foggy windows... advice needed.

[Patbarbeau]

The 6 side-windows on my newly bought 1975 Grampian 26 are foggy. It looks like plexiglass. I will probably have to change them soon, maybe during the next off-season but in the meantime, anyone would know of any product that could improve transparency? I have tried washing it with multi-purpose and normal glass window cleaners without much success...

When I start the project of changing them altogether, any tips on the best way to proceed? Here is what the windows look like:

[SVCarolena]

You may want to try one of the plastic polishes on the market. I've used the McGuires product with some success. It won't make them look new, but should reduce some of the haze.

[camaraderie]

You can't save all plastic windows, but in my experience, the 3 stage novus polish system does a great job if it is possible.
novuspolish

[JohnRPollard]

On my computer, the photo of your portlights is not very high resolution. So it's hard to say from what material the lenses are made. If it's acrylic plexiglass, you're probably dealing with UV degradation that penetrates deeper than the surface, but the above products might work.

If it's actually a laminated safety glass or laminated acrylic (plexi), the "fogging" may actually be between the layers, rather than on the surface. In which case replacement is the only real remedy.

[Patbarbeau]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'll try the Novus product. I looked it up and it is available locally here in Canada. Any idea on how big of a job replacing them might represent and how difficult it might be to seal them properly?

[Bermuda30]

I'll second the Novus products. If you can't get your hands on those, auto parts stores stock polishes to restore yellowed/hazy headlights that work quite well.

AS for replacing, the frames on the grampian are removable, and new plexi can be inserted. Personally, I will be replacing mine with 3/8" surface mounted ports, a little thicker than the flimsy stock ones.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...ted-ports.html

The stock grey gaskets can be found here:

Holland Marine Products