Anyone using EZ2C or the like

rlynch03 said:
We had to replace one EC2CY panel 3’ x 4’ (roughly) and it costs $900.

Didn’t know Red Eyes started that back up… Sunday afternoon’s?
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Sorry missed your post, but yes Sunday afternoons. Started Fathers day. I would check their FB page for the schedule, don't think it's every week.
 
When we purchased Inspiration it came with all bridge panels redone in Acrylics (the glue on sandwich type). I loved everything about it. It's like having a glassed bridge. The only inconvenience was storing the panels. Ours didn't have a good functional design, so only two panels were always used and I has special covering to store them.

That enclosure lasted good 8-9 years. It's started off by glue separating from the inner layer (inside the bridge) of the material. It didn't affect holding the panel functionally, only cosmetically. By regluing it helped prolonging the life of the panels. When crazing starts, within about a year it goes from it's not too bad to it's time to replace it.

What's next? I kept hearing about the Polycarbs gaining more popularity. After pricing it out I could clearly see why. There was a huge difference in price between Acrylic and Poly, so we decided to try it going with Poly (but not the Makrolon version).

The experience so far, Poly panels are very similar hard plastic making it a "glass enclosure" affect. However, Poly panels are lighter as the material is thinner. In some cases it might be an advantage if you have to flex it a bit. In my application it made not much difference.

Important to remember and read their fine print carefully. The location of your boat and exposure to the sun will greatly affect the life span of the panels. Meaning that the same material 6 months use in NE will hold up x2 longer than having your boat used 12 months a year in southern states. This is a fact I know from my own experience.

Despite the fact of shorter lifespan for Poly, what could be an incentive for some folks, if you have commercial grade sawing machine and you're handy, it shouldn't be too difficult to replace the panels yourself. With Acrylic having special glue process, it's just not an option for DYI project.

Lastly, when making a decision on switching to had plastic, designing a functional side (flip up and secure) is very important. If you make a good design having the panel easily open/close, you'll love it. Otherwise, it might be a PITA.
 
boatrboy said:
On my 340 Sundancer I have three front panels over the windshield I would love to have non flexible covers on someday. When not in use I could store them in the cabin.

I know very little about ez2c and wonder do they form the radius of the panels to match the windshield?

Are there any ballpark ideas on the cost of these three panels? $1500?

How well do they hold up in the sun? I’m only in the sun 6 months a year being in New England.

Thanks,

Mark
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Go to https://www.ez2cy.com/ they should have a dealer not too far away from you don't know about the price
 
I was at the boat show this weekend and met with a guy who quoted me $$$$ to take my existing front panels and install 60 gauge Makralon in them.

I brought the same pictures I sent to vendor 1 to another vendor at the show, and this guy states the window is too close to the zipper to reuse the frame. He quoted me three new panels using the same 60 gauge for around $600 less. This would allow me to have the original ones which I could keep on the boat if its sitting for a few weeks to prolong the life.

I was surprised at the variation and both seem to have a good reputation. I did confirm that the ez2c is not preferred by either guy as the process is a glue and a pain. Both guys felt the mackralon is the way to go. One guy stated with my soft top option the front panels are straighter and should outlast standard, more slanted versions, but still in the 6 yr range.

I may reach out to KevinC to see if any of the companies he deals with provide poly from the factory templates or do I need to keep with a local vendor.
 
boatrboy said:
I was at the boat show this weekend and met with a guy who quoted me $$$$ to take my existing front panels and install 60 gauge Makralon in them.

I brought the same pictures I sent to vendor 1 to another vendor at the show, and this guy states the window is too close to the zipper to reuse the frame. He quoted me three new panels using the same 60 gauge for around $600 less. This would allow me to have the original ones which I could keep on the boat if its sitting for a few weeks to prolong the life.

I was surprised at the variation and both seem to have a good reputation. I did confirm that the ez2c is not preferred by either guy as the process is a glue and a pain. Both guys felt the mackralon is the way to go. One guy stated with my soft top option the front panels are straighter and should outlast standard, more slanted versions, but still in the 6 yr range.

I may reach out to KevinC to see if any of the companies he deals with provide poly from the factory templates or do I need to keep with a local vendor.
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Unfortunately, the factory replacement panels are made only using what was originally specified for the original design.

A big reason for the this addresses your point that the Tuffak (Makrolons new name) can not be sew in to replace the original eisenglass. This is because of several differences in design where we would usually have a slightly larger facing frame to accommodate this. Typically the Tuffak is sandwiched inside the inner an out facing the only cover about 1/2 inch of the poly. The facing will then have the zippers sewn inside of the poly onto the facing. If doing all the panels you could choose to have a similar velcro overlay of zippers or leave the panels simply butting one another.

While I can not provide factory replacement we certainly could redo you panels in Tuffak 60g. We would typically want your originals and to visit the boat to inspect fix, etc. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss. BTW I remade part of my enclosure this summer and the 60g is like looking through your windshield compared to regular eisenglass. Just keep in mind you can not have zipper openings for frowns.

-Kevin
 
Thanks gents. More good info. I will be reaching out to Kevin.
 
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