OSea or Strataglass or ?-gctid375436

[baylineguy]

There is a newer clear vinyl available for enclosures called "O'Sea". It appears to be very similar to Strataglass. Both have a coating added to make them more resistant to scratches. I've also seen claims that O'Sea is more resistant to stains from chemicals such as suntan lotion on youngsters' hands. Does anyone have any experience with this product and how it compares to Strataglass or Crystal Clear (without the scratch resistant coating). Both OSea and Strataglass are priced about the same, and crystal clear runs about 2/3 as much for the material.

I'm looking at replacing the enclosure on my bridge. The canvas is still in good shape so I'm only looking at replacing the vinyl.

Thanks, Cliff

1998 3587 Bayliner

Port Orchard, WA

[Guest]

Just replaced the "glass" on our bridge. I used Lexan which was there before. It is very clear with no distortion. Got it by the yard from Perfect Fit, in Seattle. Looked at Strata glass, very expensive and only available in 110" sheets. Lexan is available by the yard.

[p91473]

Never heard of the stuff, must be new. Did you know you can get 2nd quality Strataglass. It is 1/2 the price and 95% usable. That is the route I took. The 2nd quality is nearly perfect. The 4 sheets I order each one had one or two tiny bubbles the size of a pin head in a section, usually by the edge. You never use a full sheet so I just cut around any bubles I saw if I could even find them. I ordered out of Florida here: www.scalisemarine.com. Whatever way you go new windows are awesome.

[mmichellich]

Don't know about the new stuff, but have experience with all in last 35 years. First never roll it if at all possible. Design solution for fold up to store. Lexan is the most transparent. Biggest drawback is yellowing and eventual cracking. Get the thickest stratoglas you can afford. It works and lasts the longest, without issues. Make sure to clean with fresh water after use. Dirt and surface distortation will shorten life and see thru clarity.

[baylineguy]

Thanks for the helpful info. I just recieved an estimate of $4000 to replace the vinyl with Strataglass...gulp... The job will take 3 1/2 sheets so even without using seconds that will take about $800 worth of material. $3200 seems like a heck of a labor charge. How did it go for those who replaced their old enclosures themselves? I called the shop who did the original canvas for my boat and he said they would sew the new window vinyl over the old vinyl and then cut out the old vinyl to keep the shape. Sounds like a project but $3200 will sure buy lots of steaks and beer.

1998 3587 Bayliner

Port Orchard, WA

[Guest]

I am having my entire enclosure replaced right now, I am using sunbrella and strata glass and the whole job is costing me $3100. It seems pretty fair compared to the other quotes I got.

[p91473]

baylineguy wrote:
Thanks for the helpful info. I just recieved an estimate of $4000 to replace the vinyl with Strataglass...gulp... The job will take 3 1/2 sheets so even without using seconds that will take about $800 worth of material. $3200 seems like a heck of a labor charge. How did it go for those who replaced their old enclosures themselves? I called the shop who did the original canvas for my boat and he said they would sew the new window vinyl over the old vinyl and then cut out the old vinyl to keep the shape. Sounds like a project but $3200 will sure buy lots of steaks and beer.

1998 3587 Bayliner

Port Orchard, WA

4k for just window replacement seems outrageous. Are you sure they are not quoting the whole enclosure? That would be about right. I replaced my panels myself using strata glass and sunbrella. Lot of work but very rewarding. Never sewed a stich in my life. You will need a good industrial sewing machine. Check out www.sailrite.com for how to videos and everything you need to get going. They even have a video on how to just replace windows.

[Shocking]

We used Gilmore's Upholstery in Ferndale, WA. Very inexpensive, very fast, and they even picked up the canvas off our boat and took it to their shop. We just had to pick up and pay. They're awesome!

[Guest]

I may be off the mark here, but I thought the "new" thing to use was polycarbonate? Not sure where that fits in vs. Lexan. I've had Strataglas and I'm not overly impressed as I have been with the hard surface material I assumed was Lexan but upon reading turned out to be Polycarbonate. Haven't priced anything yet, still in the looking and researching phase for a future purchase. Please enlighten :-)