Window Shades

[TheOtherLine]

Does anyone have a solution for keeping the sun out of the cabin when boat is not in use?

I live in very sunny, hot climate. I have already decided to add a solar vent on the bowmar hatch and install a vent on the roof. Problem is the sun.

I would prefer a solution that does not include installing snaps around the windows. I am thinking something like pull down interior window shades with reflective material that I can roll up and lock in place when running, and just pull down when on the lift.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[drvan]

Tint the windows? It seemed to help for my car when I lived in FL.

 

[TheOtherLine]

I did think of that, but I think you have 2 problems. 1) I don't think the film will hold up to the elements. I think the salt water enviroment will eventually haze the film. 2) I think it might effect your night vision. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Uncle Matt]

I'm sure it's expensive, but what about marine grade glass that comes already tinted. I've seen it on some boats at the boat shows. Maybe there is something along the lines of polorized glass with the tint already built into it. Just a thought. Good luck on your quest.

 

[Megabyte]

Does anyone have a solution for keeping the sun out of the cabin when boat is not in use?

I live in very sunny, hot climate. I have already decided to add a solar vent on the bowmar hatch and install a vent on the roof. Problem is the sun.

I would prefer a solution that does not include installing snaps around the windows. I am thinking something like pull down interior window shades with reflective material that I can roll up and lock in place when running, and just pull down when on the lift.

Anyone have any suggestions?

While I cannot help with the window shade idea, I can show you a couple of things I do to help ventillate my cabin while she sits in her slip.

1.) To protect the helm area from sun damage, I cover the entire area with a pair of old white terrycloth towels.

2.) My windows are the 'old style' with the black frames and the stbd side window is held open by a pair of notched arms. In the summer, I keep my front window open to the first 'notch'. Due to the protection of my marina and my orientation, it would take a nor`easter to blow rainwater through that opening. As such, I also keep both side windows open about 2" to allow for ventillation.

3.) I know this one won't help you, but my pilothouse has the rear drop curtains. To allow a little more ventillation, I roll the center drop curtain up about 6" and secure it with clothes pins. It's a low tech solution.

I do have plans to place a solar powered vent in the center of the Bomar hatch, but just haven't made the move to make that cut just yet. :shock:
I would be interested is seeing your project post on that when you decide to do it.

The temperature today here on the Chespeake is supposed to hit 100 with a 95% relative humidity. Our 'heat season' is not as long as yours, but I do believe you can do a few things to ventillate your cabin while she is on the lift.

Hope this helps!

 

[Hugs Tug]

My 23 has tinted windows and it really does make a difference. Along with the suggestions Kevin has mentioned, leaving the side and foward windows open a touch there is really not much else available, without going for some sort of solar fan unit to expel the heat.
Do you have shore power? If yes how about some sort of exhaust fan system on a timer?
Just thinking outside the box.
Good Luck
Tom

 

[TheOtherLine]

I'm sure it's expensive, but what about marine grade glass that comes already tinted.

Ouch. That does sound expensive.

 

[TheOtherLine]

[/quote]I do have plans to place a solar powered vent in the center of the Bomar hatch, but just haven't made the move to make that cut just yet. :shock:
I would be interested is seeing your project post on that when you decide to do it.
[/quote]

I actually got the idea from reading some of your old posts. Still not ready to steady that hand and scalpel huh??

I will send some pics when done. Am picking her up tomorrow, will be in Vegas for a week and will begin the projects when I get back.

Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Megabyte]

I actually got the idea from reading some of your old posts. Still not ready to steady that hand and scalpel huh??

Not yet.
Especially since I saw what a replacement hatch would cost if I messed up. :shock:

 

[IrishAyes]

If you have the upholstry finish on the inside bulkhead and cabin top you can get some material from a fabric shop (I got mine from Walmart sewing/fabric department) cut it a little larger than each window. Attach the hook end of velcro to it (I stapled it, it can be sewed on also).
I did this to my boat. When I am at the dock I just attach the material on the upholstry with the velcro. That keeps the cabin somewhat cool and it also provides some security as no one can see into the cabin.
I hope I explained this so it can be understood.

 

[TheOtherLine]

Thats a great idea. Not expensive, easy to put up and take down, easy to make. And then, what I think I will do for the front windows is just buy one of those sun shades like the ones they use on cars, but I'll buy the truck sized one.

Hopefully the velcro will hold. I think I read in a post by Megabyte that if you use some RV clear silicone to the backing, that it will hold better. ...I think he said RV... gotta go find the post again...

Thanks again.

 

[Porkchunker]

Since I keep the boat on a trailer, I have a full summer cover that comes down about 18" below the gunwale. Keeps the boat cooler, and the UV off the gelcoat. When I clean and wax her, she looks like the day I towed her of the Tri-State lot.

 

[IrishAyes]

I have also used this clip. It's for the office cubicle divider.

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/store ... rea=SEARCH

Install where needed and clip the fabric onto it.

 

[Megabyte]

I think I read in a post by Megabyte that if you use some RV clear silicone to the backing, that it will hold better. ...I think he said RV... gotta go find the post again...

Actually I was probably showing my age...

Years ago, silicone in a tube was known as RTV, or "Room Temperature Vulcanizing". I worked in a hardware store in high school.
Now days we just call the stuff "marine silicone".

If you put the hook on the removable shade, the carpet liner acts as the loop. Nothing needed to put on the carpet, which will keep it factory fresh. :wink: