Replacing windshield
 

I'm taking the old style frame windshield off my boat and replacing it with something lower and neater. Which material holds up better, plexi or acrylic? Plan to use 1/4 inch thick material. Would heat affect one more than the other?

Not the heat so much at the UV from the sun would be my guess.

I had replaced an older scarab windshield due to damage. I had used 1/4' polycarbonate, which is virtually in-destructable when new. Seemed to last about 3 years in Ohio sun. The poly got stress cracks but never broke. I had put a pretty hefty bend in it and did not heat it. Your best bet is to find a plastic shop and heat form it. Try Solstis plastics in Michigan

AGGRAVATION28,

Check out Mcmaster.com and search for Abrasion-Resistant Polycarbonate here's what they claim:

"Resists abrasion to maintain clarity better than other polycarbonates. Resists UV degradation and withstands harsh cleaners and solvents. is's a poor electrical insulator"


I've used it for underwater windows in industrial aplications and it's maintained it's clarity for at least 9 years but their indoors so there was never any exposure to UV rays.