HDPE to replace smoked acrylic above sink

[trswem]

Hello all,

The dark acrylic that's above the sink area on my 26D is broken from some half hazzard stereo and VHF installs by the previous owner. I'm thinking of replacing it with 1/4" HDPE sheet, and using the old acrlylic as a template. I'll then install my new VHF, stereo, and battery meter. I like HDPE because it's easy to work and shape, and it should be good for marine use I think. Has anyone else done this? I believe it should be similar to Star Board, but at a fraction of the price.

[NiceAft]

Not being familiar with it, I looked it up. It seemed to be an ideal product.

I went to this site. This site discusses HDPE.
https://tangentmaterials.com/everything ... ne-sheets/ This part in particular struck me as important.

“there are some possible considerations to be aware of when using HDPE sheets. The main consideration is its melting point. When used in significantly hot climates or industrial applications, HDPE can melt or warp under stress from extreme temperatures ”

[Russ]

Many have used that material for projects. Should work nicely.

Roger used acrylic mirror for many openings on the M. Roger used smoke polycarbonate for many things as well. However, it seems the PO of your boat mangled that stuff as it's hard to cut without damaging.

[trswem]

Not being familiar with it, I looked it up. It seemed to be an ideal product.

I went to this site. This site discusses HDPE.
https://tangentmaterials.com/everything ... ne-sheets/ This part in particular struck me as important.

“there are some possible considerations to be aware of when using HDPE sheets. The main consideration is its melting point. When used in significantly hot climates or industrial applications, HDPE can melt or warp under stress from extreme temperatures ”

There's also UHMW that shares many of the same properties, and might be more stable under temp. I can't remember which one was better for heat, I'll look that up prior to purchasing. I've used both of these materials for making shop jigs, it's really nice stuff to work with and tools well.

Many have used that material for projects. Should work nicely.

Roger used acrylic mirror for many openings on the M. Roger used smoke polycarbonate for many things as well. However, it seems the PO of your boat mangled that stuff as it's hard to cut without damaging.

Excellent, thank you! I'm sure it looked fantastic when it was new and unmolested. As it was delivered to me, not so much!