Hatches within acrylic Windows

[JasonDS]

Looking to put hatches in my replacement Windows. Anyone done this and recommend any hatch manufacturers? My acrylic is 8mm with a max height size of 500mm x 1900mm wide. I see that the Outremer has this (see photo) and want to do something similar.

[JasonDS]

Example

[JasonDS]

Thought i would get something as a reply, guess it's a novel idea. Contact me if you want Windows in Windows, good prices - once i figure it out! :-)

[donradcliffe]

Its probably doable, but your window will not be very strong. You might have to increase the thickness of the acrylic by 50% or so to compensate for the stress risers.

[Cheechako]

I would just attach it with the good Dow window sealant and no screws. If the cuts are clean I would think it would be stronger than with no portlite. Your plastic is pretty thin to start with. Dry fit it and make sure there is room around the portlite and the pane.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I would just attach it with the good Dow window sealant and no screws.

Agree and would use the Dow 795 structural silicone.

Bill O.

[KJThomas]

I did, but left a bit of cabin side ply surrounding the hatch cut out.

[Bulawayo]

We installed small Gebo hatches into our 100mm windows. Very simple job with a drill and a jigsaw. We never use silicone anywhere on our our boat. We prefer one of the poly sealants - and have always used Sika products. We did bolt ours and used dome headed nuts to give a decent finish. Just ensure the surface is flat before cutting. Good luck.

Originally Posted by JasonDS

Looking to put hatches in my replacement Windows. Anyone done this and recommend any hatch manufacturers? My acrylic is 8mm with a max height size of 500mm x 1900mm wide. I see that the Outremer has this (see photo) and want to do something similar.

[tpkas]

A few people have done it, myself included. Here's a link to a thread that may help.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1429090


Regards,

Brian

[Fore and Aft]

I see it on plenty of boats I survey. The biggest risk would be breaking the Perspex while cutting the hole.
Make sure you put plenty of tape on the bottom of your jigsaw to stop any scratching of the Perspex.
Cheers

[JasonDS]

Originally Posted by tpkas

A few people have done it, myself included. Here's a link to a thread that may help.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1429090


Regards,

Brian

Hi Brian. Thanks for the reply. What thickness is your perspex?

[JasonDS]

Thanks for the help guys. I feel more confident to do it and will keep this thread updated with my attempts

[JasonDS]

Ok. Finally did it myself. Windows within windows. My first youtube tutorial and i know not the best but please click 'like', it helps.

https://youtu.be/mPA2CjSzFM4
https://youtu.be/79TPLiibhCc

Thanks

[GRIT]

Nice job. Very neat.

Cheers.
Paul.