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hellosailor · 07-02-2007, 18:39

Paul-
IIRC Beneteau made big new 20-odd years ago by using huge slabs of light green tinted Lexan instead of plexi, but plexi ruled--as it does now. When something is 5/8" thick, plexi is already bulletproof and usually cheaper and more scratch-resistant, so I'd guess he's got plexi.

Stuffinbox-
There are dozens, literally dozens, of grades of plexi and Lexan and similar materials from other sources. They vary greatly in PRICE, along with resistance to scratching and UV (which causes crazing) and strength. So, before you spend the money on that slab (I'd be surprised if it was under $200 for the cheap stuff) ask your plastic supplier what materials they stock and what the characteristics are. The really good stuff--UV and scratch resistant--is for outdoor and architectural use and it won't be stocked at the same places that sell tabletops and towel rods.<G> Most palces will charge you for a full 4x8 sheet, regardless of how much they sell you, and then neatly pocket the rest of the slab. So if you're buying a whole slab--make sure you get it and make good use of it. The rest could be turned into companionway boards, storm ports...all sorts of things.

On forming it...ask the folks you buy it from. Many of them already have all the right equipment for fabrication, and a simple bend won't be an expensive job. Better for them to risk ruining that expensive slab, than for you to kludge around with it without production equipment. No?

07-02-2007, 18:39	#10
hellosailor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,993	Paul- IIRC Beneteau made big new 20-odd years ago by using huge slabs of light green tinted Lexan instead of plexi, but plexi ruled--as it does now. When something is 5/8" thick, plexi is already bulletproof and usually cheaper and more scratch-resistant, so I'd guess he's got plexi. Stuffinbox- There are dozens, literally dozens, of grades of plexi and Lexan and similar materials from other sources. They vary greatly in PRICE, along with resistance to scratching and UV (which causes crazing) and strength. So, before you spend the money on that slab (I'd be surprised if it was under $200 for the cheap stuff) ask your plastic supplier what materials they stock and what the characteristics are. The really good stuff--UV and scratch resistant--is for outdoor and architectural use and it won't be stocked at the same places that sell tabletops and towel rods.<G> Most palces will charge you for a full 4x8 sheet, regardless of how much they sell you, and then neatly pocket the rest of the slab. So if you're buying a whole slab--make sure you get it and make good use of it. The rest could be turned into companionway boards, storm ports...all sorts of things. On forming it...ask the folks you buy it from. Many of them already have all the right equipment for fabrication, and a simple bend won't be an expensive job. Better for them to risk ruining that expensive slab, than for you to kludge around with it without production equipment. No?