08 sante windshield shattered, frame removal?

[UG_ALLSTAR]

The driver side windshield on my 08 super air was shattered and I'm heartbroken. I've already come to terms with the fact that glass replacement is not an option as I was quoted approximately $7000 from OD to have a windshield fabricated.

I'm in the works to have a polycarbonate windshield installed but need to remove the windshield frame from the boat. Windshield frame is in good condition, just the windshield was damaged. Side glass with the nautique emblem and crest "crown" decals is currently in the frame as well.

Any guidance or advice is needed. I'm a handy person so just point me in the right direction. I simply dont want to botch anything else as this has already been a tragedy jkjk.

Thanks

[SilentSeven]

Ouch. Sorry to see this. NautiqueJeff is the resident expert on windshield removals.

Could you keep the community updated on how you're getting the polycarbonate replacement made? This information could be really helpful for another person who ends up in the same situation. Thanks!

[NautiqueJeff]

Removal is super easy. The part with the arrows is just a rubber screw cover. Pull that off, unscrew the screws, and lift it off. Then you can pull the frame apart using the visible screws.

[NautiqueJeff]

I think if I were you, I would just buy a whole new windshield from NautiqueParts. They have the 2009 windsheilds, and that should fit your boat fine. They are a slightly different design from the 2008 windshield though. You'd have to buy all three pieces, but still less expensive than having OD build one from scratch.

https://nautiqueparts.com/windshield...10-2009/?aff=2

[UG_ALLSTAR]

Thank you gentlemen for your assistance. I will update this post with my resolution.

NautiqueJeff thank you for the pic and recommendation. I'm optimistic that I might..... eventually find the correct glass for my 08' and the polycarbonate is just a temporary fix. Please reach out if you happen to come across an 08' driver's windshield as I would gladly take it off your hands.

Anyone with further recommendations please feel free to chime in. Thanks again

[SilentSeven]

UG_ALLSTAR - I'd think twice about the path you suggested. A full windshield now for $800 + shipping is really reasonable and you have no idea if you'll have that option in six months. Finding the specific glass you need from someone with a reasonable price and willing to ship it feels like a super long shot.

If it was me and I planned to keep the boat, I'd buy the factory glass. Then I'd sell the two other sections from your old windshield helping someone else out.

Edit: Oops. I see its $800 per wing so maybe this doesn't quite pan out like I thought.

[UG_ALLSTAR]

SilentSeven Appreciate the input. Just a humble question, but why would you think twice about going the path of polycarbonate as a temp or permanent solution? From my understanding it is shatterproof and can be made to spec just like a windshield. Ocean Dynamics also quoted me on a PC windshield at approx $1200 so I assumed it was common for a lower cost replacement. This way I can keep everything as-is and if/when I find oem glass it's a simple vinyl remove and install the new windshield. I know PC can scratch easy but it's better than not having a windshield?
I plan on tinting the remaining glass/PC when finished.

If I ordered a new piece of fabricated glass it's a 12+ week with no guarantee. Here's the a copy pasta of the email that was sent to me from OD.

Edit: It looks like tinting isn't an option due to the pc putting off gasses.



The estimated price to:

* Fabricate the compound curved panel out of polycast for the stbd., fwd. windshield is $1,280 (estimated lead time 2 - 3 weeks)

* OR Fabricate the compound curved panel out of glass for the stbd., fwd. windshield is $5,950 - 6,880 (estimated lead time is 12+ weeks)

* Install the new, curved panel, onto customer’s windshield frames is $225 (polycast) OR $580 (glass)

* Plus boxing/crating, handling, and shipping - Price TBD

NOTE: All true prices -/+ TBD after receiving windshield/frames.





Here's an example of a PC windshield.

[SilentSeven]

You got me to do some reading...so this has been a good exercise. I learned there are multiple companies out there that make custom molded poly type replacement windshields - Ocean Dynamics or OD being just one of many. This approach seems to be an accepted process to replace NLA windshields for a variety of vehicles....including boats. There do appear to be some tradeoffs with strength, scratch resistance and UV hazing with the latter two addressed by various coatings and maintenance. This is the first time I can recall anyone on the board talking about poly replacements - I'm sure someone will refresh my memory if it's been discussed before.

The 3 parts from NP would be $1825 less the 10% board discount so $1642 plus shipping and tax. I'll assume NautiqueJeff 's guidance that the windshield will fit is correct; he knows his stuff. For that price, you basically get a complete new windshield (and maybe new frames as well as frames are shown in the picture. I'd call and ask). And - maybe you can recover some money by selling your current left wing and door. You get all the benefits of glass and a replacement that should effectively last forever.

The poly wing is $1280 plus shipping and tax. I think you also have to send them your frame and then you can optionally pay them for installation into the frame. For that you get what appears to be a very serviceable part in the near to mid term but won't last like glass. You're suggesting you plan this as interim part until you locate a glass wing but that will also cost $$ and IMO it's going to be difficult at best to locate.

For me, the $362 price delta is easily worth the benefit of a new glass windshield. In reality, it's going to be somewhat more than $362 as the shipping on the 3 parts will be more than the single poly wing. But the glass solution is one and done and is nearly factory correct. The poly solution is a multi putt approach, a compromise at best, which may required re-work in the future and incrementally reduces the value of the boat.

You actually have a choice for glass. But who knows for how long...they may sell the last unit tomorrow and then they are gone. For many of us, the glass option is NLA. If it was my boat, I'd snap up a glass one while I could.

[UG_ALLSTAR]

SilentSeven Thank you for the reply. I've taken the advice of you/Jeff and have contacted Nautique parts. I might be in luck for a windshield and the gentleman that assisted me "Woody" was extremely helpful. I'm currently waiting for an invoice but stock had to be verified as he was checking stock on the computer.

After doing more research I don't think PC is the route for my sante, maybe as a last resort. PC windows look ok but the off gassing, hazing, and general longevity are big cons for me. I'll agree that the additional cost of the complete windshield is still a better option than PC.

I'll keep this post updated until I have a resolution. Thanks again fellas

[NautiqueJeff]

Glad to hear that.

Just FYI, Woody is a legend in the Nautique world. He was a long-time lead mechanic at Southeast Correct Craft, which was right down the street from the old factory on Orange Avenue in Orlando. His boss was Walt Meloon. Yes, that Walt Meloon. Woody and Walt worked together for decades, and Woody really knows his stuff. Luckily NautiqueParts was able to get him to help with client calls once SECC closed its doors.

[UG_ALLSTAR]

Woody was great to talk to and I can't say how much I appreciate his/PN assistance. I had to look up ol' Walt but it was a good read, thank you.

[MN Ryan]

That Nautique Parts price actually seems quite reasonable to me--I've heard some real horror stories with prices on glass windshields on "older" boats. If it were me, that's the route I would take.
Our of curiosity, how did it happen? I normally tow with a cover on for several reasons, and this is one of them!

[UG_ALLSTAR]

Yes sir, the OD quote gave me a shock at what custom glass can cost.

Not sure how it happened, walked into my garage to find glass all over the floor. No trailering involved. I have a theory that it was the weight of the front section of the tower resting on the frame. I'm not confident that the frame was made to support the tower but that is how the previous owner had stored it so I remained status quo. Either way it's off the frame and supported due to said theory.

[SilentSeven]

Just curious...do the glass wings come with new frames as well?

[NautiqueJeff]

Yes, they do.