Saloon Window Replacement: Tempered or Shatterproof Glass?

[YPSILANTI]

The frames on my saloon window on my Cat were replaced and in the process my window cracked. The existing saloon windows are marked "Tempered." Whilst the obvious choice is to replace "like for like" with tempered glass. However, the tempered will have to be specially oven baked and manufactured to match the existing window. It will take many weeks to obtain. The glass supplier asked why I wasn't considering Shatterproof glass to the same specifications as an automobiles front windscreen. It can be cut to shape immediately. Is that suitable and strong enough? I don't want to down specify and product on my boat. The size is around 1200 mm x 400 mm. ( 4 ft. x 1.3 ft.) Advice from those in the know will be appreciated.

Mike

[UNCIVILIZED]

Short answer: Nope. Before progressing any further, find out the spec's on the old glass that you have. As there are many dozens of types of tempered glass, each with different strength & impact ratings.

[YPSILANTI]

Hi Uncivilized. Regrettably the original manufacturer no longer exists so I can contact them. However, The glass supplier suggested Shatterproof glass to the same specifications as an automobiles front windscreen. Is that suitable and strong enough? Can I use shatterproof?

[YPSILANTI]

Apologies, prev post meant to read "cannot" contact them.

[NahanniV]

Are there any markings or numbers other than Tempered ?

Like AS1 AS2 etc...

[boatpoker]

Send me a PM with your email address and I will respond with ABYC H-3 Standard for exterior glass. Unfortunately this site will not let me attach a pdf. ...... short version, yes, tempered or laminated glass are acceptable.

[a64pilot]

I would go with laminated, it’s what your calling shatterproof.
Tempered glass is made to burst into thousands of little pieces so as to not hurt you, if a shower door for instance broke in half, the half that fell out could cause You serious bodily harm.
However in a boat if the window is broken, I want it to stay in place and keep the water out, not to break into a thousand pieces.

I used to manufacture an agricultural airplane, we used laminated safety glass in its windshield like on an automobile, so that when the pilot had a bird strike, he still had a windshield. Broken and hard to see through, but there was still something there.

[YPSILANTI]

Hi JM. Nope, that all is says: Tempered.

[Bill Seal]

Tempered seems like a poor choice for boat windows, in a storm situation, something like a broken wine bottle could cause them to disintegrate. Henry Ford's laminated safety glass seems like the only choice. Plus, any skilled glass cutter can cut it to any size.

[CHRIS V CLEMENT]

I am a glass supplier and fabricator for 40 years and counting. Many of our projects are marine related. a64pilot is partially correct. Laminated glass is the better choice, but try to go thicker than the tempered glass, if possible. The thin layers of laminated glass make it 4 times weaker than tempered glass. Going with thicker laminated layers helps to make up for this loss in strength. The thicker laminated glass will be slightly heavier, and much more likely to withstand the abuse of life in marine environment.

[UpOnStands]

Bus/truck front windows are more likely to have the strength/thickness you need as they are designed to be flatter and much larger than car windscreens.

[YPSILANTI]

Ill say it again. " This forum is amazing!!!!!!" Thanks so much for the excellent advice and information. Its much appreciated. I will go with the laminated glass, much to my relief. Regards Mike

[Dave22q]

Tempered glass is not used in auto windshields because they don't want front seat passengers crushing their skulls when they hit. As that risk is non existent on most boats (run-abouts being the exception) It is the clear choice. As you can only break tempered glass with a sharp object like an ice pick (a hammer won't do it) you are safe from waves. Your only risk would be if a wave thrust a sharp object into the glass
I knew being a glazier's son would pay off one day :>)

[Nightcrawler]

Our 90 GB 42 is all laminated safety glass, all windows. I was thrown against one of the bigger ones in the galley with my shoulder in a storm. Cracked the glass, but no breach.
My shoulder ached for two weeks.

[a64pilot]

I believe all the windows on an automobile except the front windshield are tempered. If you pop them with an automatic center punch, they will explode into tiny bits.
I wouldn’t want a loose halyard exploding my window on a boat, especially if it’s measured in feet.
All my 4” X 14” portlights in my Island Packet are laminated safety glass.