Do you put on side canvases/curtains after every use?

[Strecker25]

Right now we leave he glass panels up front on at all times and remove he aft curtain.

As as far as the glass goes, I saw the other day someone put snaps on he underside of the arch so the middle piece can be flipped and held in place without completely removing it. I like that, as I don't have a nice spot to put the panels while not in use and underway.

 

[mnm99]

Right now we leave he glass panels up front on at all times and remove he aft curtain.

As as far as the glass goes, I saw the other day someone put snaps on he underside of the arch so the middle piece can be flipped and held in place without completely removing it. I like that, as I don't have a nice spot to put the panels while not in use and underway.

Yup, I'm going to do the same thing with the middle window. The problem is the 2 sides. The are a weird shape and when you try to roll them up it doesn't work. It almost looks like it has to be in 5 pieces. Add that to my winter projects....

 

[scooper321]

Does anyone have roll up front windshield windows on a 340? I hate taking down my front glass and would like to be able to roll it up with the least visibility distraction. It would be nice it they made clear zippers and binding.

I just got all new canvas on my 320 this spring. I had U zippers on the front and side panels and even the rear curtain. In the new glass, I got none. And while it takes time to remove the panels each day, the sight lines are SO much better without the zippers in the way. I may add some U zippers back in one day but for now I prefer the view so I remove them while using.

 

[BillK2632]

Does anyone have roll up front windshield windows on a 340? I hate taking down my front glass and would like to be able to roll it up with the least visibility distraction. It would be nice it they made clear zippers and binding.

I've seen a lot of people put snaps on the underside of the arch so they can fold the front glass back and snap above - pretty good idea, no smiley face zippers and less wear on the glass from rolling.

I'll say it again, sun, water and dirt are your enemy on a boat - keeping it covered in a a way that blocks out the UV in the cockpit adds years to life of upholstery, instrument panels -- everything. When I hear someone say it's a boat, it's made to get wet, I just laugh. Certainly not like leaving a convertible car top down in the rain, but absolutely not made to be left uncovered all the time. Also, regarding the canvas, I good cleaning once maybe twice a year is all that is necessary in most cases, in between cleanings, a freshwater rinse (while it is on the boat) does wonders in keeping things clean.

My 1999 has the original canvas and other than replacing a few snaps and the velcro, I've done nothing but clean it and re-treat it (according to Sunbrella's instructions). It looks pretty much like new, and the interior of the boat the same. On the other hand, a couple of much newer boats in the same dry storage as me sit uncovered all the time (the dry storage is covered on three sides so they are not completely exposed) and they look pretty rough already.

Granted like a lot of us here I can be a bit obsessive when it comes to the boat. But for the most part boats are "water resistant" not "water proof", guess if you are not interested in messing with covers your best bet is a center console with minimal upholstery.

 

[CliffA]

Right now we leave he glass panels up front on at all times and remove he aft curtain.

As as far as the glass goes, I saw the other day someone put snaps on he underside of the arch so the middle piece can be flipped and held in place without completely removing it. I like that, as I don't have a nice spot to put the panels while not in use and underway.

i have the snaps on the arch for the center window and it works very well...

cliff

 

[topnote]

I use my boat mostly on weekends. On Sunday, I check the forecast for the coming week, and if there's any rain predicted, I put on the side canvases to protect the interior (which is kind of a pain). I always leave the bimini top on.

I notice that many similar boats in my marina don't put on the side canvases like I do, basically leaving them off all summer.

So I'm curious if this is a good/bad thing to do? Will it hurt my boat's interior to let it get rained on? Whats do others do?

I have a 2007 280 Sea Ray. It has a cabin with closable door. The upper deck has a carpet that would get rained on... a problem? Or does it dry quickly?

Take some advice from someone who has just completed a total renovation of an older,SeaRay...the single greatest damage that required repair was caused by water intrusion. Its unbelievable how much hidden wood is used in the boat's construction. My florida based boat had leaking old canvas and all of the non teak wood had to be replaced, and it was everywhere! That includes the plywood that looks like teak but isnt.

Wall and floor carpet are also destroyed by water intrusion. Ive also been disappointed by how much non stainless hardware was used in the interior. All these things are ruined by leaks.

I honestly believe the most important non engine related habit a long term boat owner could have is being meticulous about keep her insides dry. Be relentless about tracking any leaks, no matter how small, and always use every cover or canvas you have. Layers of protection are an important strategy for success.

 

[diveman]

Perfect question. I always leave my full camper canvas on when I am not using the boat. That is until last night. I knew that I was going to have an early start today so I took off the rear and side last night. No rain but I was surprised to find animal footprints all over the rear seat. Luckily they didn't do any damage. That'll teach kids.

 

[Dsoorholtz]

I put up full canvas each time we leave boat for more than a few hrs. I had some felt bags sewn that I can slide the window panels into and then roll each one separately. Keeps the glass from scratching.


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[Rick Young]

We had a camper enclosure made for our 2007 320DA. I had straps included for the rear and side panels (total of 5). Roll them up and hold in place with the straps. When we want the panels down just unsnap the straps, let the panels roll down, zip the zippers and in less than a minute we are all enclosed again. We take our three panels of front eisenglass down as on piece and store on the front berth. We put them back up in one piece in just a couple of minutes. The setup has worked well for us. Here are the aft panels rolled up. By the way the boat is for sale if anyone in looking.