Full Windscreen or Windscreen + Clears???

[SunnyCoastMark]

Hey Guys,
I am smack bang in the middle of my 21' Dehavilland Trojan Project rebuild and just wondering what to do with the windscreen.

Boat is a half cabin with a hard top and I have around 700mm between the cabin dash and the hard top.

I am leaning towards having a screen around 400mm high - with removable clears on the top 300mm for keeping out the rain and spray. My eyeline would be just under the top of the screen and standing tall would see me looking above the screen. I think........

My thinking is that this will allow a bit of breeze to flow through both while underway and anchored up.

Also like the idea of a full height screen and not having to worry about putting clears on and off.

What works best? - Any recommendations? Pro's/Cons?

Thanks for your input.

Mark

[Chimo]

Hi Mark

Sounds about right. Consider a zipper section in the clear that you can unzip and roll up, not down.

Cheers
Chimo

[Adam_G]

Mate for what it's worth I would go for the full screen. No matter where you think your eye height is you will find the top of the screen will be in your line of sight e.g. light/water spray reflects differently off hard screen to clears so you are constantly looking over screen through clears then looking under clears through screen (especially early morning bar crossings) IMO.

Adam

[BeastMaster]

Hi Mark - Been there done that with clears - IMO go the full glass screen with windscreen wipers and sliding side glass windows , turn it into a wheel house - you'll never go back to clears.
No leaks in the rain or when you get a bit of spray , no corroding zippers , no wind burn on the face and eyes - worry free boating.
I open up the side windows for outstanding ventilation and a bit of fresh air .
I spent the money on my boat a few years back and I'd never go back to clears again.
Regards
BeastMaster

[SunnyCoastMark]

Mate for what it's worth I would go for the full screen. No matter where you think your eye height is you will find the top of the screen will be in your line of sight e.g. light/water spray reflects differently off hard screen to clears so you are constantly looking over screen through clears then looking under clears through screen (especially early morning bar crossings) IMO.

Adam

Yeah - that was one of my concerns - hence the query. Full screen would be easier and look better - plus you have the full protection always.
However Summer on the water is pretty hot, so any thing that allows a bit of breeze through is a good thing?? Keeping in mind that the clears would only be on when it's raining - I think.

Anyone out there have a full screen and wish they didn't?

Mark

[SunnyCoastMark]

BM - did you find that going to the full screen had an effect on towing with the extra windage?

I plan on doing quite a few long trips and fuel economy is always a concern I guess.

Nice looking Rig by the way.

Mark

[Midnight]

Hands down, full glass screen. I like RainX rather than electric wipers though, one less thing to fail.

Cheers,
Myles

[johncar]

For most boating I am liking the full glass screen, I have previously always had the half screen with clears above which can be good if done correctly with high quality materials and made in a way to make them weather and spash proof as in the clears need to be solidly sealed to the top edge of the windscreen with zip outs that open downward. If done cheaply they are horrible.
I do like the ability of being able to look through the partially open section if travelling at night and getting reflection on the windscreen from light sources but did worry about getting smacked in the face by a sea bird or something.
I haven't done much night travelling since owning this full glass setup so I am not sure how well I will be able to see. I stuck a radar dome on the roof as my second set of eye's. Also spent plenty of hours in VMR vessels at night with full screens and enclosed cabs and seemed to be OK, but also had radar in later years.
My cab has two big glass windows at front that are hinged at the top and do push out at the bottom for ventilation although the stays are not adequate to maintain them open while travelling so I will probably fabricate something to hold them solidly just a little open, possibly just 1/2" or so.
My side windows are acrylic two piece sliders which seem to allow adequate ventilation while travelling and at rest. The hatch on the cabin roof also allows some airflow through while at rest.

[ShaneC]

Full screen and a remote spotty on the roof. RainX it as has already been said and use the anti fog stuff on the inside made by the same lot. Put a waterproof opening vent on the roof and sliding windows and Bob's your uncle. You'll never go back to clears..... it does get hot, but it is worth it

[SunnyCoastMark]

Well allrighty then. Looks like the full screen is the goods.

Next question - Glass or Perspex - Pro's & Cons?

Thanks,
Mark

[BeastMaster]

Absolutely no problems with extra fuel consumption towing - my boat actually increased top end speed by 2 to 3 knots after converting to full glass - so the clears and the old hard top were probably creating drag.
Go full glass - yes slightly heavier , but you'll apprieciate the clear vision , it won't scratch and allows you to use window cleaner with out risk of crazing. - strongly suggust u put the wipers in whilst your fitting the glass.
BeastMaster