Maintaining your clears

You get what you pay for, especially when it comes to the choices in clear enclosures for your flybridge or runabout.

Sure, they will all keep you drier and warmer, but the true test of quality is in their clarity and life expectancy.

For glass-like clarity, you can’t go past Acrylic or Polycarbonate. My preference being Acrylic because you can polish fine scratches out of this product.

However, because they are both stiff materials, which can’t be rolled up like common PVC clears, they won’t suit all applications.

Sometimes superstructure or similar obstructions won’t allow the panels to be hinged upwards and clipped flat to the ceiling of a flybridge or cabin when open. That’s when I use Strataglas, or similar.

A combination of both Acrylic and Polycarbonate, Strataglass with its special scratch and UV resistant coatings and reasonably good clarity makes it the next best option to all-Acrylic.

LIFE EXPECTANCY
Good visibility is so important at sea — and it’s not just about detecting barely visible current lines or working birds in the distance when fishing, it’s vitally important for spotting navigation beacons, fish traps, avoiding debris and other boats and ships to keep safe!

For boats moored in the elements, expect five to seven years life for quality clears. Trailerboats kept out of the weather can expect even longer. But fail to maintain them and you’ll drastically reduce their usable lifespan.

(ED: My Strataglass front panel has just been replaced for the first time after 12 years, so life expectancy s pursuant to maintenance and nourishment).

MAINTAINING CLEARS
Here are the dos and don’t of maintaining clears:
>> The key to getting a long life out of your clears is to keep the vinyl surface sealed from damaging environmental factors by washing and polishing at least monthly. Strataglass recommend weekly!
>> Follow the manufacturer’s advice when maintaining clears, as not all polishing and cleaning products are compatible.
>> Do not rub or wipe salt crystals or dust off without water and soap.  If you do the clears will scratch.
>> Always wash gently before applying a protective product. Use mild PH neutral soaps diluted in water with a soft cleaning mitten or sponge (rinsed regularly).
>> For applying the protective products like Vuplex or Imar polish (the only warranted product if you have Strataglass) use two microfibre towels. One to apply product and a second to buff. Keep up the nourishment.
>> Don’t get sunscreen on the clears — it will permanently cloud the vinyl surface. This is a killer with Strataglass. [Ed: I always use cotton gloves when rolling up clears and keep a few pairs handy in the flying bridge. I also found a special soft silicon blade for clears, from the Shurhold pole system, that really helps remove bulk water without scratching and saves chamois time].
>> Never use regular window cleaners, detergents, abrasives, petroleum-based products, chemicals or alcohol on clears. They will break down the protectors in the vinyl.
>> Do not use water-repellent products.  They can damage the external finish.

STORING CLEARS
If you can, it is best to leave clears in place so they hold their shape and size. Do not fold clears.  It will increase the risk of cracks happening.

Store clears flat or roll them up with an old white bed sheet between layers. Don’t store clears with anything on top because zippers and lifejacket buckles can leave impressions in the vinyl.

Never store clears when they are wet. It can make them go cloudy and white.

Also, remember to lubricate zippers and fasteners periodically using a clear silicone spray.

Keep the flybridge area well ventilated to reduce mildew build up. If using (diluted) bleach for cleaning mould, make certain Teflon stitching was used – bleach will destroy cotton stitching. Rinse it off thoroughly in any case.

So don’t sell yourself short on the quality and maintenance of your clears. As boaters we are so often surrounded by such natural beauty, life is way too short to look at it through poor clears!