I saw a KZread video that used CRC Electronic cleaner to restore a cloudy vinyl top window on a sports car. Although I didn't believe this was for real, I happened to have a can of the stuff and a very very cloudy window on my Austin Healey. A half hour later, all the haze was gone. The window went from not being able to see your hand through it to normal vision. I later tried it on a 50 year old sail window on an FJ and had the same miracle result. I wouldn't use this on anything that normal cleaners and polishers would work on but it sure worked on that oily opaque film.

Purchased sunbrella covers for my dodger when I last replaced the glass with strata glass. 5-years later, they still look brand new, using only a mild protectant called ‘Klear’ I buy at the local chandlery. Wish I had seen this when I did that, because not 1 weeks after the new glass went in, my guest smeared their sunscreened hands on the glass heading down the companion way without me noticing and since I’ve had this dull area right in the middle of view looking forward when sailing. Ugh! 😢. Keep up the good work. 👍

Thoroughly enjoyed this and other videos from Practical Sailor. As for my dodger's Stratroglass, which is approximately four years old now, I'm anal about keeping it clean and protected. I use the IMAR products exclusively after a careful rinse with frest water and a wipe down using micro-fiber towels. Then I apply the appropriate IMAR product, which has yielded excellent results.

Tim, thanks for more great information! Two thoughts: a video on DIY cockpit enclosures, and/or a plug for a generic, ready-made enclosure (Habitent was great...someone please pickup the idea now that they've retired).

Now you have me looking at all the dodgers walking the docks. Mr. T. all info never talked about, simply swabbing the glass. Practical sailor must be calling you "Sir" they picked the best person to cover all points for owning a boat and maintaining a list keeping her smart & proud to sail. My old Hunter is a little ragged but I can see clearly now.. Thx bud~

was recommended to use polishing wax for cars, on my new windows in my new plastic windows. which I did at first. switched to vaseline oil. and they are just as nice as many things today. Never shielded them from sunlight either. but these are products that protect against the sun's UV rays. and prevents UV damage to the plastic windows. After I switched to vaseline oil, I have experienced that the visibility in rainy weather through the windows has improved a lot, too.

Awesome information 👏 for someone like me who is so so close to buying my first crusing sailboat. Thqnx Tim. Practical Sailor made wise decision with choosing you as their front man

Check out 210, cleaner and polish, super stuff

Audi/mic is already getting better. Thank you!

Finally got our sprayhood upgraded last year. Love how clear the vinyl is. Interesting stuff to learn about

I read the PS article before or was it inspiration to clean the windows on my GEM car golf cart. They had been ignored for years. First cleaning with just water and a good cloth and more elbow grease did ok. Then I made a habit of cleaning a few times a week early in morning when dew coated them. That worked well. Just wipe with clean dry cloth. Then later buff with another cloth both dry. They are not perfect, but as good as can be expected for 15 year old canvas. Better than I thought possible. Now I clean maybe once a month and they stay clear. Conclusion, it's not a secret sauce, but consistent maintenance that will keep them clear.

That covers just about covers it all! Nicely done! 40 years of sailing with a dodger and various windows, I stick with the manufactures recommendations and cover them when not in use. The dodger resides under the bed at home for the winter. Replacement windows and dodgers are frightfully expensive!

Ta Tim. We are about to order new clears and sunbrella for our new hardtop/dodger so perfect timing once again mate.

I use Plexus and have been happy with it.

Perhaps snap in, snap out panels may be an option? If handled correctly, they would last a long time.

Great episode Tim👍

Great information!

Great advice, Thanx!

Well Done! Tim Loved the handy info

Tim, love your channels and information. So appreciate all your hard work and information. Thank you, Dan Charleston SC

Just finished replacing all my windows winter project.

Great topic!

I was recommended "VUPLEX plastic cleaner & polish", been using it on my new clear vinyls, works good, but it is still too new to tell how well it will protect it..

We've been using O'Sea for the past 10 years with good results and it has been fine with regular boat soap. I'd like to see a comparison with Strata Glass.

@drewfrye187

4 ай бұрын

That was covered in the print version. Five years of side-by-side testing.

With all the advancements in lowering auto windshield weight, I often wonder if it would be easier and cheaper in the long run to build a hard dodger and use tinted auto glass. Probably last for the life of the boat? Just thinking out loud. :)

I have used turtle wax for years and it revives from yellowing and softens the vinyl

@drewfrye187

4 ай бұрын

This was covered in the text version. The wax makes the surface feel slick, but NO product made any difference in actual measurable stiffness. Unfortunately, that is an illusion.

@practicalsailor, i am so new to sailing that i have yet to buy a boat. I have been watching vids on demasting incidents and how they overcame the problem. I am curious to know which mast footing is best in a demasting incident, a deck stepped or keel stepped. I hope you will visit the topic. Thank you

Have you tried Klear to sea from Doctor klear?

I suggest not using strataglass, use polycarbonate or PET-G plastic instead - you can get both pretty thin (.02 inches) such that they can be sewn into most canvas with a light-weight sewing machine, they retain their shape better and are more resistant to UV and chemicals.

I heard the comments are important so cheers! 🙃

Please include and say “down below for links”

Ours are horrible and in need of replacement. With all the difficulties in prevention it seems these are just one more thing on the replacement schedule…

Hey Tim, is it possible that my canvas boat cover could have sucked the moisture off the top of my tritoon boat seats? They are now sun damaged looking and dry. What can I do?

@practical-sailor

4 ай бұрын

Wow good question!! Or the wet boat cover coming in contact with the seats constantly? Hrmm 😕 I’ll ask around.

“Bird bombs”? 😁

This was a good video/subject; useful information. I'm a smoker with a large fly-bridge enclosure. The boat came with Isinglass which is wonderful... except for the price, which is absurd, and the fact that it cannot be folded up. I have two panels that need to be replaced. The pre-Cov*d estimate was 800 beans. I'm going to go with clear plastic. Here is my take-away from the video: Obviously don't make any assumptions; read the manufacturer materials... BUT in this case it violates my first principle of boating. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE. If I have to consult a technical manual befor giving the boat a simple wash? If I have to forfeit my warranty cuz a boat-wash guy used car soap? No thanks man, I'm out. I'll buy the cheaper stuff and replace every X years or learn to live with the consequences.

I get why a hard dodger is desirable

@langstonholland9272

4 ай бұрын

Or no dodger! : ) I just leave the frame of my dodger installed for handholds in the cockpit and going forward.

dish soap and water

Pledge.

@drewfrye187

4 ай бұрын

All of the makers, and canvas shops, specifically recommend against Pledge. In many cases, in the long run, it results in an orange peal effect. Ask either Stratglass or O'Sulivan.

Why don't more boats use tempered glass like Moody or Plexiglass.

Vinyl is out of the question. It's too reactive and thin. Lucite - Plexiglass is good. Polycarbonate is less brittle but harder to keep clean. Don't make your windows so big. Sand the edges smooth. Lemon Pledge and similar will clean your windows for 50 years. When your vinyl mess breaks down, throw it in the fire, and no more vinyl.

This is an ad, give me a break.