Phifertex or Sunbrella?

[wincrasher]

Apparently you can have either type window covers for the same price (actually no cost option, at least it appears that way on "Build a Boat" on the website).

Which one to get and why? I understand the difference in the fabrics - one is a mesh, the other is opaque.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I went with the phifertex as you can't see in from the outside so it is private but you can see out. As we anchor a lot more than being in a marina it is good to see what is going on around you at anchor. It shoes a good job of keeping the sun heat out too.

 

[ALICE J]

Sunbrella does make a mesh material. not easy to find, but larger canvas shops should be able to find it. You are correct about the "one way effect" however be aware that that effect relies on the point of light. If the light is on outside the vessel, like the sun, you can't see in from the outside, but obversely, you can see out form the inside. NOW at night the point of light is on the inside and you can not see out, but the persons out side of the vessel can see in! :roll: 😳 :lol: :ugeek: Black is better to see thru for the inside out during the day rather than white, which somewhat reflects the light and cuts down on the full image

 

[Scuffy]

Our boat came with the white Phifertex. At night with lights on inside the boat you can see into the cabin thru the Phifertex. We opted for a canvas cover made locally in tan like the factory provides in lieu of the Phifertex. I was not all that worried about the see thru thing but honeypot was a lot happier overnighting with the canvas across the front windows.

 

[Joan and Jim]

I am thinking about a cockpit surround. Of course I want clear windows for cold or rainy weather but I also want screens. The screens would be more to cut down sun than to keep out bugs. I wonder if those who have screens have found that they provide sun protection and how much. I have in mind black screens as I have read that black is better than white as there is less reflected light with black so visibility out is better. I had been leaning toward Phifertex Plus as I understand it keeps out more sun than the regular. The installer I have been consulting worries that its extra weight, 16 oz/yard instead of 12, might present problems. (Not sure why that would be a worry since the clear windows would, I expect, be heavier.) I would be grateful to receive the thoughts of others who have had screens installed. Is the regular Phifertex sufficient to ward off the sun? How much better is Plus for shade? Have any of those with Phifertex Plus had concerns about weight? Any other thoughts regarding Phifertex v Phifertex Plus v Sunbrella? Thanks in advance.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Depends on what you frame is made of hand how strong it is. Our 21 has a massive cockpit so I went with a welded SS frame with SS loops added around the inside perimeter. Canvas has windows that zip down and black screen on the outside. I run a cord along the perimeter through the SS loops. From this I hang white nylon shower curtains as needed to block the sun.
After many years of boating I really hate having the lines of a boat ruined by SS tubes running at all different angles that shake and move at every joint. I wanted a frame that I could grab a hold of and would support a person.
So I would recommend a SS fabricator make your welded frame and then get your canvas guy to make up the panels. Then you can get windows that are square and in the place that makes sense not where the cross bracing dictates.
See my photo album for details.

 

[S@LTD]

We have the navy blue 90% UV screens fully enclosing the cockpit great shade and you can still see out. On our previous boat we had the same product but in the 70%. The 70% was not enough shade in direct light and we ended up putting towels or a piece of canvas over it to get adequate shade. It works fairly well to keep moisture out on misty/foggy mornings too. We also have the clear plastic enclosure although we only use those when it is cold or raining. We love the stuff.