Custom Molded HydroStream Windshields

[DEN]

Just throwing around an idea here, mates.
My background is machining, molds. 40 years worth.
There is nobody out there that I have seen recently doing this or making windshields for the HD Stream line.
They are sought after very often from what I seen.

The idea:
Forming Plastic is just down right - A Pain in the ( ! ) , will never do that again.

Why not Carbon Fiber? Paint it to YOUR liking or leave as is.
This process must be bagged, both sides of the windshield must cosmetically look good. Fiberglass will not look good for this
This process tends to cost more. This is a educated guess, I think the customer cost would be 400-600.
They would look the same has original, just can't see thru them.
The dealer break would be, the windshields could not ship. It would be to high of cost because of the odd shape.
I could make the molds and do this, BUT there must be a market for it.


I would love to hear some feedback on this.
All Aboard!!

[David - WI]

I would look at making it left & right halves with a decent looking lap or joint in the center so you could nest the two halves to ship them?

[DEN]

Actually , that is not a bad idea. That would surely solve the shipping problem.
However, you would need a supporting bracket at the lap over joint.
At 80mph, something going to coming apart if ya don't.
Thanks for your input!!

[David - WI]

I would think either half could support itself without the other half, if it's really carbon fiber; but if you design the joint to be bonded with something like 3M Structural Adhesive the center should be the strongest part of the whole thing?

[DEN]

There would be many ways to actually build this, some better then other.
I would bet that a lot guys out there would not be comfortable gluing/epoxying their windshield together
After paying a pocket full of money to purchase.
Many ways to skin a cat!

[David - WI]

Maybe... their only choice will be the one you give them!

[transomstand]

Depends on how many you need to sell to be profitable. It's the same old story, everybody's looking for one until it comes time to come up with the cash. It's a VERY limited market that will saturate quickly.

[DEN]

Your exactly right! Supply and Demand.
The core of ANY business.

[doug7488]

Isn’t the new Hydrostream builder supplying windshields?

[transomstand]

Isn’t the new Hydrostream builder supplying windshields?

There are a couple of sources, but availability is questionable. This further complicates any new manufacturing effort adding competition to a limited market.

[donmac]

I'm thinking a better market for good quality cowls/pans than windshields! could likely sell windshield templates pretty easy to diy guys! if there not already available.

[tnelsmn]

UPD plastics makes new windshields that are like the originals. Smoked see through and everything. There have been grumblings lately that its become hard to order one? I don't know. I did recently see a post from someone who bought one and their only complaint was it wasn't drilled.

The real trick is finding an upper frame. With the costs and minimum order requirements from extrusion shops, the juice just isn't worth the squeeze. Plus it's an inherently difficult item to ship.

The original rub rail can be easily duplicated with sheet metal and a competent metal fabricator.

[David - WI]

With carbon fiber you shouldn't need a frame... unless you wanted to mold one in to make it look stock.

Also, the factory windshield and frames must be fairly heavy?

[DEN]

I appreciate all the input mates. All have good points.
But I can not make a decisions on this without seeing and documenting some numbers.
I do not have access to a windshield. I believe all of these boats have the same windshield,
V-King, Viper, Vector and Vulture.
Anyone close to OKC with one of these windshields, I can come take a LOT of pics, a LOT of measuring and a LOT of writing?

[tnelsmn]

I appreciate all the input mates. All have good points.
But I can not make a decisions on this without seeing and documenting some numbers.
I do not have access to a windshield. I believe all of these boats have the same windshield,
V-King, Viper, Vector and Vulture.
Anyone close to OKC with one of these windshields, I can come take a LOT of pics, a LOT of measuring and a LOT of writing?

Yes, all models of Hydrostreams that use that shape windshield are the same. At least thats the conclusion I've found after hours of reading about these boats.