Boat Window
Excelite specializes manufacturing OEM, ODM boat windows, yachts cabin windows boat windshields in various shapes and sizes, designed to enhance your nautical experience. Technique involved in CNC routing, polycarbonate machining, and polycarbonate thermoforming, silk screen printing, etc.
What is boat window?
A boat window, also known as the windscreen, windshield, is a protective barrier designed to shield a water boat, vessels , including wind, water spray, and debris. These windshields serve both functional and safety purposes, enhancing the overall boating experience.
Most of the marine windshields are made of glass, acrylic, Plexiglass and Lexan window polycarbonate materials. Glass is the most common material in windshield. It provides clarity and durability. It is resistant to scratching and offers good visibility. Acrylic (PMMA) has light weight and impact resistant.
But in recent years, the new design boats are getting bigger and faster. The designers began to consider the wind factor, speed and the weight of the hull, there has been an increasing trend in the use of marine polycarbonate glass windshields. Polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance. Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass. Polycarbonate has the advantages in UV blocking.
Glass vs Acrylic vs Polycarbonate: What's the difference?
| Properties | Glass | Acrylic | Polycarbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.8g/m3 | 1.18-1.19g/cm3 | 1.2g/cm3 |
| Light transmission | 80-84% | 92-95% | 85-90% |
| Use temperature | -5 - 70℃ | -60 - 65℃ | -120 - 120℃ |
| Soften point | 600℃ | 100-102℃ | 145℃ |
| Thermoforming temperature | 600-730℃ | 180-250℃ | 180-280℃ |
| Bending strength | - | 55-70Mpa | 90-100Mpa |
What are the types of boat Windshields?
There are many different kinds of design for the windshield covers. Here we will introduce some popular ones.
- Center console windshields
Boat console windshields, refer to the protective barriers or screens installed on the center console of boats. The center console is a key area on a boat, typically located in the middle of the deck, housing various controls, navigation equipment, and often serving as the helm station. The boat console windscreen is positioned to shield the operator and passengers in the center console area from wind, water spray, and other elements while navigating on the water. Center console windshields contribute to the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the boat, making them a crucial component in various types of watercraft, including fishing boats, pleasure boats, and other vessels with a central control station.
- Bass and Bay windshields
Bass and Bay windshields are likely designed for freshwater fishing, often in lakes and rivers. They typically have a low profile and a sleek, aerodynamic design to navigate easily in shallow waters. Bay boats are versatile vessels designed for fishing in coastal or bay areas. They polycarbonate windshields on there are designed with a focus on providing protection from wind and spray, as these boats may encounter rougher waters. They are often higher and wider than those on bass boats to shield occupants from the elements.
- Full enclosure windscreens
Full enclosure windshields are gaining immense popularity, providing not only enhanced polycarbonate windscreens protection but also adding a dynamic and modern aesthetic to vessel design.
The latest designs go beyond conventional structures by incorporating innovative features such as front or side opening polycarbonate windows. This advancement allows for the free flow of air as needed, offering a versatile and adaptable solution for different weather conditions.
- T-TOP Style windshield
Polycarbonate boat T-top windshields designed for semi-enclosed center consoles represent a brilliant solution for boat designs aiming to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and departure from traditional open consoles. These innovative windshields provide a middle ground, offering several advantages akin to full enclosure designs while remaining mindful of production costs.
Polycarbonate Windshield: Our Fabrication Capabilities
How to enhance the polycarbonate windshield anti-scratch?
Hard coated polycarbonate windshield is designed for durability, impact resistance, and enhanced longevity. We increase the surface hardness of marine polycarbonate windshields from HB to 2H. The clarity of polycarbonate anti scratches boat windshield ensures optimal visibility for the boat operator and passengers. The hard coating maintains this optical clarity while adding an extra layer of protection against scratches.
Can we do curved shape for the polycarbonate windscreens?
Glass is normally used in flat boat windshield, BUT if customers want to do a curved boat windshield, even hyperbolic windshield. Polycarbonate can achieve your idea. Polycarbonate is more flexible than Glass, PMMA. This is important for you to do a sharp. We can easily bend or mold the polycarbonate sheet.
Can we Bending the polycarbonate sheet to make windscreen?
Polycarbonate sheet can be bent to achieve specific shapes. PC is a thermoplastic material known for its flexibility and formability when heated. The bending process involves applying heat to the polycarbonate sheet to soften it, allowing it to be shaped or bent into the desired form. Once the desired shape is achieved, the polycarbonate is cooled to retain its new configuration. Bending polycarbonate windshields can be advantageous for custom designs or applications where specific shapes are required to fit the contours of a boat or other vehicle.
Can we thermoforming polycarbonate windshield?
Polycarbonate sheet is a great thermoplastic material. Polycarbonate maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures, from -20 to 140°C, polycarbonate melting temperature is 155°C, it will become soft, and then can be thermos molded or heat formed into various shapes. Polycarbonate can be heated and reshaped multiple times without significant chemical changes.
Why we need to polishing the polycarbonate windscreen?
Polycarbonate polishing is an great solution to help the polycarbonate windshields a smooth finish after the fabrication. Polishing also helps to smoothen edges.
Can we drill the polycarbonate windscreen?
Drilling polycarbonate is easy, but it requires careful handing to avoid scratches. While drill the polycarbonate windscreens, we should keep the film masking on the windshields. Then put on a security place and use clamps or another secure method. Position the drill bit at one of the marked points. Apply gentle, consistent pressure to start drilling. Allow the drill bit to cut through the polycarbonate gradually. Do not force the drill, as this can cause the material to crack.
Can polycarbonate windshield heat block?
Our tinted polycarbonate windshield options are the best methods to heat block. We also offer tinted polycarbonate windshields in dark grey, light grey and bronze colors. Choosing colored options gives you the ability to decide how much protection or coverage you actually need.
We also accept your special ideas for every marine boat. Not only the traditional thermoforming works, fabrication like bending, drape forming, CNC works, 5 Axis machining. Or some special screen printing on your dream marines. We are glad to provide assemble services for your custom polycarbonate windshields.
SO whatever polycarbonate design for universal boat windshields, or dish covers, hull side windows, flybridge windows, storage units, electronic boxes, live bait wells/angling units, deck windshield, tackle units, hatches, skylights you may have in mind, polycarbonate is easy to install. We have Chinese factory to support all difficult works. Pls feel free to contact us. We’re here to assist you to create the perfect polycarbonate module for your boat….
Frequently Asked Questions
How to repair/replacement the polycarbonate windshield？
While the windshield is constant exposed to sunshine, it will cause the windshield frame to break down, discoloration, brittleness and weaken the structure. Not only the frame, gasket, but also the windshield panels. In the past, it is a difficult to change down the polycarbonate windshield. Now, all the works can be presupposed.
The customers can custom their aluminum frame boat windshield according to their marine design. You want, and we do that.
Sometimes they just want to change some windshield frame components or refurbish it. We can provide the polycarbonate windshield soon.
How to clean the marine windshield?
Though polycarbonate is high impact resistant than glass, we have to see the polycarbonate surface is scratch more easily performance when compare to glass unless it’s hard coated. So, when we clean the polycarbonate windshield, first, we need to remove abrasive dirt on the surface without touching the windshield too much. If you use paper towels to clean the polycarbonate windshield. We have some tips to help you. Here’s the do’s and don’ts of maintaining and cleaning a polycarbonate windshield.
- Never use any sharp cleanings, like wiper blades, or any scrapers, brushes, pressure washers, Windex, windshield cleaners, anything with alcohol or ammonia.
- Just choose gentle soap, and add in a squirt bottle with warm water, clean microfiber towel or chamois.
- Then spraying your windshield with this soapy water. Spray more on the dirtier areas and wait for the soapy water to take the dirt down along with the liquid. And later, use your microfiber towel to gently wipe back and forth, and never use circular motions when cleaning the polycarbonate windshield.
How does polycarbonate windshield compare to Acrylic windshield?
Polycarbonate is more impact resistant to Acrylic.
Polycarbonate is flexible and allow to do secondary processing.
Polycarbonate can withstand heat, enabling special curved processing.
Polycarbonate is chemically resistant material. Some certain substances don’t effect it like gasoline, acids.
Polycarbonate is light weight, resulting in cost saving and improved performance.
Are there any disadvantage of using polycarbonate boat windshield?
Though polycarbonate is solid and high-impact resistant. It’s much lighter than glass. It doesn’t absorb UV rays, making it excellent choice for boat windows where sunshine exposure.
But there are some potential disadvantages to consider:
- Scratch susceptibility
Polycarbonate is more prone to scratching compared to glass. In marine environments where windshields can come into contact with abrasive materials, such as saltwater or sand, scratches may occur over time.
- Chemical sensitivity
Some chemicals, such as certain cleaners or solvents, like PVC can cause damage to polycarbonate.
- Limited optical clarity
Although polycarbonate provides good clarity, it may not match the optical quality of glass. In some special applications, where superior optical clarity is essential, such as high-end boats or vessels, glass might be preferred.
- Higher cost than Acrylic
While not as expensive as glass, polycarbonate can be pricier than acrylic.
What is the Average Thickness of Polycarbonate Windshield?
The average thickness for the boat windshield is 6mm, but some special application that people use 20mm thickness for the boat body. It depends on the practical application.
What coating treatment can we add on Polycarbonate boat windshield?
Polycarbonate has some limits. But we can do some coating treatments to enhance the performance and durability of the polycarbonate windshield.
Polycarbonate boat windshields are susceptible to scratches and abrasions. An anti-scratch coating forms a protective coating. It can significantly reduce the scratches.
An anti-foggy coating minimizes the impact of foggy, rainy, moist conditions on the boat windshield. This treatment ensures clear visibility and safety.
UV resistant coatings are designed to protect polycarbonate marine windshields from the harmful effects or direct UV rays. It helps prevent yellowing.
Flame retardant polycarbonate sheets enhance the fire resistance and safety characteristics of the material. This treatment guarantees the windshield’s durability and overall performance.
Which types of marines use Polycarbonate windshield?
There are many different kinds of design for the windshield covers. Here we will introduce some popular ones.
- Center console boat windshields
Boat console windshields, refer to the protective barriers or screens installed on the center console of boats. The center console is a key area on a boat, typically located in the middle of the deck. The boat console windscreen is positioned to shield the operator from wind, water spray, and other elements while navigating on the water. Center console windshields contribute to the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the boat, including fishing boats, pleasure boats, and other vessels with a central control station.
- Bass and Bay boat windshields
Bass and Bay windshields are likely designed for freshwater fishing, often in lakes and rivers. They typically have a low profile and a sleek, aerodynamic design to navigate easily in shallow waters. Bay boats are versatile vessels designed for fishing in coastal or bay areas. They polycarbonate windshields on there are designed with a focus on providing protection from wind and spray, as these boats may encounter rougher waters. They are often higher and wider than those on bass boats to shield occupants from the elements.
- Full enclosure boat windscreens
Full enclosure windshields are gaining immense popularity, providing not only enhanced polycarbonate windscreens protection but also adding a dynamic and modern aesthetic to vessel design.
The latest designs go beyond conventional structures by incorporating innovative features such as front or side opening polycarbonate windows. This advancement allows for the free flow of air as needed, offering a versatile and adaptable solution for different weather conditions.
- T-TOP Style boat windshields
Polycarbonate boat T-top windshields designed for semi-enclosed center consoles represent a brilliant solution for boat designs aiming to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and departure from traditional open consoles. These innovative windshields provide a middle ground, offering several advantages akin to full enclosure designs while remaining mindful of production costs.
Excelite is a leading supplier of hockey rink barriers , offering a comprehensive range of polycarbonate sheets and frames. Frame is usually made of stainless steel. Our services encompass everything from providing high-quality products to offering frame accessories. With expertise in CNC cutting and thermoforming for curved designs, we deliver a complete system that meets all your ice rink barrier needs. Let us be your partner in creating a safe and functional ice rink environment. Contact us and get your own designs for your ice rink barriers.
Where are quarter windows typically located in marine?
- Front doors
- Rear doors
- Between the side windows & windshield or rear window
- Sunroof
Polycarbonate windshield: The Crafting Thermoforming Precision
How to enhance the polycarbonate boat windshield anti-scratch?
Hard coated polycarbonate windshield is designed for durability, impact resistance, and enhanced longevity. We increase the surface hardness of marine polycarbonate windshields from HB to 2H. The clarity of polycarbonate anti scratches boat windshield ensures optimal visibility for the boat operator and passengers. The hard coating maintains this optical clarity while adding an extra layer of protection against scratches.
Can we do curved shape for the polycarbonate boat windscreens?
Glass is normally used in flat boat windshield, BUT if customers want to do a curved boat, even hyperbolic windshield. Polycarbonate can achieve your idea. Polycarbonate is more flexible than Glass, PMMA. This is important for you to do a sharp. It can easily molded.
Can we Bending the boat polycarbonate boat windscreen?
Polycarbonate windshields can be bent to achieve specific shapes or contours. PC is a thermoplastic material known for its flexibility and formability when heated. The bending process involves applying heat to the polycarbonate sheet to soften it, allowing it to be shaped or bent into the desired form. Once the desired shape is achieved, the polycarbonate is cooled to retain its new configuration. Bending polycarbonate windshields can be advantageous for custom designs or applications where specific shapes are required to fit the contours of a boat or other vehicle.
Can we thermoforming polycarbonate boat windshield?
Polycarbonate sheet is a great thermoplastic material. Polycarbonate maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures, from -20 to 140°C, polycarbonate melting temperature is 155°C, it will become soft, and then can be thermos molded or heat formed into various shapes. Polycarbonate can be heated and reshaped multiple times without significant chemical changes.
Why we need to polishing the polycarbonate boat windscreen?
Polycarbonate polishing is an great solution to help the polycarbonate windshields a smooth finish after the fabrication. Polishing also helps to smoothen edges.
Can we drill the polycarbonate boat windscreen?
Drilling polycarbonate is easy, but it requires careful handing to avoid scratches. While drill the polycarbonate windscreens, we should keep the film masking on the windshields. Then put on a security place and use clamps or another secure method. Position the drill bit at one of the marked points. Apply gentle, consistent pressure to start drilling. Allow the drill bit to cut through the polycarbonate gradually. Do not force the drill, as this can cause the material to crack.
Can polycarbonate boat windshield heat block?
Our tinted polycarbonate windshield options are the best methods to heat block. We also offer tinted polycarbonate windshields in dark grey, light grey and bronze colors. Choosing colored options gives you the ability to decide how much protection or coverage you actually need.
Which polycarbonate boat windshield tinted options are available?
Tinted Grey PC sheets combating heat and shielding against UV light damage. With a selection of tinted plastic sheet products available in various colors, you can tailor the level of protection needed against solar energy. This shielding not only decreases UV radiation but also minimizes infrared radiation, making it an ideal choice for schools or the place you don’t need too much light.
Additionally, tinted plastic sheets offer a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to simply applying film to the window. Excelite provides several types tinted options for you to choose.
What are the main advantages of tinting boat windshields?
- Enhancing structural integrity
- Improving visibility at night
- Reducing light & heat transmission
- Increasing scratch resistance
We specialize in custom boat windshields and marine work fabrication, using UV-resistant acrylic and high-strength polycarbonate flame resistant sheet in both clear and tinted forms.
What else Excelite can do for your boat windshields?
We also accept your special ideas for every marine boat. Not only the traditional thermoforming works, fabrication like bending, drape forming, CNC works, 5 Axis machining. Or some special screen printing on your dream marines. We are glad to provide assemble services for your custom polycarbonate windshields.
SO whatever polycarbonate design for universal boat windshields, or dish covers, hull side windows, flybridge windows, storage units, electronic boxes, live bait wells/angling units, deck windshield, tackle units, hatches, skylights you may have in mind, polycarbonate is easy to install. We have Chinese factory to support all difficult works. Pls feel free to contact us. We’re here to assist you to create the perfect polycarbonate module for your boat….
How does polycarbonate marine windshield compare to Acrylic, Glass?
Polycarbonate is more impact resistant to Acrylic. In terms of high impact, polycarbonate is quite stronger than glass, almost 250 times more durable than glass.
Polycarbonate is flexible and allow to do secondary processing. Polycarbonate can be bent or molded, allowing for more complex shapes.
Polycarbonate can withstand heat, enabling special curved processing.
Polycarbonate is chemically resistant material. Some certain substances don’t effect it like gasoline, acids.
Polycarbonate is light weight, resulting in cost saving and improved performance. Glass is more prone to shattering upon impact compared to polycarbonate. Glass is also heavier than acrylic, polycarbonate.
Glass provides the best optical clarity among the three materials. Glass is also less scratches compared to polycarbonate.
Glass vs Acrylic vs Polycarbonate: What is the different
How do you manufacture the polycarbonate windshield on the marine?
Begin by creating a detailed design or blueprint of the windshield, taking into account the specific dimensions and contours required for the application.
To make sure the polycarbonate windshield fits perfectly, the customer brought their speed boat to our factory. We measured everything on-site and created a precise template based on the boat’s curves and contours. This template became our blueprint for making the windshield accurately.
How to install your boat windshield?
We’ll take you through the process step by step.
First, clean the boat window on the marine. Clean the dust oil and debris from around rough opening. Inspect the windshield for any defects or damage before installation.
Then carefully position the windshield in the desired location on the boat. Use a measuring tape to ensure proper alignment and symmetry. Check for clearance with other boat components and for proper visibility.
Once satisfied with the positioning, mark the mounting points on the boat’s surface using a pencil or marker.
Next, use a drill to create holes for the polycarbonate windshield. Place the windshield over the drilled holes.
Finally, apply a marine-grade sealant or adhesive around the edges of the windshield where it contacts the boat. Wipe away any excess sealant or adhesive using a clean cloth.
How to repair/replacement the polycarbonate boat windshield?
While the windshield is constant exposed to sunshine, it will cause the windshield frame to break down, discoloration, brittleness and weaken the structure. Not only the frame, gasket, but also the windshield panels. In the past, it is a difficult to change down the polycarbonate windshield. Now, all the works can be presupposed.
The customers can custom their aluminum frame boat windshield according to their marine design. You want, and we do that.
Sometimes they just want to change some windshield frame components or refurbish it. We can provide the polycarbonate windshield soon.
How to clean the marine windshield?
Though polycarbonate is high impact resistant than glass, we have to see the polycarbonate surface is scratch more easily performance when compare to glass unless it’s hard coated. So, when we clean the polycarbonate windshield, first, we need to remove abrasive dirt on the surface without touching the windshield too much. If you use paper towels to clean the polycarbonate windshield. We have some tips to help you.
Here’s the do’s and don’ts of maintaining and cleaning a polycarbonate windshield.
- Never use any sharp cleanings, like wiper blades, or any scrapers, brushes, pressure washers, Windex, windshield cleaners, anything with alcohol or ammonia.
- Just choose gentle soap, and add in a squirt bottle with warm water, clean microfiber towel or chamois.
- Then spraying your windshield with this soapy water. Spray more on the dirtier areas and wait for the soapy water to take the dirt down along with the liquid. And later, use your microfiber towel to gently wipe back and forth, and never use circular motions when cleaning the polycarbonate windshield.
Can the polycarbonate boat windshield prevent foggy?
The condensation could happen in or out of your boat’s windshield. It actually depends on the temperature, if it’s a cold day and your marine’s cabin is hot, then the moisture will build up inside. Whereas, if it’s a hot day and your boat’s cabin is cold, the moisture will form outside of your windshield.
Fog sprays can be used on nearly anything that fogs, but usually on the inside of windows and windshields in boats and windows of marines.
YES. We can have much better ways.
A fog-resistant coating is applied to the polycarbonate windshield during the manufacturing process, providing exceptional resistance to fogging. This specialized coating enhances visibility by preventing the buildup of condensation on the surface, ensuring clear and unobstructed views even in challenging weather conditions.
In fact, we also find there is not easily to make small quantity coating sheet. Here is another solutions- Polycarbonate Anti-fog Film.
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