Magnetic Windshield Covers

[b&jsrubiconii]

Hi Everyone:

I am aware that there is a chat stream about the topic of coverage of the windshields while towing the boat on its trailer. I am firmly in the camp of wanting to cover my 3 windshields on our R29CB while on the road because: A - It'd be insanely expensive to replace a broken window and, B - It could be a trip ender.

I have recently learned of a company (fit2ride.com) that makes a system of thick, impact resistant window coverings for the RV Industry that attach with powerful magnets on each side of the glass.

My question: How worried should I be that such a system would foul up/disturb my compass? I'm aware on a very basic level that magnets and compasses don't play well with each other, but I am not aware of how I could determine if this will hurt the compass.

Thank everyone in advance for your insights!

Bryan and Julie of Rubicon II

 

[allanrs74@gmail.com]

I too had concerns about the wind shield being damaged while towing, so I made my own cover. The other significant benefit it has is it keeps the hundreds of bugs from being spread across the glass during a tow. I bought a piece of thick plastic carpet runner from Home Depot, cut it to size and shape. At the top I hung small 'hooks' from small bungy cords which attach to each of the windshield wiper shafts at the top of the windshield. These hooks support the weight of the covering. I then wove a piece of parachute cord along the top and bottom edge of the cover. The top parachute cord is tied aft to a hand grab rail on the roof. The lower parachute cord leads aft and ties to a main cleat. It's a 3-4 minute effort to put on or take off the cover when up forward to lower or raise the radar mast. When I launch now the wind shield is nice and clean.

Regards,
Bob Allan

 

[b&jsrubiconii]

Bob: I'm very interested in your invention. Any way I could get a photo of it?

Thanks in advance!

Bryan

 

[allanrs74@gmail.com]

Bryan,
I am currently 2900 miles away from the boat but plan on going to her around 1 July. If you send me your email or phone number I’ll send some pictures when I get back to the boat.

 

[S. Todd]

I had our marine canvass guy make us a padded windshield cover. He used two layers of a vinyl coated padding material he had access to. It is held in place with the 3M adhesive plastic snaps that are installed on the windshield. They are easily obtained from Sailrite. If you use them, make sure you get the special treatment for glass before installing the snaps and they will stay put. I put four snaps on each end of the cover and only about four more spaced on the top and four on the bottom of the cover. With the cover and my extra full width mud flap on our dually I Never clean bugs off the windshield after a long trip and stop worrying about broken glass. Send me a PM with your cell number and I can text you a picture of the boat in the garage with its windshield cover installed. (We had a similar cover for our R25sc before the R29S)

 

[sgeary]

When towing, I use the factory windshield cover and put 1/4 inch insulating foil cut to the window size under the factory cover. Towed 10K miles this way with no issues.

But I also secure the front Oversize Load sign to the bow pulpit rather than the truck. The sign is a mesh material that lets some air pass thru the sign, but does a great job of catching bugs and rocks so they don’t hit the windshield area of the boat.