To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Strataglass and Regalite (uncoated) are made by Herculite, who recently acquired Strataglass LLC. O’Sea and Crystal Clear (uncoated) are made by Continental. Pretty sure, could have recently changed. Isenglass is the historic name for an early window material made from highly processed mica.
Coated products are stiffer (flatter window), slightly more scratch resistant, harder to buff out if scratched, and far more resistant to internal hazing in humid conditions. Best for windows that are never rolled up. Uncoated products are more considerably flexible, making them preferred for products that will be rolled up for storage or access, particularly in thinner grades. Uncoated products need to be protected with wax to prevent hazing.
PS formerly did 3-5 years tests of Vinyl window durability, cleaning products, and treatments.
I did not see a discussion of deck access. While an enclosure will protect you from rain and showers, a sudden thunderstorm may require quick, unimpeded deck access. Docking, davit access, and even MOB access should be considered. For smaller boats, windage matters. Finally, room must be allowed for winch operation, including spinning the handle and elbow room.
Often it is vital to be able to easily poke your head around the dodger for a better look. Vinyl windows don’t have wipers, and mist or snow can reduce visibility to zero. Spotting crab floats in the rain is basically impossible through vinyl. At night, the problem is worse, and reflections are a challenge. You’ll need to poke your head out once in a while.
My cruising cat had a hardtop, which I loved. The forward and front half of the side curtains were removable, but I always kept them in place. I used covers–two thumbs up for those. It also had rear side curtains and rear curtains, which I stowed after the first few weeks and never used for 15 years, not even in the winter. They were in the way more than they were useful, to us. They impeded visibility too much in bad weather (couldn’t poke my head out) for safety.
My trimaran has a small dodger, but even that is stowed all but a few day each year. We used the trimaran for daysailing, and if rain is predicted I have other things to do, and I keep raingear onboard for surprises.
Every boat is different. How people sail them is different.