[ Help needed ] Window replacement

[pjesus]

Hi guys!

I need your help on this subject.

The starboard window on JetLag has a couple of big cracks (maybe due to temperature changes?) and I think it has detached slightly from the cabin so it's leaking quite a bit.

So a replacement is in order.

Questions:

1) What material should I use?

Acrylic? Policarbonate?
I believe policarbonate is stronger, am I correct?
I don't really know what's there currently.

2) How should I glue it?

I believe the current windows were glued ot the cabin with Sikaflex.
I understand the acrylic/policarbonate needs a Sika primer for the Sikaflex to adhere to (I used it when re-gluing the hatch)

3) How to hold the window in position?

I'm thinking of using wooden blocks below the window to set the correct height and the use tape or straps to hold the window in position while the glue dries.
Ideas?

Here's a shot of the window (port in this case). It's about 2m (6,5ft) long and maybe 25cm (10in) wide at the widest point.



These shots kinda show the curvature of the windows. Not much...





I would really apreciate your input on this.

Thanks,

Tiago

[earlylight]

Acrylic will crack if flexed too much whereas polycarbonate can be bent to follow curves. Acrylic is also subject to cracking when attached with screws. I will leave the sikaflex primer and adhesive questions to someone more knowledgeable than I. Good luck.

[pjesus]

Thanks Dick.
The curvature is not big, as I think the photos show.
Also, there are no screws holding the window.

[CapnK]

How about one or two long battens placed over foam/wood blocks against the poly/acry to hold it against the curve while adhesive is drying?

[pjesus]

How about one or two long battens placed over foam/wood blocks against the poly/acry to hold it against the curve while adhesive is drying?

Good idea, thanks!