I’m not quite sure why I can’t find good info on this. Maybe because I’m an idiot for thinking about do it!
Hi SeaBoy,
No, not an idiot for thinking. More people should try it! However, there's no good info on this idea, because it's universally thought of as a really bad idea, for so many different reasons.
"The modern look" is accomplished on fiberglass boats, IN THE MOLD. Frame sockets are molded into the cabin sides, which enable frameless bedding of GLASS windows, either with or without tinting. As others have stated, acrylic (it's a plastic, not glass) is horrible for cabin windows, and totally unsuitable for this application. It crazes, scratches easily, and generally degrades in short order from UV and poor maintenance practices. Polycarbonate is not significantly better, as it also scratches almost by looking at it. Although stronger by far than acrylic, it's not viable for things like windshields that require routine wiping underway.
Removing your current teak window frames will likely leave you with exposed plywood core on your cabin sides, with (probably) a teak interior veneer. Simply plastering an acrylic window outside will leave a VERY unsightly window opening, now unprotected from interior moisture. Attempts to seal these edges in other-than a hack job will be real difficult and time consuming.
And slapping on an acrylic window inside may be the worst idea ever. Rain and spray will soon turn that plywood core into a rotten mush. And ditto the previous paragraph on attempting to seal these edges, x10.
Glass is the prefered choice for exterior windows on boats. Sorry, but having to deal with teak window frames on older boats comes with the territory. Custom aluminum or stainless window frames are alternatives to teak-just bring LOTS of money. And glass window tinting is easy-peasy.
Regards,
Pete