Something Better Than A Sprayhood!

[Zagato]

I must be missing something but surely a better alternative to a sprayhood could be designed. Even huge Southerlies still have a an old canvas hood with a window that you can't see clearly through!

Most peole seem to have them up all the time so why not put a proper hard windscreen in like a Maxi 34 or actually build into the design something more integral to the bodywork.

I'm not talking motor sailer style but something that you can actually see clearly through that doesn;t block your vision if you are standing or sitting... Howzabout a hood that is entirely made up of clear material that can be extended in height depending on your eye level at the time! No wouldn't look very nice I suppose...

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I chartered a HR that had a windscreen which the spray hood clipped into. It worked very well allowing clear vision ahead when the hood was up and on fine days still provided wind protection when the hood was down. I received a set of Peter Brett's design drawings for my Rival 41C and he too provided the option for a windscreen. I am seriously considering having one made based on the HR's performance. I reckon the windscreen with removable spray hood is a good compromise.

 

[dylanwinter]

never understood the sailors who hide behind spray hoods and dodgers

if it is good enough to sail then I want to see the sites around me

also a lot of windage on a small boat

might feel different when I get to scotland though

D

 

[uxb]

Get a deck saloon boat- a proper one that you can steer from inside. Sail through the winter in slippers.

Any auld fool can be cold, wet and miserable. Me?

I'd rather be warn, dry and miserable...

 

[jac]

We've just moved to a boat with a windscreen.

Massive Pros - visibility is better than equivalent sprayhood, sturdy handhold when negotiating exit from cockpit, solid attachment for sprayhood (I.e. the flexible sprayhood bit is less proportionally) better protection from spray etc.

Some Cons - looks. Does make the boat look bigger. Wind age (but no more than equivalent sprayhood) and inability to drop,it if required.

Think the Pros seriously outnumber the cons but only on a larger boat if you want to preserve her looks.

 

[alahol2]

For the last week or so I've been mightily pleased to be able to drop my sprayhood to the deck in order to get a cooling breeze into the cockpit.

 

[Whitty]

Hallberg rassy do a beautiful hard top. glass windows teak decking on top no fabric and expensive.

 

[greenalien]

A sprayhood needs to be high enough to duck behind when a wave comes over, but low enough to see over the top of when standing in the cockpit - this puts the supporting bar at face level, so there needs to be some degree of flexibility in the event that you bang into it, if you want to keep your teeth - you don't get that with a rigid structure. This means that any solid replacement for a sprayhood has to be taller, which will then look out of proportion, and you lose the ability to easily see over the top of it. The idea of a fixed screen with a flexible top sounds like a reasonable compromise, but do you really spend that much time looking through the hood window?

 

[johnalison]

The HR sprayhood/screen works brilliantly, also found on Naiads, Contests and others. They look better when designed into the original boat, though. It is best if the wrap-round provides a sheltered seat each side. The glass is good enough to use binoculars through and sheds water fairly promptly, though misting up on a damp morning can be a temporary problem. We carry a squeegee to clear the screen when misted or after washing.

The HR screens have an advantage over some others in that the central section opens, allowing ventilation on hot days as it can be considerably warmer under the hood, a great advantage on cold days, and makes the shelf our favoured place for drying clothes and towels.

 

[Salty John]

Here's my take on it: http://saltyjohn.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/cockpit-enclosures.html