Blown Out Windshield - 353 Fastech
 

As many of you know, we had our windshield blow out during the Ray Nuchereno Poker Run in Buffalo this past weekend. We were running 30 mph in 6' or so seas and had one come over the bow. The windshield exploded, sending two of us to the hospital for stitches. All are ok now. I think the frame may have flexed inward, causing the glass to shatter in our faces.

I need a solution -

My question is what suggestions do you have to prevent this from happening again? Does anyone have a picture of a Fastech without a windshield? How do you minimize wind? Is there a cut down version available or plexiglass version available? I could tint it, which would at minimum reduce the flying glass, but I think I need a better solution than that.

Thoughts and ideas appreciated.

What about aero-tech window not made of glass?

Look into ballistic film with any glazer in your area. Its frequently used in commercial applications.

I think the chances of that happening again are slim. I think going for a stock replacement and doing a coating from 3m would be a safe bet. They make a optically clear protective film that protects you on impact. It just holds all the little pieces together. I met you on the lake and your the one that told me about the sun shade you had. How all is well and a speedy recovery for all of you.

certainly not the windshield's fault! If you plan on regularly taking ~1000 lbs. of effective impact on your windscreen, I'd have to say glass just isn't for you!

if you replace it with glass, definitely film it, and yes, even tint will greatly minimize what you experienced.
Formula destroyed the fairing mold long ago. I've said more than once if they re-tooled one, they could sell quite a few! Just for aesthetics!
The fairing looked incredible on the 353!

I think Dan / Team Archer made a fairing for a Formula he had in the shop. I don't know any of the details though, I think it might have been pretty involved in his case. I'd ask him about it.

We were at the run, but didn't see the accident. Glad to hear you are all doing OK now. Speedy recovery!

I would be looking at tinting or the film route. I don't think a different windshield/fairing set up is the solution.
Think about it. What are the odds of that exact scenario happening again? The lake was ROUGH.

Unless you plan on regularly running in water like we had - and I don't think you do - the windshield with tint or film should be sufficient. I just think a lot of things happened just the right way, and thats why it broke like it did.

Glad you guys are doing well, that was a scary hour or so not knowing how you guys were. If it was up to me I would try to get some sort of a fiberglass fairing made up. The acrylic is also very sharp when it breaks and has cut others when it has broken. Plus the fairing looks really cool and makes going to the bow a little bit less effort. Seems Lake Erie has been mean the last 5 or 6 runs (other then mentor) that Tony has put on.

3M makes a film product that they marketed in London, UK to minimise flying glass injuries. I believe it was called scotchshield.