Windscreen demister

[Trundlebug]

I've been toying with the idea of fitting a 12v windscreen demister.

Preferably one of these http://www.force4.co.uk/1946/Force-...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid1946
or maybe one of these http://www.force4.co.uk/6536/Force-...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid6536

Obviously only for use with the engines running (as it's a mobo) I'm aware they take a sizeable current so I'll wire it in decent cable.

Does anyone have one (or more) of these fitted? Or any experience?

How noisy are they? How effective are they?

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

As a temporary measure, try cleaning the screen with a baby wipe and then a wipe over with a proprietry window cleaner.... failing that, acetone will clean without leaving an oily film.
Then spray a little wax furniture polish onto the screen and rub well until it looks clear again.
I found this helped keep condensation off the glass.

The problem is with a large amount of moisture being present in the air it will settle on the next surface possible.

 

[Trundlebug]

As a temporary measure, try cleaning the screen with a baby wipe and then a wipe over with a proprietry window cleaner.
Then spray a little wax furniture polish onto the screen and rub well until it looks clear again.
I found this helped keep condensation off the glass.

The problem is with a large amount of moisture being present in the air it will settle on the next surface possible.

Thanks I'll try that as a preventative measure.

The problem is mainly when we're going along and the weather cools significantly, or starts to rain when it's warm inside the boat. (Or when SWMBO puts the kettle on..)
I want to be able to flick a switch and stay concentrating on keeping a good lookout rather than reaching to clean the windcsreen whilst we're rocking about.

Opening a side window helps but isn't always an option depending upon weather conditions.

 

[maby]

I would be a bit wary about acetone - it can dissolve some plastics - test with a tiny spot in an out-of-the-way corner before splashing it around too much.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I would be a bit wary about acetone - it can dissolve some plastics - test with a tiny spot in an out-of-the-way corner before splashing it around too much.

good point i was thinking of glass rather than a form of plastic.

However....the glass/perspex acts as a dehumidifier when constantly wiped and the cloth/spongue rung out in a sink or out of the boat.
If the moisture isn't collecting there on the screen then there i'm afraid there is more risk of getting damp cushions and fabrics etc..

 

[Trundlebug]

No plastic all glass.

Weight not an issue - full displacement vessel

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

No plastic all glass.

Weight not an issue - full displacement vessel

A real boat!

 

[lenseman]

I've been toying with the idea of fitting a 12v windscreen demister. . . . Or any experience? . . . . How effective are they?

A very,very effective method of stopping windows misting up is to rub a bar of soap (the soft part, not too soft or wet, after it has been standing in its own puddle) all over the window. Fully cover the window and then polish out the soap with a dry cloth. Do not add water. Keep polishing until all the soap smears have disappeared and the window will not suffer from condensation. Cheaper than using baby-wipes but similar method.

Works on shaving mirrors in bathrooms (and marina shower blocks) in winter after a hot steamy bath or shower. Try it!

 

[Trundlebug]

A very,very effective method of stopping windows misting up is to rub a bar of soap (the soft part, not too soft or wet, after it has been standing in its own puddle) all over the window. Fully cover the window and then polish out the soap with a dry cloth. Do not add water. Keep polishing until all the soap smears have disappeared and the window will not suffer from condensation. Cheaper than using baby-wipes but similar method.

Works on shaving mirrors in bathrooms (and marina shower blocks) in winter after a hot steamy bath or shower. Try it!

Again a good tip, and thanks.
But I do like my gadgets and am keen to find out if anyone else has tried these electric demisters. They've been around a few years so I guess they must have been bought by someone? (Unless it's the same initial stock they're still trying to clear!!)

 

[ricky_s]

I have one.

Is very noisy and doesn't clear more than a couple of inches, I shouldn't bother!

 

[rotrax]

I've been toying with the idea of fitting a 12v windscreen demister.

Preferably one of these http://www.force4.co.uk/1946/Force-...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid1946
or maybe one of these http://www.force4.co.uk/6536/Force-...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid6536

Obviously only for use with the engines running (as it's a mobo) I'm aware they take a sizeable current so I'll wire it in decent cable.

Does anyone have one (or more) of these fitted? Or any experience?

How noisy are they? How effective are they?

Hi, I believe you will find similar products on Ebay for much less money that will do the same job. An impecunious collegue at work had the heater fan burn out on an old Rover. He picked one up for £14.00 which got him through the winter-cleared the ice and mist very well once the optimum position was found.

 

[NormanS]

A drop of Fairy Liquid on a cloth works as well as anything.

 

[rosssavage]

Noisy, cheap, nasty, underpowered. Clears about a 5"x5" box for you to peer thru. Waste of money. Had one on a Sealine S255. Current Princess has a proper integrated demister system run from engine coolant. It works.

 

[Csail]

Use rain x outside then inside chop a potato and wipe the inside

 

[Boathook]

I know someone who purchased one for a car. Waste of time and money. He claimed his money back.

 

[gus]

Why not consider double glazing! Did it myself and worked a treat.