Marine Acrylic

If you are on the fence about using acrylic or plexiglass, we’ve highlighted some of the main pros and cons below to help you make a more informed decision. Read More

Transparent

The main reason a lot of people opt for plexiglass in their marine sheeting on account of its transparent nature. When you want to be able to see inside a storage area or hatch or behind a panel, plexiglass is a better choice than Starboard (which is not transparent). Acrylic is available in completely clear, as well as several different levels of tint, plus opaque black and two shades of opaque white.

Malleable & Moldable

Another huge benefit of plexiglass specifically is the fact that it can be heated and bent to create complex shapes. This is ideal for windshields or when you have one of those areas in your boat, or maybe on your control panel, which requires a piece with irregular dimensions or that bends uniquely.

Glossy Finish

Has a high-gloss finish, much like your boat’s gelcoat. This makes it an attractive choice for dashes, lids, and doors.

Brittleness

One of the cons is that it is relatively brittle. This makes it more difficult to work with. Special drill bits must be used and extra care must be taken to avoid cracking the substance when cutting, drilling, or screwing.

Cost

The other con is the relatively high cost of acrylic when compared to other marine plastic sheeting.

There are many places you can buy custom-cut acrylic. However, if you are looking for the best quality, best-priced, sheets, we recommend you take a look at Boat Outfitters comprehensive range of custom-cut options. We also specialize in marine plexiglass, and you can invest a little more, without breaking the bank, on laser engraved plexiglass, for a custom look.

Drilling in acrylic or plexiglass requires special drill bits designed specifically for use with hard, brittle plastics. To avoid chipping the back of the workpiece, clamp it on top of another piece of scrap material or to a sheet of MDF before drilling. Drill slowly and steadily.

Do not use glass cleaners or solvents on acrylic! Ammonia cleaners like Windex as well as solvents like acetone will damage the material. It is best to stick to using soap, warm water, or plastic polish. Be careful to not add too much pressure when scrubbing to avoid damaging the material.

The best choice you have is to speak to the team at Boat Outfitters, who will be able to cut your plexiglass for you. This will reduce time and wasted material costs while ensuring you get the best cut possible!

Generally speaking, there is no actual difference between these two terms. The name acrylic is shorthand for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Plexiglass is one of the various branded forms of this type of material. As plexiglass is one of the most popular brands of plastic, it has become an interchangeable name for this term in general.