Window replacement

[ibbo]

When I was at the Ballad nationals I saw one boat that had been fitted with Technautic windows. They were a bolt through style. I had never been happy with the stainless screws into a track on the original windows, and the seals on mine were about 50% Sikaflex so I contacted Technautic for a quote.
This was acceptable so I took the windows out of one side, and made a template for each window, and put my deposit down. There were options for tint levels, thickness of glass and whether to have bolt through, or a clamping arrangement. I have had waves land quite firmly on the front windows so I went for the bolt through option.
Within 3 weeks the windows were ready.

Windows parcel.jpg (174.5 KiB) Viewed 39737 times

I love shiny new things.

Windows 1.jpg (159.4 KiB) Viewed 39737 times

There is quite a curve in the roof for the front windows, and they were hardest to line up. The screws were 10mm, and I struggled to get them started. I bought 12mm and 15mm ones , and used 12mm along the top, and 15mm along the bottom where It's thicker.

windows 2.jpg (110.41 KiB) Viewed 39737 times

finally I used marine silicone to seal this one.

Windows 3.jpg (103.71 KiB) Viewed 39737 times

The silicone was hard work, and going off bythe time I could get all the screws in, so I used Butyl rubber for the port side windows. I will keep you posted which works out best.

windows 4.jpg (192.65 KiB) Viewed 39737 times

windows 5.jpg (134.58 KiB) Viewed 39737 times

[MarkRyan1981]

Gosh, they look great - good work! Does the company still have the templates? Could they produce another set?

[ibbo]

Hi Mark,

Dave at www.technauticmarinewindows.co.uk is checking to make sure they still have them. Probably be an idea to contact him direct.

I 'm well happy with them so far. My crew is disappointed I didn't line the screw heads up.

Mike

[patentnick]

Hi Mike and Mark:

I'm also looking into windows right now. I got a quote from Ertec in Denmark for a complete set of windows which came to 1,200 euros (incl. VAT).
They have the Ballad templates but their windows are of the clamp type which I also don't like, preferring the through-bolt type.

Mark, if you get in touch with Dave at Technautic, please keep me posted because I'm interested in ordering from them too.

Mike, the windows look beautiful!

Nicholas

[ibbo]

I've not heard any more from Technautic. Their price incl vat was £682.22.

After a few weeks looking at the windows, I'm still quite happy with the quality and value. I may have ordered a shade darker if I did it again, but these are a close match for the originals.

Mike

[patentnick]

Hi Mike:

Do you remember if your original windows were made by N.C. BJERG? Apparently it makes a difference when ordering.
If you can't, what is your Ballad's hull number/ year of manufacture?

Thanks,
Nicholas

[ibbo]

Yes they were Bjerg ones. I'm hull 45 or 54, can never remember which.

Mike

[patentnick]

Thanks Mike.

I talked to Dave yesterday and I think I will take the plunge and order the windows.
Just took the boat out of the water this morning (after 3.5 years). The jobs are mounting

Nicholas