Ckear or tinted perspex in hatch and

[joyfull]

I am making up new forehatch and companionway hatch and wash board (split in two).

I want to have maximum light below when the hatches are closed and snug inside so will fit perspex. I think that I would prefer clear rather than tinted perspex to give maximum clarity. Privacy not really a problem as mostly at sea or at anchor or on a swinging mooring.

So is there any reason to fit tinted perspex, and if so how light a tint would be ok.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

It's just a matter of taste, though I imagine it could be argued that a tint will reduce UV damage down below. Mine are tinted and you don't notice it except when just one washboard is in place. Think of tinted windows in a car; how often do you notice them?
Personally I think a tint looks better.

 

[Tranona]

Your choice! Hatches are usually clear and washboards commonly tinted.

 

[rob2]

Well, yes - clear optics do allow more UV damage, which usually means bleaching of the varnished saloon table or cushion fabrics. Strangely, my hatch is tinted and I'd like to make up some matching washboards but they won't replace the wooden boards permanently, just when I want the extra light in the cabin. On leaving the boat, I prefer not to leave everything on view.

Rob.

 

[Davy_S]

It would depend on your area, if sunny and hot, tinted will give better protection.

 

[[2574]]

I've just replaced all twelve windows in the pilot house of our Nauticat and had the same dilemma as to whether go for tinted glass or clear. In the end I chose 5% grey tint and have been delighted with the result. There is significantly reduced glare at sea which is a big win for me as I suffer with a bright light eye inflammation condition. There is increased privacy in the pilot house and the already mentioned benefit of reduced UV damage inside the boat.

 

[alan_d]

I've just replaced all twelve windows in the pilot house of our Nauticat and had the same dilemma as to whether go for tinted glass or clear. In the end I chose 5% grey tint and have been delighted with the result. There is significantly reduced glare at sea which is a big win for me as I suffer with a bright light eye inflammation condition. There is increased privacy in the pilot house and the already mentioned benefit of reduced UV damage inside the boat.

Aren't you worried about the effect on maintaining a lookout in darkness or reduced visibility? I am thinking about the comments made by the MAIB in the Ouzo report (http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/2007/ouzo.cfm) about the undesirability of photochromic lenses being worn by bridge lookouts.

 

[[2574]]

Aren't you worried about the effect on maintaining a lookout in darkness or reduced visibility? I am thinking about the comments made by the MAIB in the Ouzo report (http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/2007/ouzo.cfm) about the undesirability of photochromic lenses being worn by bridge lookouts.

We very rarely helm/maintain watch from within the pilot house, normally we're in the cockpit. In any case I did check colour variation (red/green) and there is no apparent degradation of colour identity. In poor viz we would always be at the cockpit helm.