[C320-list] Polycarbonate Companion Way Hatch Material Cost

[Jack Brennan]

Hi Jeffrey:

The only problem with that quote is you need at least 27.5 inches on depth. Less than that allows rain into the cabin.

So now the next step up appears to be 48 x 96, unless you can find someone to cut you a partial sheet. That's times four plus bulk shipping.

I still think acrylic was a design mistake because it let's in too much light and heat in warm weather.

Probably, it was an overreaction to the older, cave-like sailboats.

Jack Brennan
Sonas 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: Jeffrey Kapec via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Date: 10/29/24 5:08 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Cc: Jeffrey Kapec <jkapec at tkdg.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Polycarbonate Companion Way Hatch Material Cost

There is a sound engineering reason why Catalina Marine engineers choose
the materials they specify for their finely produced yachts.  That is the
reason Catalina vessels last so long and perform so long.  Polycarbonate
also has adequate UV protection.  My companionway Hatch cover is over 20
years old, no crazing

As I noted previously I work as an Industrial Designer designing products
so I have engaged using many materials.  Purchasing plastic sheets can be
done through McMaster Carr, which I use all the time when I want something
really quick, anything at all.  But I know that McMaster does sell
everything *at a premium* because they carry so much inventory. of just
about everything

That being said I went to Boedeker Plastics which we use when we buy sheet
acrylic , polycarbonate, ABS, etc.. etc stock for prototype building.

here is the quote I got for the same material:
POLYCARBONATE LT GRAY 7130 SHEET .500
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Nick Periman <nickp at boedeker.com>
4:43 PM (0 minutes ago)
to me

POLYCARBONATE LT GRAY 7130 SHEET .500 X 24 X 48” - $140.90



In stock


--As far as aircraft canopies here is a reality reference from a  group
chat of aircraft engineers:  The canopies on the McDonnell Douglas (now
Boeing) F-15A, B, C, and D fighters are made of Lexan, a type of
polycarbonate (i.e., thermoplastic resin). I would imagine that the F-15E
Strike Eagle uses Lexan, too.

General Aviation (GA) light aircraft (C-172, C-150, Beechcraft Bonaza G36,
etc.) use optical quality acrylic windshields. Acrylic is prized for its
light weight.

There is an FAA bird strike test requirement on acrylic GA windshields. I
don't know what the parameters of the test are other than to say it
involves launching 8 lb. bird carcasses at the windshield.

Regards,
RTFM
*Support the U.S. Space Program. "No bucks, no Buck Rogers."*
<http://www.nasa.gov/>

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/ot-question-what-are-aircraft-windows-made-of.407492/

*Cheers*
*Jeff Kapec*
*Petite Suite  718*

Jeffrey Kapec

*Tanaka Kapec Design Group*

11 Brookfield St.   Norwalk, CT 06851

203.846.3666


www.tkdg.com<http://www.tkdg.com>