First what is the proper name of the wind deflector on the flybridge? The curved plexiglass so many flybridges have. Second, has anyone made a template for making one for a defever 40? The boat I just bought does not have one it just has the brackets. I figured before I reinvent the wheel I would check to see if anyone else has done it all ready.
Wind deflector??
- Thread starter cd30ketch
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
It's called a venturi. If it's made up of a series of flat panels, like the venturi on a Grand Banks, you can have replacement panels made for you by a plastics shop. If it's a single or multi-part curved venturi, you can still have one made up but it will not be inexpensive.
The best material for a venturi is Plexiglas. Lexan is stronger but according to the plastics shop a lot of us use in this area (TAP), Lexan is much more susceptible to scratching than Plex. TAP makes venturi panels and they always recommend Plex over Lexan for this purpose.
The best material for a venturi is Plexiglas. Lexan is stronger but according to the plastics shop a lot of us use in this area (TAP), Lexan is much more susceptible to scratching than Plex. TAP makes venturi panels and they always recommend Plex over Lexan for this purpose.
Capn Chuck
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Just had a new one made for us by a local Plastic Company here near Baltimore. No magic, they came down, took the measurements, etc. and made a new panel. Chuck
I would be interested in a source for this in the Northwest.* We tried to have ours replaced by a glass shop in Anacortes.* He couldn't get the bend right and finally gave up after several failed attempts.* Anybody know who can do this in Portland/Seattle/Vancouver?
Lyle
Lyle
If you're talking about the venturi itself, try TAP plastics in Bellevue (and they may have other outlets, too).* They have told me they make both flat and curved venturi panels.
If you're talking about putting a stainless grab rail above the venturi panels, best bet is talk to a reputable boatyard to get the name of a good stainless tubing fabricator.* There are plenty of them around.
*
-- Edited by Marin on Saturday 18th of December 2010 02:24:49 PM
Ours had faded to a purplish colour by the time we bought the boat at age 14. I took the old ones to a glass shop and they matched them perfectly for curvature, on the first try. Apparently it involves drooping the plexiglass over a mold in a warm oven till the right curvature is achieved, then cooling them and the shape remains.
The new ones have kept their bronze colour for 15 years now, without any sign of fading to purple.
The new ones have kept their bronze colour for 15 years now, without any sign of fading to purple.
Capn Chuck
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Whoever you take it to, be sure they have an oven large enough to hold the entire piece to bend it. Otherwise save yourself a lot of aggravation and pass if they don't have one. Chuck
