Keeping your boat windows looking great takes a commitment to simple, routine maintenance between trips. We lay out everything you need to know to keep the view ahead clear and crisp.
Maintaining crystal-clear boat windows is not just a task, but a critical factor in enhancing your boating experience. Imagine the joy of navigating with pristine, clear windows around your full boat enclosure or dodger. Stained or cloudy vinyl windows can significantly detract from this joy. They not only make navigation difficult, particularly in wet weather but also create a sub-par boating experience. The most common issue your boat windows face is diminished clarity, which leads to a hazy or cloudy appearance. By maintaining clear windows, you can ensure a more enjoyable and safer boating experience.
Your boat’s windows are like your skin – too much UV exposure without intervention can lead to a dry, brittle texture susceptible to cracking. This is why your role in cleaning and maintaining your windows regularly is so important. It alleviates many of the issues that affect vinyl boat windows, particularly those caused by UV exposure. Understanding how to clean your boat windows is an essential aspect of boat ownership, and by being attentive to this, you can prevent damage and keep your windows in top condition.
Maintaining your clear vinyl boat windows requires just a few everyday home cleaning products and some brand-name chemicals specially formulated for restoring and repairing windows. Clear vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a UV-sensitive material that’s susceptible to UV degradation. While most vinyl fabric has a topcoat that holds in plasticizers, clear vinyl doesn’t.
With some research and the right products, you’ll be able to reverse most haziness, clouding, stains, and cracking. Some products like Aurora Marine’s Clear View can double the lifetime of your plastic boat windows. Other options for restoring your plastic boat windows are Star Brite Clear Plastic Restorer or Meguiar’s Clear Plastic Cleaner. Use these products with a mist-and-wipe cleaner, which removes dirt and grime, enhancing visibility and creating a barrier to UV ray damage.
Knowing what products to use is just as important as knowing what to avoid when it comes to cleaning and restoring clear boat windows. Using the wrong product cannot only void your manufacturer’s warranty but also lead to further damage to the windows. Harsh cleaners like Windex, Rain-X, Simple Green, or those containing vinegar or solvents should be avoided. Even everyday products like sunscreen and insect repellent can cause damage. By understanding what to use and what to avoid, you can confidently maintain your boat's windows.
Timing your boat window cleanings regularly is just as important as knowing what products to use and how to use them. It’s easier to keep your boat windows looking nice than trying to restore clouded or spotted clear vinyl. Without proper regular cleaning and treatment, the clear canvas can deteriorate quickly. Even neglecting to care for your windows for just a month properly can lead to yellowing, scratched, ugly windows.
Start the cleaning, polishing, and treatment process early in the life of the vinyl windows. This ensures the windows won’t suffer irreparable damage or costly reparation work. After every trip, gently wash the clear vinyl boat windows with fresh water and a soft, clean cloth before applying treatment. Only use soap if you absolutely must – soap can extract plasticizers from the window material.
Don’t allow your boat windows to air dry because this leads to mineral deposits, which can abrade the surface during restoration, polishing, and treatment. Don’t use paper towels to wash or dry the windows because their abrasive surface will scratch them. Any time you need to use a towel, whether for drying or applying polish, be sure it’s clean and made from microfiber.
After the window is cleaned, dried, polished, and buffed, you can apply a finish such as those mentioned in the section above. Apply the product to a soft, clean cloth and rub in with overlapping, circular motions. After it dries, buff out with a separate microfiber cloth.
In addition to frequent and regular cleaning, there are preventative measures you can take. Whether investing in more durable material for your boat windows or buying a boat cover to shield them from the elements when in storage, these steps keep your boat windows looking better for longer.
Not all boat window materials are the same. Most are made from clear vinyl that lacks a protective coating to trap plasticizers, keeping the material supple and flexible. Strataglass has a protective outer layer that makes the material more robust, adaptable, and resistant to UV rays, water stains, and mildew.
Another way to limit the material’s exposure to the elements when not in use is a boat cover. An all-weather fabric boat cover keeps UV rays from reaching the sensitive clear vinyl windows and blocks dirt and grime that accumulate on them. Choose your boat cover wisely because high-quality material such as Weblon Regatta Marine Fabrics lasts longer and provides more excellent coverage for your boat.
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