Clear Vinyl Repair

[scurvy]

Has anyone attempted to repair tears in their clear vinyl windows on their dodger? Is this at all possible, or is it just best to tear out the stitiching, buy an new piece, cut to size and have someone sew it back in??? the latter just sounds sooooo expensive!!!

[sailingdog]

Why can't you sew it back in?? If you have access to a sewing machine capable of handling such heavy materials, then I don't see any reason you can't do this yourself.

[T37Chef]

Sorry to do this but, we are looking for some isinglass and contacted Sailrite. They only sell it in fairly large quantities for what we need...any other suppliers who might sell only about a 2'x6' piece?

[scurvy]

The window is torn....so I was wondering if I could repair it. I would have to buy a roll of the clear vinyl, or buy it in bullk sheets and I would like to try to avoid that expense if at all possible? Imay have to do that though....That stuff is a b**ch to sew...particulary by hand! Could be a good rainly day project though...

[scurvy]

T37Chef,

Have you tried these guys?
Window Material

They sell partial sheets and rolls (both 20 and 30 ga) for about $18 -$24 per foot I believe?

Also...what do most folks use to clean the vinyl windows? This is a new old dodger and I remember cleaning my old dodger on our Sabre....but I don't remember what we used...not only cleaned it, but took some of the yellowing out as well!!!!

[sailingdog]

T37Chef-

Although you're hijacking his thread, you might contact a local marine canvas shop and ask if you could buy a small piece. They probably buy it in bulk and would more than likely sell you a 2' x 6' piece if you ask nicely.

Scurvy... ditto as for getting a piece of Isinglass. might be able to get a sheet just a bit bigger than the one you have to replace. I'd get two pieces or a piece twice as big as you need... in case you screw it up and if you don't, you'll have a spare.

[sailingdog]

BTW, read this article on cleaning strataglass.

[scurvy]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

might be able to get a sheet just a bit bigger than the one you have to replace. I'd get two pieces or a piece twice as big as you need... in case you screw it up and if you don't, you'll have a spare.

LOL...knowing me...I will need three pieces...because I am going to screw it up alright!!!

Thanks for the link sailingdog!!!

[1970Columbia34]

We have the same issue, we had a bad hail storm (golf ball size) last week and it put a hole in a dodger window. I am all for fixing it the correct way but I would like to wait tell we have the canvas guy make sides this winter. So we are looking for a tempoary fix. We clean our glass with race car windshield foam cleaner, its good for up to 200mph for those of you with really fast boats, in our case I am doing all I can get to gain speed.

[sailingdog]

1970Columbia34-

I get the feeling that whatever you clean it with won't speed up your boat much...

If you need a temporary fix, 3M makes a nice clear version of duct tape.