique to a boat, usually from a common supplier like Taylor Made. I put a windshield from a Larson on my Starcraft and it fit perfectly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

Ayuh,.... Findin' an original windshield for a 40 year old boat that wasn't that popular to begin with,...
Probably ain't gonna happen,....

The fact that it's Flat glass,... is a Big Plus,...

I'd find somethin' Close, 'n cob it on, or better yet,...
Take it apart, refit the frame, then have New glass cut to fit yer newly rebuilt frame,...

Alot of the frames are just cut, fit, screw together,...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

I agree with the above. Based on your pics, I'd say a LOT of the Tri-Hulls from that era had similar windshields and with some careful measuring, I'd bet you could find a Cheap "Donor Boat" that would fit the bill. Sometimes CL will list them As FREE and the Windshields are still intact. Even if the glass is gone, since it's flat, if the frame was still good the glass would be easy to replace.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

I would get the framework and gaskets from taylor made and have new acrylic windows or safety glass cut for them.

 

[rebeljim]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: How to locate a complete windshield for a 1971 Las Vegas Sahara?

Did you find anything, Jim?