Suggestions for Boat Windows???

[Eyeball]

I’m replacing the windows in the boat. She is currently setup for a controlled environment so none of the windows open. I presume there will be some fiberglass work I will have to do to make things fit, will create std size openings with 3-inch radii.

I am currently considering Bomon windows, both horizontal sliders and their Nova hatch for opening port lights.

http://www.bomon.com/

I like the series 5000 windows by Freeman Marine but at close to $4k per window it would exceed my budget.

http://www.freemanmarine.com/Index.htm

Any other suggestions or recommendations on boat/marine windows?

[kchace]

Yes, these guys will make your windows to your size as long as you have 3" radius. MUCH cheaper than what you've been quoted.

http://www.wynneinc.com/index.html

Ken

[Eyeball]

Thanks, Ken. Do you have eny experience with Wynne Inc or their product?

Edit: something I like about the Bomon window is that the black anodizing is done after the aluminum frame is bent. Marine windows are made out of extruded aluminum that is hard anodized clear (silver). During the bending process cracks in the surface anodizing may be introduced. Re-anodizing is supposed to correct this.

The Wynne windows are painted black. Painted aluminum is an invitation for disaster unless the it is done with quality materials. The Freeman windows are painted black with All Grip 2-part epoxy marine paint. These windows are used on top of the cabin on roll-over boats at the mouth of the Columbia River. The don’t leak 12-ft underwater with all of the dynamic pressures associated with a roll-over…and they are beyond my budget.


The other thing I am looking for is std 3/8-inch safety glass. Not all marine windows are safety glass (some are laminated glass) and many only go up to 7/32-inch thick glass. The lower-end models of Wynne are the cheaper glass. The Wynne series 310 is the better, 3/8-inch glass or ½-inch safety glass, same as those expensive Freeman windows.

[kchace]

I don't personally (Though I'm planning on ordering several in a couple of months), but a few guys I know have them in their boats. They say the quality is good and after a couple of years they're holding up just fine.

Its not rocket science, its an aluminum frame with glass bedded in rubber. They only do 3" radius, so its all jigged up, just the angle and the length to worry about. They must be able to pump them out quickly.

Wynne has all sorts of glass upgrades including all the way up to 1/2 safety glass. And they will powder coat the frames in a range of colors for a small upcharge.

Ken

[Eyeball]

I do not want powder coated windows. The look really nice initially, but they can be a nightmare if scratched and sea water gets on the scratch. It starts etching under the powder coating and soon you have runaway window rot. For the same reason you should never buy any of that vinyl coated anchor chain. It can rot up under the vinyl where you can’t see it.

Somewhere on Bomon’s website they mention the power coat option (for a little more $) but also say they do not recommend it, and it voids the frame’s warranty. Powder coating is only available on windows with radius, not welded windows. Most marine window manfr’s make both bent and welded windows. Bomon does radii in 2-in, 3-in, and 4-in, as well as welded. A 3-inch radius is standard, tho by no means an absolute for boat windows. It has to do with the tightest bend they can get on the extruded aluminum frame material without it breaking. I believe all shapes of the aluminum (single, 2 and 3 track frames) can be bent to a 3-inch radius without breaking, hence its “standard”. I would stick with a 3-r window just so that anything can fit it the hole later.

[kchace]

That's interesting because I was thinking the powder coating would make a more durable finish than paint over annodized. Do you think the paint would be better?

Ken

[slavis]

I recently had 8 windows and a door custom made by American Marine 954-782-1400. I was extremely pleased with the service/quality. Many options are available finish/glass thickness and color. I had 2 fixed,5 sliders and 1 fixed+1/3 hatch. The door cost almost 2000$ alone but it was very high end. The windows averaged (I think) about $500/piece. The strange thing is that I altered my window sizes before production to significantly larger and the price was a negligible difference. They said that was normal because the amount of extra material is not where the high cost comes in. I did get two quotes from other companies but liked this outfit because of their quality/options and their location was within 2 hours of me. Worth a quote.

[Eyeball]

Slavis, thanks for the info. I checked the website: http://www.americanmarine.com/, it sucks, but the windows look high-end. I will contact them for more info.

Does your 1/3 hatch window have a delrin hinge pin? Are you happy with it?


Kchase, powder coating is great on something where the surface is not likely to be compromised and then exposed to salt water and/or the ocean air. Epoxy has an affinity for aluminum, will bond beyond belief, but is also subject to rot under the protective cover if compromised. I got a lot of info on window finishes from Brian at Freeman Marine. He is the one that suggested re-anodizing after bending the window frames, and avoid powder coating. Also see the Bomon website about powder coating marine window frames. I'd prefer polished, cast stainless steel window frames but I haven't won the lottery yet.