Carpediem44DB
Well-Known Member
- Aug 18, 2015
- 3,230
- Boat Info
- 2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Volvo TAMD 74 P
I was under the impression that Makrolon needs to be heat bonded or is that just the process that Raineer Marine uses? The laminated polycarbonate windows that I have seen fail prematurely are windows that make up corner panels and form a radius. The problem is that there is tension developed on the outside of the plastic and compression on the inside surface. Over time those surfaces breakdown and craze. This happens with Strata as well, hence why the rolled or pressed vinyl products last longer. Its amazing that no one has been able to come up with a window that is both rigid and durable but selling a product that needs to be replaced every 6 years is way more lucrative than selling products that last ten to twelve years I guess. I would think that they could sell ten times the product they do if it lasted longer. I have friends that were sold Strata for the qualities it promises but no mention of the relative short longevity. Of course when I asked what independent research they did on the various products they admitted they had not done any so..... I don't remember where I read this but I found somewhere that the Polycarbonate manufacturers only offers warrant on their product if it is installed in a solid frame. No warranty is made or offered for marine application. Happy to be corrected on this. I think some canvas fabricators do them selves a disservice by not educating the client. I always did my best to educate my aircraft owners/customers to earn their confidence. I built long lasting relationships and could count on their repeat business and not worry about having to attract new customers.I will say this. I previously had polycarbonate (Makrolon) and it was great, actually fantastic, short lived though 5-6 years. Cleaned it regularly with Plexus. Recently had it replaced with Strata 60. Thought it would be as nice since the canvas guy refused to use EZ2CY or Makrolon and he was the only guy I could get (Very popular guy) to do it in my area. Anyway I agreed to the Strata 60, IMO extremely over priced to the point of absurd $800 for three front windscreen pieces. Had other quotes for 450, but they never showed up. So I went with the 800. Beside being very clear and a very nice job, I hate it! I don't roll them up, but are clipped back by four twist clips. The corners sag and the center bellies, yes I get it as to why and was not expecting so badly (hit's me in the head). IMO you cannot beat the Polycarbonates for the front windscreen.
Now I am going to switch over to Makrolon AR and try and do it myself thanks to the sewing threads on this site by @ttmott and @HawkX66 and others. Another expensive lesson learned.
Carpe Diem