Windshield Cover... why outside???

B

Bill.Secure

New member
All of the window covers we received with the Barnacle Bill snap over the interior of the windows with the exception of the windshield cover. It snaps over the exterior of the windshield.

I'm sure this is a stupid question, but can anyone enlighten us as to why this one cover is an exception? We can't figure it out, and with just four snaps, it isn't impossible for us to envision it blowing off in a really nasty wind.

Bill
Edgewater, MD
 
The one advantage I can think of is when you trail the boat it gives an added layer of protection to the windshield.

Not as convenient to put on and remove when it is outside.
 
C-Sick":25fff4xf said:
Not as convenient to put on and remove when it is outside.
Click to expand...

Indeed. Especially if it's raining.

Some canvas guys are fixated on selling outside mount covers. Great for marina boats and maybe OK for "normal" day boats, but for pocket cruisers like the C-Dorys I'll choose inside mount every time

Don
 
C-Sick":8qmvnm72 said:
The one advantage I can think of is when you trail the boat it gives an added layer of protection to the windshield.

Not as convenient to put on and remove when it is outside.
Click to expand...

I think your right on both accounts. We made up a cheap hanging set made out of nylon tarp for the inside. Did I mention cheap, also light and easy to store.

On our 1st tow to Alaska got some chips in front windows even with good mud flaps, so on 2nd year tow installed boat bra and covered front windows with pieces cut out to match window shape from soft rubber door floor mats. Didn't look to good, but will be doing the same on this years trip, because it worked.

Jay
 
exactly right about towing...

The factory was getting complaints that the windows were getting "foggy" and were not holding up. Some investingation showed it was pitting from towing wear-and-tear. External covers, and voila'. Not as good as the idea of foam rubber backing as just mentioned, but for the little stuff canvas works great.

Great minds...
 
I had the same thought. In the evening, when you're hanging up the curtains at anchor, who wants to go outside to snap the front cover on? And go outside in bad weather to unsnap it. I certainly didn't want to.

We got the "factory" curtains as an after thought, and I had to hang them. They came without snaps, so the whole job was mine. The front was made to go outside, but it fits very nicely inside, and certainly more than covers the front window. I used a couple of twist studs/curtain fasteners to pull the canvass up to the front window. By the way, go to a canvass shop for the fittings. The one I went to had them at 1/8 the price of West Marine.

We have a camper back, which we fortuitously got when we got the boat. A nice warm dry room when the weather is bad. Its a tight fit and I got a Top Snapper snap tool to make the job easy.

The southern Boris
 
I have learned how to both put the cover in place and remove it by taking advantage of both the starboard and port windows on my 22. I only have four snaps which I can reach (2 on each side) through the window. It can be a bit ugly if it is wet upon retrival but thats what the Wallas is for. Getting my dry again.
 
Ours velcros to the inside (thanks, Patty). We use the cover in marinas, but on the hook it's great to have the 360 view. Hunky Dory idea sounds good for traveling.
 
We bought the factory covers and use the windshield cover outside only at a marina for an extended stay where I can get to the bow easily, because of the challenge for us with the camper back.

We mainly use the cover on the inside and suspend it from the forward wiring harness with 3 towel clips. These clips we got at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I will try to get a pix of them at some point, but they are shaped to go around the grab rails within the jaw area and still hold a beach towel in its 'bill'. We liked them enough that I carry 8 on board for varied suport task, like drying our clothes & towels.

Till we get some curtains setup, we leave the factory covers mounted on the inside furled with small bungee cords [another project]. The replacement curtains is an area where I will need some help on how to best proceed.
 
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