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The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
In addition to the standard unit which eliminates the cockpit/stern view this plexiglass unit will allow full view and provides a lot more light in the cabin. The teak top closure strip, shaped to fit snugly and can be added when it rains or removed for ventilation purposes.
Henk & Johanna "Floating", a few off your "barnacles". "Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016) "Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018) "Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023) "Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)
Henk, Great addition, also for those of you who asked I believe the picture also shows where to run an extension chord down into the cabin, at least thats where mine enters the cabin. Nice mod Henk.
Where did you find the plexiglass and what was the price if you don't mind? Also, is the thickness the same as the OEM board? Thanks, looks great, Dan #727
Bravo!!!!! We added this to out boat after we purchased it in 2002. I shared it on the forum but didn't have photos or a scanner so I couldn't produce photos of it on the forum. For those considering it my opinion is that it is a "must." It truly opens up the cabin environment even when weather demands snugging up. Gives you the feeling of being outside even while down below. As I recall it cost me under $100.
Detail of plexiglas and teak top closure... Note also the storage bag for sticks and closure strip storage which is velcro strapped to the side of the companion ladder. Works great!!
Please note the slightly angled 3/8 teak strip added in between the bottom section.
We are just thrilled with the plexiglas cover and teak cover/ventilation strip. It is one of the best things we’ve added to the boat’s inventory and makes life on board even more enjoyable.
Sometimes you luck out and you can get your hands on a second-hand piece of 3/8" thick Plexiglas free of charge. I used the existing cover as pattern. The edges can cut by a hand held circular saw or table saw, protecting your eye's is a must, and planed with a hand held plane, filed and/or sanded. In my opinion 1/4" thick material is too flimsy and will rattle & bend to easily.
Cost to buy this second-hand should be reasonable since it is widely used in the building industry. The attached picture shows the teak closure strip which is shaped to overlap the Plexiglas and to fit snugly to the sides of the companion way. (please indicate if a close-up detail photo is wanted) Shaping this was a bit of trial and error.
We use the Plexiglas insert, without the teak closure strip during the night with warmer and dry weather for more air circulation. Even when it rains with little or no wind, no water will come in.
Also during wet/windy/cold passages we have the plexiglas insert in place, can talk and keep an eye on the admiral, and view the GPS & sounder behind the glass without getting wet.
In order to store the Plexiglas and the boats standard cover together in the storage rack provided, I added a 3/8 teak strip to the inside of the bottom retaining strip only. The side strip had a enough play to allow for the Plexiglas to be added without changing it.
Then... to make things even better the Admiral fabricated a 3 or so feet long white cotton bag with a Velcro strap added to the top to accommodate the teak hatch way top strip and... 3 or 4 walking sticks which is strapped alongside the companions way steps. Works just great and keeps all these awkward sticks and pieces stored and easily accessible right where you want them.
River & RSHooter By copying the shape from the original hatch cover onto the plexiglas, I noticed that each side angle is slightly but noticable different. Would that be a problem if you do buy a ready made custom Plexi from IdaSailor or... is there enough material to custom fit to suit your boat's opening?
I drew a pattern from my original. I believe he would send you some tracing paper if you wanted to be extra sure. There may be variations with some C250's.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by kevinmac</i> <br />Hey River, I second the other question, especially since I live near you. Where did you get the plexi? I think that looks like a SUPER mod! <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Well, I keep my boat at the Swantown Marina in Olympia. They have a dry storage lot adjacent to the marina. I obtained my "plexiglass" hatch cover from a firm located across the street from the lot. I just walked my existing hatch cover over to them for them to use as a pattern and they cut and shaped it for me and everything - got it with a tint as well. If you want, I'll be glad to look up the name of the firm for you. However, since you are in the Portland area you might find a similar business here to do the same thing. The business I used in Olympia actually specializes in glass. There is a firm in Portland called Taps (spelling???) Plastics....I bet they'd do it for you. Let me know...
Hey guys, You can find some really good deals on Lexan (clear or tinted) in all different sizes on E-bay. I bought some tinted lexan a couple years back for a window project on another boat. The lexan will cut using a jig saw. Don't forget to use the E-bay link in our link page.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.