Fastech windshield support
 

Hello.
I am sure that many Fastech owners has problems with windshield flexing while riding anything more then smooth seas. I own 292 Fastech and each time I jump the wave I am nervously watching and waiting when my glass would shatter .

I did post few months ago but no luck with finding one to ready to purchase. I decided to start making them from billet aluminium. With my engineer we designed and drew new ,center windshield support.
I have it 3D printed and it looks and fits fantastic. I am in the process of doing short run of 10 pieces right now. It still might take few weeks until I am going to have one ready to install.

Wondering if there would be any interest in those pieces?
How many of you would be willing to purchase one ?

Hi. I don't have a 292, but I have a 97, 232. I've been looking for windshield supports for a long time. My windshield is "Taylor made" Probably much smaller. If your supports are adjustable and would work for my application I would be very interested. Any pictures? Thanks

I have a 353 and blew out my windshield on Lake Erie, in part because the frame flexed. I'd be very interested in a support bracket. I'm not sure if what you are building would fit on my boat,but I'd certainly take a look and if it fit,I'd buy it in a second. Keep us posted on this.

I'm interested, how much? Pics.

I also have a 292 with next to no windshield support.

I would be interested as well.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...6c55d97912.jpg
This is just single layer print to to check if the angle is correct.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...aea462cc99.jpg
This is 3 dimensional print using carbon infused material. Since then I did few corrections. Upper part is extended for more contact with the frame, also upper part is a little thicker to make it stronger. It would be attached with 2 5/16 size bolts from the bottom. Headliner has to be partially dropped to install hardware through the helm with oversized washers.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...abdaaa50de.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...abdaaa50de.jpg

Please ignore double picture....
3d printed piece is built from 2 pieces. Aluminum, ready to go would be machined form single piece. It was just easier for me to print it from 2 elements.

Please ignore double picture....
3d printed piece is built from 2 pieces. Aluminum, ready to go would be machined form single piece. It was just easier for me to print it from 2 elements.

That is going to be a nice piece ! Maybe you could get Formula to give you the specs on all the different model of FT's, that way you could make them per order and not have so much engineering and setup costs.

Guys, I do not know about the newer windshields, but on the SR1 boats, the windshield frame has joints that allow it to move. Mine will move around quite a bit between the two halves and I see no way to tighten it up (meaning that I think it’s there by design). I would think that if you were to remove the frame’s ability to move around, you could be inviting more of a chance of breakage. Edit: The boat is not rigid and flexes some by design (otherwise it would break). I would think the frame needs the ability to move with the hull.

Just my thoughts based on what I’ve seen on mine.

Good friend of mine lost the front stbd glass (whole) on his 95 271 SR1 in a poker run, damn near took his head off too on its way out. I wouldnt go that far by saying its "designed" to flex. Mine 292 fastech windshield flexes so bad all the screws will fall out in a weekend, its gotten so bad I've had to get larger screws to hold it together.

I have a starboard curved glass for the sr1 if anyone needs one.

Wow!!

That's pretty damn scary.

My boat has had evidence of the glass breaking at some point in it's life but I figured something maybe fell out it or something (I've found the broken pieces in tiny crevices and the bilge). Knowing the previous owner, I doubt it broke from being run hard. I guess I should ask him.

I have considered replacing the glass with Lexan, but damn if that wouldn't be stupid expensive.

What I have found is that like everything else on a boat, they come loose. I through bolted mine. There where just a couple I couldn't get at on the port side by the TV ant. If your boat is flexing that much I would tighten everything you can. See if your bow rails, the rails around the engine compartment, and the through bolts for the hull and deck are loose. Even through they are bonded I would sung them up a little. Be careful not to over tighten the Bow rails, you can suck them down to much and crack the gel coat around them. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

It took us a while to get the first billet pice machinned. Here it is ! Fits perfectly to the helm and windshield frame. Angle is just right.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e3ebd13816.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...09ab831ddc.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9d687fa866.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0b2b300b35.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d817b510e4.jpg
5/16 threaded holes for mounting it through helm. I am planning to use either bolts with oversized washers or another option is industrial grade double stick tape that actually works very well.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...92b95e887d.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...f147128a41.jpg

F
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e4f06bf546.jpg
Few pictures test fitted to my 292 Fastech.

What are you looking for the support? I would love to know if this will work for my windshield application. Are there any measurements I can take to verify that the windshield angle would be on, and length from boat to edge of shield? Thanks and have you found that the double sided tape is all you need to secure to shield?

https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col...305969259.html

I have read before about Formula windshields breaking. I just happened to run across this on CL if anyone is looking for one.

Windshield support is now available for sale.
Tested few days on rough water of Lake Michigan and it works awesome. Zero flex on the frame and you can actually hold it now going to the bow.
Unfortunately with current aluminium prices price is $900 shipped in US.
Please let me know if anyone wants to order one. They are build to order.

Very Nice work and product. I agree the aluminum looks nice but have you considered an alternate material?

Some sort of nylon might make it less expensive. Won't look as good, but plastic is usually cheaper.

Machining process takes hours. Changing material will cut the cost few $$ for sure but I don't want tonuse plastic. Shipping it overseas would cut the cost for sure,but I will not do that. I support local economy and suppliers. So aluminum it is.

bracket
 

..,,,,

I'm new to this forum, however very interested in the brace. What are you currently selling them for and what is the timeline on getting one? They look great!

Sorry but I do not make them anymore, there wasn't enough interest.

Just my luck...Thanks for the reply

Could we get you to make a few ?

If you make another run I'm in

I'm in if you decide to make more.

I'm in Florida and have a 93 sri271 and would also like you to make me a windshield mount, please let me know when they are available. I would buy a 3D printed one that would work for now as well. Thank you.

I wonder if it would be better to get one of those 3D scanners, scan the area, then build something, 3D print it. or just use some CAD - Cardboard Aided Design to mock something up, scan that, 3D print it/design it, and call it good 'nuff.

really just exterior dimensions and the windshield angle are the biggest areas to build to I'd assume.

I'd be happy with just a cheap good enough part to do the job!

Is there any support at all for the windshield from the factory or nothing at all? I would be the first to admit that this is not very stylish but it does work. Factory installed on my PQ. Maybe your windshield is laid back to much for something like this?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...3ed65b314b.jpg

that's how many boat windshields are supported. I've seen that design 100s of times.
I assume you buy the brackets, and cut the pole to length.
Maybe we are overthinking this. And that support would help/be sufficient.
I also assume you want 'some' movement. if you anchored the glass to the boat with say 100% titanium blocks that were 4"x4" and 6" lag bolts, nothing would give and I could see the glass breaking.

I'm currently redoing my drives/tabs panel, and it's taking 90% of my brain.
Once I wrap that or have a break while waiting on parts, I'll get some photos and cardboard/plywood/starboard and see what I can mock up.

Formula is fairly unique in that they have actual glass on a 'go fast' boat. Most other makes settle for small plexiglass or similar. I love the look of my 'real' windshield, but in really rough stuff, it's a lot.