Taking proper care of your boat keeps it seaworthy for longer. Choosing the right materials for your marine windows is an important decision boat owners need to make to do just that.
Typically, boat windows are made from specialty textiles rather than glass. These textiles are designed to withstand whatever the open water throws at them. Several types of clear textiles are available today, and knowing your marine window material options helps ensure you’re getting the right product for your needs.
Here’s a quick look at the most popular marine window materials on the market today:
Vinyl and Polyester Composite: An excellent composite material, vinyl and polyester composite fabrics offer the flexibility you need to curve and bend easily along a boat’s contours. Fabrics made using this composite stay tight against the frame and provide waterproof and mildew resistance. Herculite Inc. offers this composite combination in two top-quality marine-grade fabrics: Latitude and Regatta.
Clear Pressed Polished Coated Vinyl: A popular choice for everyday marine use, clear pressed polished coated vinyl can be rolled back easily, which is great for boat tops. Herculite’s Strataglass is one of the top brands on the market for this versatile material. Another reason for the popularity of this material it is available with scratch-resistant special coatings, which extend the life of the material considerably. Strataglass is one such example of a material that offers a coating: VueShield.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate windows, made from a semi-rigid clear plastic, are widely considered nearly unbreakable. With polycarbonate, user visibility is clearer than with other clear plastics, and it can be coated with scratch- and UV-resistant coatings for additional protection. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for rugged uses. However, this material isn’t soft like clear vinyl, so it can’t be rolled up for storage. It also tends to be pricey.
Acrylic: Like polycarbonate, acrylic panels are semi-rigid and offer excellent visibility. Acrylic panels are very difficult to break, making them an excellent choice for rugged marine use. However, acrylic fabric windows can be scratched more easily than some other options, and the panels can’t be rolled up for storage. Acrylic can also be expensive, so it’s best used sparingly.
When choosing marine vinyl window materials, consider each material's cost and how it relates to longevity. Some materials last longer than others, making their higher price worthwhile compared with cheaper options that will require frequent replacement. Alternatively, if you can properly maintain a more affordable, versatile material like polycarbonate or clear, polished, pressed vinyl over time, why not choose the more cost-effective solution (and enjoy benefits like a roll-up window)? How you use your boat and what your needs are will determine which material is best for you.
One final note: remember that the gauge (a.k.a. thickness) of your windows affects how they will look, as well as their clarity and flexibility. Some marine window materials come in gauges ranging from 40 to 12. Before you buy, check out this quick buying guide to marine window materials to make sure you’re getting the right choice for your needs.
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