Windscreen Covers - Pros & Cons?

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Matt341

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Hi All,

Looking for some advice re windscreen covers.

I have contemplated obtaining some quotes from local companies to produce some covers but can't conclude whether they are necessary or not.

I understand that they help protect the screen from the elements when the boat is not in use. In particular we have side sliding windows, I have noticed that if dirt gets caught in the sliding mechanism then it can cause light scratches to the window it slides over. I have managed to remove these with some elbow grease but I have concerns that permanent damage could be caused at some stage. I notice that quite a few boats in the marina have screen covers.

However, we also get out most weekends and generally manage to get spray over the windscreen at some point. When back at the marina I always give the boat a good hose over before leaving. Now if I had windscreen covers I would need to ensure that the screen was clean, salt free & dry before fitting the covers. This could be a timely process, to wait for it to dry before fitting the covers. I would not be happy with moisture being trapped between the covers and screen. And any dirt between the cover and screen would cause more scratches.

What are others thoughts on these?

I have been told that they also help to prevent condensation inside but I have never had a problem with condensation. The boat has a tube heater on in the main cabin through the Winter. I would be considering covers just for the principal of protecting the screen and side windows.

Thanks
Ian
 
They are not really for keeping the windows clean, they are most useful for keeping the sun off the interior fabrics and woodwork. In the UK I never really bothered as its rarely that sunny, especially in winter, but in warmer climes they are essential to preserve your interior from UV damage and reduce heat build up inside.
 
We have them, haven't actually used them in over 5 years, real pita to fit and remove.

If I was ordering again I'd have one large cover stretching the width of the boat. That would be much easier than individual covers for each window.
 
Our boat has covers which are still sealed in their original wrappers. Sounds like a bit of a fag getting them off and wrapped up, only to have to reverse the process at the end of the day/voyage.

That reminds me -
FOR SALE - Windscreen covers for Prestige 36'. Unused and still sealed in their original wrappers. PM for details.
 
when i had a mobo in the med i used inside covers to keep the sun out had made reflecting silver material with velcro attaching at the corners, very cheap and easy to use and store.
 
As Kashurst says they are mainly used to stop fading of interior joinery from sunlight damage, and to reflect heat during the day in the med. If your bows face north on your berth in the UK you probably don't need them.
 
I have two sets.
white one that is opaque, cant see through at all and has to be removed for the weekend.

a black one that is a mesh , thats the one i prefer as you can see out but not in and use it all the time, only comes off for cruising.

idea to stop fading and gives some privacy early morning when i turn the webastoe on and brew a pot of tea usually in the buff !


Our boat is only really a 4 berth , the white cover is also used when friends stay in the saloon which makes into another double, £90 screen cover turns our boat into a 6 berth !
 
I use them all the time on my Nimbus, as they really help to prevent fading of the interior workwork and blue seat cushions. Mine are in three sections, and they only take minutes to fit after washing the windows and a quick dry with an absorbent cloth.
 
Matt341 said:
Hi All,

Looking for some advice re windscreen covers.

I have contemplated obtaining some quotes from local companies to produce some covers but can't conclude whether they are necessary or not.

I understand that they help protect the screen from the elements when the boat is not in use. In particular we have side sliding windows, I have noticed that if dirt gets caught in the sliding mechanism then it can cause light scratches to the window it slides over. I have managed to remove these with some elbow grease but I have concerns that permanent damage could be caused at some stage. I notice that quite a few boats in the marina have screen covers.

However, we also get out most weekends and generally manage to get spray over the windscreen at some point. When back at the marina I always give the boat a good hose over before leaving. Now if I had windscreen covers I would need to ensure that the screen was clean, salt free & dry before fitting the covers. This could be a timely process, to wait for it to dry before fitting the covers. I would not be happy with moisture being trapped between the covers and screen. And any dirt between the cover and screen would cause more scratches.

What are others thoughts on these?

I have been told that they also help to prevent condensation inside but I have never had a problem with condensation. The boat has a tube heater on in the main cabin through the Winter. I would be considering covers just for the principal of protecting the screen and side windows.

Thanks
Ian
Click to expand...



Hi Ian we use black mesh covers one for the front and two for the sides = 3 in total takes literally five minutes to remove and fit.

Mesh both lets the diffused light in and protects the interior from uv and solar gain also it does not black out the cabin. With this fabric it does not matter if the windows are wet when fitting - Do you use Rainex or a similar product on your windows and shower screen as this assists in water run off both when in the dock and sea spray etc when out on the water. IMHO go fo it - trust this assists :)
 
Thank you all for your replies, you have given me a lot of food for thought.

It seems the main use is to protect the interior of the boat from UV damage. We have blackout curtains for all windows including the windscreen which take seconds to close before we leave the boat. We also have blinds over both the large sunroof in the main cabin and the smaller hatch above the bow cabin so no chance of any sun damage (not that we get that much in the UK!).

I was looking at it more from a protection for the screen point of view but this may not be necessary.

From my measurements it is a pretty large area and when the boat is in use these would probably have to store in the Lazarette. I note that most boats who have these in the marina very rarely remove them and use the flybridge.

Maybe a bit more thought is needed before going any further.

Thanks
Ian
 
Matt341 said:
I note that most boats who have these in the marina very rarely remove them and use the flybridge.

Maybe a bit more thought is needed before going any further.

Thanks
Ian
Click to expand...

spot on!

most med f/b boats NEVER remove the covers but helm from the f/b hence at some point in the 80ies ITALCRAFT made a special med version of a 43ft craft called Espada Mediteranneo, a sort of f/b without the lower helm...

cheers

V.
 
lanerboy said:
i dont have them but have considered them as a member on the sealine forum had a seagull smash a muscle on his screen and broke the screen cost them 6k to replace it :eek:
Click to expand...

Try a metal mesh screen overlay that will also protect your screen from seagulls as well as reducing uv damage :D

Be also usefull if you happen to run into some raggies ;)
 
Have decided to go with one on new boat (on order) to protect against fading (in case we get some sun next year!), better privacy, and to protect against seagulls dropping mussels etc to break them open.
 
NoviceRod said:
Have decided to go with one on new boat (on order) to protect against fading (in case we get some sun next year!), better privacy, and to protect against seagulls dropping mussels etc to break them open.
Click to expand...

I hear they are also good at deflecting air to sea missiles so no problem going to see then :D

Out off interest what boat is on order and when do you expect to take delivery ;)
 
lanerboy said:
i dont have them but have considered them as a member on the sealine forum had a seagull smash a muscle on his screen and broke the screen cost them 6k to replace it :eek:
Click to expand...

imo could not have been very strong glass to have broken due to a gravity propelled muscle, but at 6k certainly was very expesive to replace/
 
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