Manta Salon Window Replacement?

[markpj23]

Wondering if anyone has replaced the Lexan windows in the salon on a 42ft Sail Cat? I'm wondering how to attempt this due to the angles / curvatures involved... they're definitely not flat sheets...

[Manta28]

Hi Mark,

I have not done this myself but talk briefly with a fellow that had. Bending the Lexan involves building a frame or mold and then finding a way to heat the lexan in the mold. Not a small project I would imagine. I have a could pictures of the frame he made if you're interested. I'd post them now but I'm new to this forum and haven't figure out how to do that yet.

Congrats on your new to you Manta. If you haven't yet, you should join the Mantatech forum over on Yahoo Groups. Lots of good info.

Regards,
Ken

S/V Faring
Manta #28

[markpj23]

Thanks Ken - much appreciated.

[gramos]

Originally Posted by markpj23

Wondering if anyone has replaced the Lexan windows in the salon on a 42ft Sail Cat? I'm wondering how to attempt this due to the angles / curvatures involved... they're definitely not flat sheets...

hi, i replaced all my windows on my solaris sunstar , which shares many design features with the manta ,and it was fairly simple . i removed them all one sunny day ! and took them to a plastics specialist in southampton , uk . they then cut new ones using the originals as templates . they were all cut from flat sheet with no problems at all . i then bonded / sealed and screwed them back in . this is quite topical , for me as today i ordered 6 tubes of compund /sealant , to re- fit them all ! after 6 years ( 3 in the med ) to cure very slight leaks . good luck ,

[neelie]

Lexan - too hard to mold.
Acrylic is possible, take the old windows to a plastics place where they will use the old windows to form new ones.
pm me if you want contact numbers some ex Manta factory guys - all good, quality guys, its a real shame they are out of work due the factory closure.

[JerryF]

Markpj23,

Read this thread. In it you can find some of the Manta factory workers that are now doing work on Mantas.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ess-19234.html

[markpj23]

Thanks Jerry - I've already had one of them aboard

[mikemr]

Hi Mark, some friends of ours replaced their big salon windows recently. They ordered them from a company in Florida, if I remember correctly. They came already curved and the only tricky thing was drilling the holes. They are currently in the Bahamas but they check on the manta tech board when they have internet, so you might post an inquiry there. I will also send them an e-mail and if I find out anymore information I will reply on this board, mike.

[DWT]

I looked at a Catana a year ago and was told the large salon window(1 of them) was replaced and cost the owner $5,500.00....ouch!

[mikemr]

Hi Mark, I received an e-mail from my friends that replaced their Manta windows, he said the name of the company was Acrylico, or something like that (his words). He wasn't on his boat where he had their card, so if I hear more I will let you know, mike.