Different Yacht Enclosure Styles: Which One is Right for Me?

Yachts are a one-of-a-kind investment that can be designed and upgraded with multiple features including stylish deck enclosures. Deciding what style enclosure is right for you can be a challenge, so it’s helpful to have all the facts first.

For starters, knowing more about the material a marine enclosure is made from can help you decide if it’s a good fit for your needs. Here’s a quick list of the type of materials that enclosures are commonly made from:

• Vinyl: A great, affordable option that provides a clear view while you’re out on the water. Clear vinyl is an excellent choice of material because it can be treated with special chemical coatings to enhance its clarity, strength, and durability. Clear vinyl is also flexible, so you’re able to roll up your enclosure easily.
• Acrylic: Another tried and true yacht enclosure material, it’s hard and durable but is not flexible like clear vinyl; thus, it can’t be rolled up.
• Polycarbonate: A rigid material like glass, polycarbonate is very strong; in fact it’s practically shatterproof, and is a heavier and more expensive option. The material is not flexible, so it can’t be rolled up when not in use.

There a few different options for materials for your enclosure, and the type of material you choose will influence what style enclosure you can have. Once you’ve decided on the material you want, it’s time to think about which style is going to be right for you.

• Mesh Screens: These are simple and straightforward, just like a screen you’d see on a back door. Mesh screens are breathable and extremely lightweight, but offer minimal protection from the elements.
• Windshields: Just like you would find in a car, a boat windshield is a very common option for smaller boats. These can be made from vinyl, acrylic, or polycarbonate, and are not meant to fully enclose your deck.
• Partial Enclosure: This is a great option for yacht owners looking to create a weatherproofed space on the deck without completely enclosing the area. Using a combination of either screens or vinyl/acrylic/polycarbonate materials, you can create a semi-enclosed area where guests can relax, enjoy the view, and still feel the cool breeze.
• Full Enclosures: A full enclosure provides the highest level of protection from the elements, and can create the feeling of more “indoor” space for your guests. Using a combination of transparent materials and rigid frames, a full enclosure can really boost the look and feel of your boat.

It’s worth also keeping in mind that your yacht enclosure can be custom designed to almost any shape, provided you use the right combination of rigid and flexible components. You don’t have to stick to a boring, rectangular shape.

It’s worth doing your research before you invest in an enclosure for your yacht. Resources like the Marine Fabricators Association website and various articles that can help you better understand your options. You can also talk to your local manufacturer or material supplier for more information about yacht enclosures and which one is right for you. They can help you understand your yacht’s specifications and what type of frame and material might best suit your boat.

For more information about enclosure panels, feel free to visit us at www.strataglass.com or check us out at www.herculite.com. You can also give us a call at 1-800-581-5801.