Part of the restoration of our 1990 C-Dory 22' Cruiser involved replacing the fixed center window with an opening one. With our generally warm (hot) weather in the Phoenix area I was certain that we want as much airflow through the cabin as we can possibly get.
I got quotes from Diamond/Sea-Glaze (supplier to C-Dory factory) and Motion Windows. Although they were higher cost, I went with Diamond/Sea-Glaze. The main reason is that they would build the window to fit a tracing that I made of the window opening.
I removed the original window by using a thin bladed putty knife worked around the edge of the window. The window was held in with a silicone sealant. I did not damage the original window. I then held up a piece of cardboard to the window opening while my wife traced the perimeter. I thought the window was a rectangle and was surprised to find out that the top is about a half inch narrower than the bottom. Good thing I didn't order a window based on my original measurements!!
I know someone is going to ask about the cost. I could give a glib answer such as, 'If you have to ask, you can't afford it', but .... In round numbers, the window was about $500. I had to add $50 for duty and brokerage because Diamond/Sea-Glaze is in Canada. They also wanted $50 for crating. They actually build a wooden shipping crate specifically for this window. It really irked me to have to pay these last two fees, but what are you going to do? On top of that I had to pay for shipping. I don't know the charge for that yet.
I got the window. It fits in the opening. It is of high quality. They sold me some 'butyl tape' ($6.00) for the installation. This must be the new way of installing windows. It is sure a lot less messy than using a silicone caulk.
Hopefully, this will be of benefit to someone else who might be contemplating the same window replacement.
Tony
I got quotes from Diamond/Sea-Glaze (supplier to C-Dory factory) and Motion Windows. Although they were higher cost, I went with Diamond/Sea-Glaze. The main reason is that they would build the window to fit a tracing that I made of the window opening.
I removed the original window by using a thin bladed putty knife worked around the edge of the window. The window was held in with a silicone sealant. I did not damage the original window. I then held up a piece of cardboard to the window opening while my wife traced the perimeter. I thought the window was a rectangle and was surprised to find out that the top is about a half inch narrower than the bottom. Good thing I didn't order a window based on my original measurements!!
I know someone is going to ask about the cost. I could give a glib answer such as, 'If you have to ask, you can't afford it', but .... In round numbers, the window was about $500. I had to add $50 for duty and brokerage because Diamond/Sea-Glaze is in Canada. They also wanted $50 for crating. They actually build a wooden shipping crate specifically for this window. It really irked me to have to pay these last two fees, but what are you going to do? On top of that I had to pay for shipping. I don't know the charge for that yet.
I got the window. It fits in the opening. It is of high quality. They sold me some 'butyl tape' ($6.00) for the installation. This must be the new way of installing windows. It is sure a lot less messy than using a silicone caulk.
Hopefully, this will be of benefit to someone else who might be contemplating the same window replacement.
Tony