Materials for windows/windshield? Lexan, Acrylic, EZ2CY, etc?

KC8QVO

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2012
Messages
247
I am looking in to the feasibility of making an enclosure for an open boat and was curious what kinds of materials I could use for windows and the windshield. I thought of doing everything with fabric and clear vinyl so the set up was easily rolled up for storage in the off-season, but I would like to have rigid windows and maybe install windshield wipers too.

From what I read EZ2CY is probably the best material. However, I have a feeling it is going to be really expensive. I have some of the acrylic from the hardware store (lowes or home depot I'm sure) but it is not very impact resistant and I don't know how well it would hold up to sunlight.

What materials have you used? What is easy to work with? Or are all of the acrylics/lexans/EZ2CY's about the same?

Is there a thickness that would work best? What would be too thin?
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Any plastic material + windshield wipers = scratches.
 

Thalasso

Commander
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
2,879
The EZ2CY panel is practically invisible when it is clean. The Statraglass is very clear, but you know it is there.EZ2CY is generally not recommended for anything other than installations that are fixed in place or stored flat -- no rolling.
Strataglass It does scratch and it's best to not roll it frequently.
Lexan will eventually yellow just like isinglass.
I think, the isinglass,stratoglass is either 40 or 60 mills
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,150
:confused: EZ2CY is not a material.

EZ2CY is an enclosure manufacturer that patented a method of mounting an acrylic panel in an enclosure.

http://www.ez2cy.com/other_enclosures/mystery.html

Acrylite® is the clear winner going by spec's alone.

FWIW: I have ISINGLASS[SIZE=-2]®[/SIZE] in my enclosure curtains. Granted, I only use them the Spring and Winter so they might see direct sun maybe 1000 hours a year. None the less, they are still in very good condition after 16 years of use. If I had to replace them, I'd certainly look at an Acrylic but wouldn't rule out IISINGLASS[SIZE=-2]®[/SIZE] if the price was right
 

ssobol

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
503
Putting 303 protectant on whatever material you use will help protect from UV.
 

JohannesL

Recruit
Joined
Jul 14, 2022
Messages
1
I am looking in to the feasibility of making an enclosure for an open boat and was curious what kinds of materials I could use for windows and the windshield. I thought of doing everything with fabric and clear vinyl so the set up was easily rolled up for storage in the off-season, but I would like to have rigid windows and maybe install windshield wipers too.

From what I read EZ2CY is probably the best material. However, I have a feeling it is going to be really expensive. I have some of the acrylic from the hardware store (lowes or home depot I'm sure) but it is not very impact resistant and I don't know how well it would hold up to sunlight.

What materials have you used? What is easy to work with? Or are all of the acrylics/lexans/EZ2CY's about the same?

Is there a thickness that would work best? What would be too thin?
I just did EZ2CY on my 39 ft yellowfin and its worth every penny. I had Ez2cy on my 35ft Marlargo that lasted me 6 years and if a rod ever scratched it we could just buff it out and apply the cleaner after.
 

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