Tinting windows
Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon
Tinting windows
I have a 1988 F-32 thinking about tinting my front windows with dark tint instead of the canvas cover. Is this a bad idea? Just thought it would be nice to look outside without removing anything.
Re: Tinting windows
I'm sure that it would look great and you'd probably be happy with it, that is until the first time you have to operate it from inside the cabin at night during a storm.
Paul
"Cruise Control" 1978 F-26HT
"No Control" 2012 9' Grand RIB
"Cruise Control" 1978 F-26HT
"No Control" 2012 9' Grand RIB
Re: Tinting windows
I have no lower helm. I was just wondering about if it would keep the boat cooler in summer.
Re: Tinting windows
Two previous owners ago completely did away with the front windshield in lieu of fiberglass. Still transmits some heat, but it' 97 degrees here in beating sun, so I guess I should expect that. I am about to re-tint the rest of my windows and just did an Ocean Shade hatch cover for the master.
El L Sea
Fort Myers, FL
1988 Trojan 12m International Sport Fisherman
2017 Boston Whaler 130 Tender w/ 40HP Mercury
Fort Myers, FL
1988 Trojan 12m International Sport Fisherman
2017 Boston Whaler 130 Tender w/ 40HP Mercury
Re: Tinting windows
I had mine done this past winter by a local commercial building "tinter". Made a world of difference in the heat gain of my 10 meter sedan since they're pretty much a greenhouse in stock configuration. The sliding glass cockpit Windows and door are slightly tinted from the factory, and I left them alone. I went as dark as he had available, and like you have no lower helm.
The edges are tough to work around the rubber glazing which isn't straight, and you'll see a little light leak around the edges. I left the lexan corner Windows stock too, as tint doesn't stick to lexan that well. Overall I'm glad I did it. Paid him $300 cash for the windshield and side windows.
The edges are tough to work around the rubber glazing which isn't straight, and you'll see a little light leak around the edges. I left the lexan corner Windows stock too, as tint doesn't stick to lexan that well. Overall I'm glad I did it. Paid him $300 cash for the windshield and side windows.
- prowlersfish
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 12723
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
- Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va
Re: Tinting windows
While tinting can help keep it cooler , a cover on the front glass works much better . The lighter the color the better .
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

-
- Registered user
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2010 10:40 am
- Location: Buffalo, NY (lake erie)
Re: Tinting windows
I have a 12 meter motor yacht that we just got this year and there are black covers for the front windshields. They do greatly reduce the heat but I was thinking a white mesh-like material Ive seen would be better for heat and not darken the cabin as much. Does anyone know what the material is or can recommend something. Also the covers snap on the inside and I see most are on the outside, any advantage to either?
-
- Moderate User
- Posts: 628
- Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:30 am
Re: Tinting windows
We have a front window bra ,white mesh type heavy fabric, which if I remember was called phifertex vinyl mesh.....huge improvement over the common black sunbrella, only thing is with the white it stains a little from water drips from the bridge, take off and clean is all.We save the black for the spring and fall when the heat from the window is appreciated.