Enclosures, vs. glass windsheilds.

[bimini24]

I have been looking at some Carolina custom boats. Gillikin, Scarborough, etc. One thing I have noticed is all these boats have enclosures instead of a glass windsheild with wipers. Why?? I had a 28 ft. Topaz that had a enclosure instead of a windsheild and when it was windy and the Ocean was rough, I could not see because of the spray. I sold the boat for that reason and went to a 29 topaz with a windshield. I am looking to make another move and all the boats I like have enclosures. How do these guys see?? What am I missing?? Thanks.

[PDLBOATER]

I love a windshield---best example 27 boston whaler offshore

I modified a 24 grady cc to incorporate a solid plexiglass windshield--loved it

[Local Motion]

I agree, most people cannot stand looking through anything but glass, myself included.

[yottyboy]

All you have to do is think whether the boat would take a wave over the bow better with a windshield or a canvas enclosure between you and the water. After some consideration I think you'll have your answer.

[offshore27ns]

PDLBOATER - 4/16/2007 4:30 PM

I love a windshield---best example 27 boston whaler offshore

I modified a 24 grady cc to incorporate a solid plexiglass windshield--loved it

I would agree on the whaler offshore. I had one and stuffed it halfway up the window twice on a 90 plus mile trip. I didn't even get wet!!!

[Onewolf]

Here's a message thread that gives reasons for why some people prefer not having a windshield. I'm a firm believer in having a windshield. http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...137549&start=1

Doug

[JJC]

I would think if you really wanted a windshield on one of those boats you could have one made. I was looking at the 42 Liberty for a while and while most of them had no windshields they did build at least one with a windshield for a guy who wanted one. Same with some of the express Buddy Davis boats, there are some out there with windshields.

[GOKAT]

Maybe a little off topic, but I have noted that whatever windscreen you have, salt spray will foul your vision. I installed a windshield washer pump from PepBoys on my Shamrock, plumbed to the freshwater tank and it really helps a lot. Really clear if you have windshield wipers.

[Tarbaby]

Custom one-off windshield for a custom boat = Big Big Money.

[PDLBOATER]

Rounded corners cost a lot of money---I had a flat piece of plexiglass mounted to the
t top supports--the sides were regular eisenglass enclosure--which snapped onto the front windshield---it looked great and worked fine..

[marlineer]

Tooling alone to build a windshield for a 38' Express would cost about $22K ! Hardly worth the investment for a very small percentage of buyers Who want a windshield on a "Carolina style express".

[darbikrash]

marlineer - 4/18/2007 8:31 AM

Tooling alone to build a windshield for a 38' Express would cost about $22K ! Hardly worth the investment for a very small percentage of buyers Who want a windshield on a "Carolina style express".

If you have to have a truly custom windshield shape, yes, it will cost a bunch for tooling. If you can live with a standard curvature radius, for which there is already tooling, you can get a windshield sized to your dimensions very affordably. I priced out a custom windshield from Taylor Marine at around $2k for the front glass for a boat that size.

The key is to use one of their standard radius of curvature, and not try and curve the corners out of the same piece. PM me if you want the phone # of the custom windshield guy @ Taylor Marine in NJ. Lead time is about 8 weeks.

[iptmike]

A possible option...www.seaviewinsert.com

This is a glass insert for canvas enclosures.

[DonQ]

I rode on a Ricky Scarborough 42 that had ez2cy. When hot he just folded up the center. It was stiff enough you didn't have to roll it up. I have a windshield on my boat with fresh water washdown with the wipers. There are always tradeoffs:
Windshield
Pros - doesn't scratch, can use wipers and fresh water, why not when you have a/c on the helm deck?
Cons - in the dark, no matter how low your instrument lights, you get a little glare.
EZ2CY
Pros - for fresh air it can't be beat. Big Carolina express boats are very dry. It CAN be closed in cold and rain and is still servicable
Cons - Yeah it's servicable, but more downsides than the windshield in the dark. More maintenence.


I like my windshield, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a boat without one, especially for Florida and island use.

[Capt. Fred]

Windshield deffinitely seems the better choice to me. I've seen some real expensive plastic put on boats and some real cheap stuff. They are both damn near useless when covered with salt spray. The better stuff does last longer and is much clearer when clean but not much diff when the spray has been flying.