Strato-glass enclosures for R-21EC

[KentSidel]

Spring is taking forever this year here on the ICW at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Little Lady (2007 R-21EC) is ready for some cruising. First Mate wants to know if anyone has experience with the Strato-glass enclosures for the R-21.
We have the aft cockpit surrey top with sunbrella and were thinking of adding the Strato-glass to get more comfortable cruising time this fall, winter and next spring.
Any thoughts or experiences appreciated.
Kent Sidel on HHI at mile 560 of the ICW

 

[Levitation]

I am having a canvas enclosure put on Levitation at this moment... I discussed Strataglass with the canvas shop... THey say they used to use it but the price got so high that you can put in standard marine vinyl windows and then replace them with new vinyl windows down the road when they get hazy and still be money ahead... They were willing to put it in my canvas but effectively talked me out of it...

denny-o

 

[rt11002003]

I'd go with the least expensive option. I've used them on a variety of boat with good results.

Enclosures have at least two problems. One is the added windage, the other is increased heat. I've gone with the vinyl windows that zip/unzip to roll up or down, with screens covering the openings when the windows are rolled up. You need to be careful when planning the screen panels; you'll want the ones for entry/exits to also roll up. Having screens helps control the temp and reduces windage a little bit. A white cover (a sheet?) for a dark color enclosure roof and white covers for the windows/screens (towels?) will help with temp control. You can tell I live in the South. :lol: The drop down enclosure panels on the R21EC are nice, but the windage factor really increases, far more than the enclosure on my Albin 27 AC.

Gene