[C320-list] Dodger windows

[Warren Updike]

Great piece, Jeff. It just went into my files. Thanks.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Hare [mailto:Catalina at thehares.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 8:19 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dodger windows

Window material has come a long way in recent years and there are some great
materials out there now.

Here's my take... 

Any of the high end materials should last 10 years minimum if cared for
properly. Longer in areas with less intense sun.  Ours is 16yrs old this
fall and still quite clear. Window covers make a big difference in how long
they will last.  Make sure they use SolarFix or Tenara thread since they
will last longer than any of the materials they are stitching together.

Consider your design and how you want things to work (zippers, openings,
etc) before you choose the window material.

Polycarbonate - (Makrolon) is more difficult to work with and will be a bit
more expensive. Stitching through this material is a chore, but now there
are some adhesive options which seem to work well also.  You'll want to
choose a canvas maker who is on top of the technology if you go this route.
With PC, you will have some limitations on how you can open up the center
forward panel for ventilation because you can't just unzip it and roll it
up.  

EZ2CY - (no firsthand experience) makes semi rigid acrylic window material
that's optically clear and getting a lot of attention these days. Only EZ2CY
dealers are authorized to make enclosures with this material however.
Acrylic is typically more clear than Polycarbonate and doesn't exhibit the
rainbow effects.

O'Sullivan Films - (my preference) Makes clear flexible window material in
the USA up to 80gauge thicknesses which is quite stiff and optically clear.
Not as rigid as PC or EZ2CY's Acrylic but easier to work and comparable to
PC in clarity.  They make two basic types:  O'Sea and Regalite   The O'Sea
material has the added benefit of scratch resistant coatings and is also
Sunscreen, bug spray and fuel resistant.  The 60gauge is a great thickness
for dodgers but if you want the rigid look with the benefits of PC, the
80gauge will do the trick and will be far easier to handle if you ever need
to remove it from the boat (like storm prep, etc.)  PC will probably need to
be curved and may not always lay flat when removed.

Strataglass - (too many drawbacks) Similar to O'Sullivan products but is
more sensitive to scratches and contact with sunscreen, bug spray and fuel
must be avoided or it will cloud.  I'm not really a fan, but it is popular
and some swear by it.  They have had some mfg consistency problems, but
maybe those have been worked out, I'm not sure.

-Jeff Hare
#809 Woodbine II



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of rross at pillerross.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2016 2:09 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Dodger windows

What is the general consensus regarding Lexan windows versus regular
windows.