Forward windshield cover…ideas?

[Sanford]

Hi all! We just bought our first Mainship!!! She’s a 2005 34T…

We are sitting here in balmy North Florida at 35deg F…. pondering the windshields and we’re wondering what others had done as far as covers. Has anyone done covers ( blinds, I guess really) privacy curtains etc on the INside of the cabin…
I was thinking a series of rare earth bar magnets inside the trim around the 3 windshields, and washers in the hems of the curtains..just pop em up and pull em down…need a small folding step to put up over the galley, but I have one…

Thoughts? Ideas? Examples?
Really looking forward to cruising this boat!

 

[Comodave]

First, congrats on your new boat. As to the covers for the windshield any cover on the inside will let more heat into the cabin. I usually put a cover over the windshield on the outside of the glass. I like Stamoid since it is waterproof and the lighter colore will let some light into the cabin but keep the heat out. Some snaps around the edge will secure it.

 

[ranger58sb]

Our outside covers are mesh (don't like complete blanks), and installed with snaps to the boat.

-Chris

 

[mvweebles]

I understand the OPs desire for an interior window treatment, certainly to improve privacy even if there was an exterior mesh screen. Few boats have good access to the inside of the windshield - thr OPs suggestion of using magnets sounds like a good one to me, certainly compared to snaps that require fairly precise alignment and force to put in place.

Here's a Sailrite video for outside mesh panels on an RV using magnets. There may be some crossover.

https://youtu.be/Sh-z3jnEZlk

I hope the OP posts updates if they make a go of it.

Peter

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Welcome aboard. Mr./Ms. S. When doing a re-paint on our previous boat I removed all the exterior snaps on the house. Firstly, they had to come off for the paint and secondly, I really don't like the look of them. We never replaced them as we had Venetian type blinds on the inside and no need for shade or privacy as a result.


IF you go the magnet route, it may be better to put the magnets in the shade material rather than attached to the boat. I'm thinking it might throw off a magnetic compass. You can use a much smaller washer? attached to the window trim and it will be less visible. Perhaps a large head screw or nail.


You might also consider rigid panels with attachment only on the top.

 

[backinblue]

I also have outside mesh covers made of phifertex plus. They snap on and provide good privacy and uv protection. Normall only use them when away from the boat. Reaching the corners of the front windshield is difficult from the inside on my boat, especially the lower corners.

 

[GoneFarrell]

Sanford,
I cut foam poster board to fit the 3 forward windows, that has worked well for me. High solar and thermal insulation, opaque for privacy. I hold them in place with simple rods and store them on top of the interior hatch for the v berth. On a mainship likely you'd use clear velcro or similar.

9 other windows I installed 1 inch white mini blinds from Blinds.com. Those work great! I used magnets for one sloping window in the galley. Add a stack of tape to the magnets to get workable holding/release.

 

[SIBERNUT]

You guys all should look into RV windshield covers. There is a company that uses magnets sewn into the material and corresponding ones on the coach. They're crazy expensive, but they really work. I think the magnets are available separate. Second thought- how about adhesive wide velcro on the glass (not paint)? Yeah it degrades rapidly in sun, but on glass easily removed & replaced

 

[backinblue]

You guys all should look into RV windshield covers. There is a company that uses magnets sewn into the material and corresponding ones on the coach. They're crazy expensive, but they really work. I think the magnets are available separate. Second thought- how about adhesive wide velcro on the glass (not paint)? Yeah it degrades rapidly in sun, but on glass easily removed & replaced

RT makes a good point about not adding lots of magnets to a boat.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
We've found Velcro to be a real PIA for coverings/screens. Never seems to stick well enough for multiple removals. Attachment is fine allowing adjustment for a nice tight fit but....