Boat windshield system mounting

Abstract

A glazing material assembly for closing a window, hatch, or windshield opening in a boat is simple and easy to install and does not require the use of chemicals nor have the time delays associated with conventional installation procedures. The glazing material assembly includes a transparent or translucent piece of glass, or other conventional glazing, having a circumferential portion, and first and second opposite faces, and at least one relatively rigid angle (made of aluminum, fiberglass, molded plastic, or the like) connected to the second face and extending adjacent and generally coincident with the circumferential portion. The angle has first and second substantially transverse interior surfaces which cooperate with like surfaces on a boat cabin body defining an opening which the glass assembly closes. The glass may have a substantially polygonal shape having a plurality of sides, and the at least one angle preferably comprises a plurality of angles, one for each of the sides of the polygon shape. The angles are typically affixed (e.g. by welding or adhesive) together to define a substantially unitary piece, with mitred or bent corners. Foam tape and adhesive preferably connect the angles to the glass second face, and a sealant bead (such as silicone or urethane) engages the glass second face adjacent and exterior of the foam tape and extending substantially around the entire periphery of the glass. Blackout may be provided between the sealant bead and the glass to prevent UV degradation of the sealant. During installation another sealant bead is provided between the circumferential edge of the glass and the cabin body.