Eisenglass rubber dovetail question

[Lauralex]

My boat came with eisenglass (that had apparently never been used as it still was rolled up with tissue in between). The top portions attach to the bimini with zippers covered with velcro overlaps and seal very well. The part where the E-glass attaches to the windshield however rely on a channel that is cut into the aluminum frame and then the glass has a rubber 'dovetail' that fits into that. So there are NO snaps for this.

My question is this: Is this a reliable system? I've never seen something like this and I am worried about the longevity of the rubber on the sidecurtains. Is there a way to convert this to snaps? I noticed yesterday that my buddy's boat (a 4-Winns) had a similar channel on it but had snaps that appeared to be on small metal fittings that fit into the channel.

Additionally, I find this system a real PIA to take on and off and would prefer snaps, but I am averse to drilling holes into my boat.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Brian.

 

[Hampton]

It is a reliable system. Mine lasted the entire 10 years I had the boat, but we didn't leave the glass up very long. It is a PITA. It's much easier to put up when it's warm (and you don't need/want it up). One thing that can make it easier is to unzip sections most of the way, and leave most of the zippers loose while installing it, then, have helper apply pressure while you finish zipping after everything else is in place.

You can replace them if you want. I, too, prefer the snaps that I have on my 340 over the rubber pieces on my 250. A local canvas guy can give you a quote or you can learn a new trade if you are interested in DIYing it.

 

[Lauralex]

It is a reliable system. Mine lasted the entire 10 years I had the boat, but we didn't leave the glass up very long. It is a PITA. It's much easier to put up when it's warm (and you don't need/want it up). One thing that can make it easier is to unzip sections most of the way, and leave most of the zippers loose while installing it, then, have helper apply pressure while you finish zipping after everything else is in place.

You can replace them if you want. I, too, prefer the snaps that I have on my 340 over the rubber pieces on my 250. A local canvas guy can give you a quote or you can learn a new trade if you are interested in DIYing it.

Thanks. I can actually zip it then put this stuff on, but I have to keep rubbing it with the ball of my hand to get it to seat and (no laughing here) I feel like I'm getting a rugburn on my hand. I wonder if there is a conversion for the tracks to bolt in some snaps. I used to make boat covers with my dad on the side when I was a wee lad, so I can put snaps in, etc. I just don't want to drill holes in the window frames to screw them in.

 

[Larry]

I would not drill the frame as there is always the posability of corosion starting from the holes if it is not sealed properly. The ruber seals do work very well if they are soft.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Spray some vinyl cleaner/protectant on the rubber.

 

[keokie]

My 310 has the track in the windshield. It has snaps installed via a rubber grommet that expands inside the channel. I have no idea who sells them, though.

 

[Lauralex]

My 310 has the track in the windshield. It has snaps installed via a rubber grommet that expands inside the channel. I have no idea who sells them, though.

That's what I need. I have everything else to install the snaps, just not the grommet-doo-dads.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Snaps can be added to the insert style top rail. However, it is not simple and may require some disassembly of the windshield.

Read this thread:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16405&highlight=vadney

I have been down this path due to a wrong style winshield section being installed on our boat, and have spent a lot of time with the Taylormade people on this topic.

Henry

 

[Lauralex]

Snaps can be added to the insert style top rail. However, it is not simple and may require some disassembly of the windshield.

Read this thread:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16405&highlight=vadney

I have been down this path due to a wrong style winshield section being installed on our boat, and have spent a lot of time with the Taylormade people on this topic.

Henry

Thanks Henry, that's a great solution. I was thinking along the same lines except with metal and swapping the screws with small bolts, but if the standard screw fasteners work with the faucet washers then I'll go with some plastic. Certainly would be easer to get done since I am a hobbyist woodworker and NOT a metalworker. I think my top rails are slightly different than what you have pictured. I'm a dentist so I was going to take an impression of the groove and then make a model off of that.

I'll let you know what I come up with.

 

[fc3]

I have that system on Just Ducky. I don't see how snaps would be any easier or faster than the system already installed. The system installed is preferable since it better protects the aluminum frame.

 

[sebagoman007]

I agree that they system is an absolute PITA, but I've found that the following sequence works pretty well.

1.) Erect the forward bimini.
2.) Extend the rear legs of the forward bimini to their longest setting.
3.) Wipe the rubber dovetail of the 5 isinglass pieces liberally with ArmorAll.
4.) Starting with the center front section, push the dovetail into the windshield groove.
5.) Repeat with the left and right front sections. Zip together and to the front of the bimini.
6.) Reset the rear legs to the lower setting, tightening up the three installed sections.
7.) Start the top and forward zippers (3-4") of one of the side curtains. Push the dovetail into the windshield groove, then finish closing zippers. Repeat with other side.

Once the 5 isinglass sections are installed, the rest is a breeze. Good luck!

Cheers,