Replacing leaking windows on sailboat (first 38)

[knuterikt]

We have first 38 with 20 years old leaking windows.
The old windows are made of Perspex mounted on the outside of the cabin sides, fastened with aluminium inter-screws.
There are two openings on each side. Each window opening is roughly 90x16 cm.
The old aluminium mounting screws was so corroded that most of the screws broke during removal.

We are looking into different solutions, to replace the old windows.

-Replace with Perspex/polycarbonate mounted as the old ones.

-Mount polycarbonate or hardened glass in custom made aluminium frames. Found a local supplier who can make frames from standard profiles.

-Use same aluminium profiles but divide the opening into three sections with two vertical posts and make the centre section opening (top hinged). That would give use four opening windows in the main cabin.

The profile can be found on this web page http://www.colt.no/s30-detalj.htm
(Yes this page is in Norwegian, but the drawing has English text)

The alternatives have been listed after increasing price.

I would appreciate your views on these solutions.

Thanks in advance

[camaraderie]

knuterikt....It sounds as though you have done considerable research. To point out the obvious, the original method lasted 20 years and one might expect a re-fit using the same method to do the same at minimum cost.
The second method seems to have no real benefit other than perhaps being more sturdy. The third solution adds the benefit of ventilation. So the question becomes...is the increased ventilation worth the additional cost to you? Do you plan on holding on to this boat for a while? If so...then it may be a worthwhile improvement in comfort for you.