Windshield fitting

[BuzzStPoint]

Have a 1962 Glastron skiflite I've been fixing up.

Bought a windshield in CL and would like some ideas.
This windshield is from a 1966 mirrowcraft so it doesn't fit properly, there is a large gap in the center of the shield and back corners cracked.

Here's my thought. Come from the top of the highest crack (about 1 3/4" high) and scribe the contour of the boat and cut it with a jigsaw. Redrill the holes for the mounting brackets.

Next. Any easy way to polish the windshield? I'm not looking for brand new look, just a bit clearer.
Also on my trolling motor I'll need to re-route my cables, do they make grommets that seal and wont leak through the center?

Anyone think of something better for the windshield? Or am I on the right track here?
Also is there a standard on where the windshield should be front to back?
Here's some pics to help with ideas.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Windshield fitting

Yep scribe the windshield and cut it. Plexiglass is tricky to cut soo... use a variable speed jig saw on low speed and a fine toothed blade AND keep it sprayed down with lots of soapy water so you don't melt it.
This will tel you how to polish it so it WILL look like a new one.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=503640&highlight=windshield

 

[CoffeeHound]

Re: Windshield fitting

I hope you are open to a new language because your going to learm to cuss and discuss that windsheild more than look thru it .
BTDT on a 18 Lonestar until son tripped on it and took nose-dive into 15 ft of water.
He broke the windsheild trying to get to the bow cleet so we trashed the windheild and I never missed it !

It will work only if you put the trolling motor on back-- maybe on a bracket !!
and move the anchor rope cleets back also to behind the windsheild .
Not my idea of fun and games , working with PB , gel-coat and sanding !!


Do you think it is all worth it in the long run -- what are you going to accomplish by adding a windsheild on a fishing boat ?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Windshield fitting

Hmmm, did not see anything in the OP's original post where he said this was going to be only a Fishing Boat. I did not address that in my first post, sorry. Yes the make grommets, are the waterproof...No. Are you wanting to mount it on the bow?

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Windshield fitting

Well we use the boat for pleasure as well as fishing,
Why the windshield? Because I think they look better with one on.

The trolling motor is already mounted on the boat. It can be moved but I've never liked rear mounted trolling motors.
I wanted to push the wires down into the bow of the boat (this is where the battery is) so the cables aren't running by my steering wheel and legs. I usually keep towels and such under the bow, so if the grommet area will leak water then I'll have to get a sealed container to keep them dry.
I was going to make up a quick disconnect bracket to take the trolling motor off when not fishing.
As far as the cleat.. Not a problem. Those can be moved. Simple fiber fill and paint, that's not an issue for me.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Windshield fitting

I agree with the windshield. Sorry I did not make that clear. I meant that I thought you were going to use it for MORE than just fishing. To keep it water proof you could install a Plug IN for the TM in the bow. Also make a bolt on mount so the motor could easily be removed and unplugged.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Windshield fitting

Ahh yes. That looks like it might work, I suppose there should be something like that for the electric foot pedal.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Windshield fitting

Pretty sure there is.

 

[CoffeeHound]

Re: Windshield fitting

Thank you Buzz for the clarification -- Boat will look good with the windsheild . Safe boating to you buddy !!