Putting it all together.

[LP]

I'm in the final phases of putting together an 18' mahogany runabout. I've taken an Edwin Monk design and stretched it a bit made some other changes (splashwell, constant deadrise). Hopefully, of no detriment to the design. Anyway, I'm trying to incorporate modern systems and materials where they are applicable, so this thread is going to be a line of questioning in regard to proper installation of systems and possibly what is current industry standard.

My first line of questions is about proper windshield materials. I would like to stay away from any plastics as the suffer from UV degradation and abuse(scratches, chemicals, etc.) I was thinking of using automotive safety glass, but would like to explore other options.

The windshield frame is a split V'ed shape with side windows. The glass panels are aproximately 22" by 16".

[longliner45]

nice boat,,,how about lexan windows?

[gonzo]

Safety glass is used in cars but it is not automotive. It is also used in windows, industrial and others. Laminated glass works better, because in the event it breaks, the pieces stay somewhat attached together.

[Raggi_Thor]

Acrylic(?) or Polycarbonate, Lexan®, is lighter than glass if weight is important. I think laminated glass looks better.

Beautiful boat, can we see some more?

[LP]

Lexan would be my first choice in plastics. I like the look of real glass, but I think I'll be paying a weight penalty. In searching other threads, it looks like tempered glass is strongest, but it's probably folly to use in a non-laminated form. Thoughts? Glass forward and Lexan sides?

The back glass in my '95 Bronco have been busted twice. It's non-laminated and shatters into a million pieces. No big and dangerous pieces though. Would that mean it's safety glass? tempered glass? ??

Here are some pics before the windshield frame. Pardon the mess. I barely have time to work on the boat, let alone, clean up afterwards.

scroll down to the bottom.

http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthr...667#post116667

[gonzo]

Tempered glass breaks into little pieces. Safety glass has a plastic or metal mesh in between the laminates. Car windhsields have two laminates. They can be made with as many layers as you want.

[LP]

I found a source for 1/8" safety glass. I was afraid I'd end up with something a 1/4" thick.

Several more items to query.

Steering wheel issues. I've pretty much been planning to go with the standard right- er... starboard wheel. Some of the old woodies have them port-side. If I use a modern coaming mount power quadrant, does that lock me into a starboard-side steering wheel?

I just got my fuel tank today so I'm looking at resolving it's issues. I'm looking at putting the filler on the aft port deck. I'm curious about the best location for the tank vent. Should it be on a vertical surface? on the side (outside obviously) of the boat or could it be located in the splash well?

I'll be using a stern light on a removable pole. It makes sense to keep it away from the fuel filler port so I'm looking at a starboard mount. Does it matter which side if the boat the stern light is on? This light omni-directional. Does there need to be a stern "nav" light that is restricted to being viewed only from behind the boat?

[tom28571]

Normally both side and rear windows on cars are tempered glass. Side windows seldom shatter but rear windows can shatter just sitting in the sun or from minor impacts. Side windows are not constrained are just fairly loose in their mountings while rear windows are mounted much like windshields.

moral: If tempered glass is mounted is such a way that it can be subjected to any stress, it can shatter easily. Which way will you windshield be mounted? In the same situation I have always chosen either safety plate glass or Lexan. Not a glass expert but the above reasoning seems sensible to me and I would not use tempered glass in a windshield..

[FAST FRED]

IT is doubtful that a boat of this style would get green water breaking over the deck , so light and thin will be fine. The auto safety glass (if flat) is easy to get and fairly cheap.

Glass MUST be used if a windshield wiper is used as the blade destroys plastic rapidly.

I believe the choices made between P or S helm was due to propeller rotation , they always wanted the driver on the side that lifted from propeller torque.

In addition many inboards would also have the shaft a few degrees offset to have the rudder centered at speed.

FF