Dockshootinjack saves me $230

Some may know I'm working on this project boat.
https://www.crappie.com/crappie/atta..._133257699-jpg

I ordered a $180 windshield (add $50 for shipping, doh). Well with all the little problems I've been sinking money into replacing things on this boat, I thought I'd try to make a windshield instead of ordering a new one. I remembered DSJ's comment about making one in my other thread.

Another thing that made me think twice about that new windshield was, sure it looked cool, all bat mobile like, but it took away the room on top that console. I thought that would be a good place to mount a fish finder (you can see a small one there now that came with the boat), and I could throw jigs there. That bubble top windshield covers that up are and takes away all access.

So I took some thinner plexiglass that I had just laying around, and it flexed nice. Hmm. Well, cutting it with the finest jig saw blade I had still splintered it up a bit, but I persisted, put tape around the edge, and wrapped it around the console, and it seemed to work, it did not shatter. I created a shape with cardboard so it had a nice angle, worked out kinda cool. I'll have to get some fresh plexiglass with the scratch tape still applied and do it again, maybe a little slower, and maybe with a new finer blade, and I think she'll be good to go.

Attachment 451078

I have it sitting in the sun learning it;s new form, and I'll actually screw it on to see how this "template" will be. Then I'll get some fresh plexiglas and do it right, hopefully.

Oh, I did cancel the new windshield btw. Each are custom made so it takes three or four months before you get it anyway!!!

You have skills. That will be awesome. Good hunt from DSJ. Great job

Mike

On the dash of your truck in the full sun would get mighty hot. A big pan of hot water will certainly make it flexible

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Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

On the dash of your truck in the full sun would get mighty hot. A big pan of hot water will certainly make it flexible

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Now you cost me!!!! Lol

I thought it was a great idea. So I move it to the passenger seat of my f250. It sitting there real nice and it's hot in this Florida sun. I make one small adjustment and snap! Oh well. But at least I got a plan.

Attachment 451079

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

I already got another cut, this time no spider cracks at all. I duct tape and clear tape on both sides of where I was gonna cut, and cut real slow with the least vibration. Worked. Now I have it sitting in the bent shape in the passenger seat of the f250 getting baked in the Florida sun! I'll leave it there a day or two and see if it takes shape, or springs back! doh

Attachment 451083

Sometimes the fun in the project is figuring out how to make it work. Hope that gets it done for you

Here is a link on the subject from Iboats.

Bending plexiglass for curved windshield | Boating Forum - iboats Boating Forums

Lowes is a source of lexan if you choose that route

Looks very nice!

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Originally Posted by Slab

I already got another cut, this time no spider cracks at all. I duct tape and clear tape on both sides of where I was gonna cut, and cut real slow with the least vibration. Worked. Now I have it sitting in the bent shape in the passenger seat of the f250 getting baked in the Florida sun! I'll leave it there a day or two and see if it takes shape, or springs back! doh

Attachment 451083

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And my jigsaw cut is not as bad as that kindergarten drawn line looks on that plexiglass. That's just a reference line off the cardboard cutout I used to draft/design the windshield. It's ruff till it's cut!