window tint

[Mr Ben]

So I'm going to have the boat detailed and ceramic coated. Friends that had it done were very happy with results. Seems I have more money than time these days so I'm going to have it done. I do most of my boating in the evening last couple hours. Coming back to the slip running west I get terrible glare and reflection of the sun coming off the water. I have to block the sun with one of the pillars sometimes to see the bouys. Anyone install window tinting. Does that help. While I have it at the detail shop they do that work. Are there any coast guard regulations for boat tint? Maybe some shades would work. Looking for some with experience with this issue.

 

[bob daily]

Mr. Ben, I just tented the front Windows on my R-21, total cost was less than $10 for a DIY. I could not find any info on regulations for window tenting for boats from the state or coast guard, so I went with the same requirements in my state for automobiles, which is the top 6" of the windshield. I have not had the boat out to test my efforts yet. The only addvice I can give you is (sticky side down).
Bob

 

[Gin]

In winter, when the sun is lower in the southern sky, the sun coming through the front windows can be amazingly intense. I don’t think tinting would do enough to cut it. Maybe it could work if the tinting were limited to the upper 4 inches or so of the window and were especially dark. But then, I think I wouldn’t like it during regular boating or boating in cloudy/overcast circumstances or at night. I like great visibility, even towards the top areas of the window.

There are some past threads about other solutions. Some have involved homemade sunshades of one sort or another. Some have involved products used in airplanes that can be swiveled right where you need them to block the sun. Those are expensive, but they sure look effective.

My own solution has been to use some Phifertex material, cut by hand into 4 inch or so wide strips that fit at the top of my front windows, with Velcro in the corners (self-stick Velcro stuck in the corners of the windows with the mating piece stuck to the corners of the shades). Pretty easy and inexpensive. They roll up and don’t take up much space (mine stay in the compartment above the helm).

My other solution is to grab my Ranger Tug ball cap and pull the visor down low. Works pretty well too!

Gini

 

[Kaptajnen]

A few years ago, we had a pro installer apply a product called Hüber Optik 40 to our windshield. It bonds to the glass just like a ceramic coating and made a great difference removing any glare and also keeping the interior of the boat cooler.
It was not cheap, since the installer had to come from Seattle to our boat - a R31S - moored in Bainbridge island.

 

[Kaptajnen]

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