Cleaing Doger Vinyl Window

[wgkenney]

Hi all,

I've been reading on the forums here about how to clean dodger windows. Mine are still very clear, but I'm starting to get some clouding around the two side windows and want to clean them properly.

The advice here seems to start with what kind of windows do you have. Strataglass seems to be a premium and needs special care. I'm a second owner on the boat and have not details on the bimini or dodger. Is there a way to tell if I have optical coated windows or Strataglass just by looking.

Or alternatively will the IMAR products work well on just normal everyday vinyl windows.

Thanks,

Glenn

 

[Stu Jackson]

Plexus has been recommended by my dodger maker. Read the label first. Do you know who made your dodger?

 

[tomlang63]

I use 210 on my glass, has been top-rated for years. You can get it almost anywhere marine, and also online.

 

[kloudie1]

Meguires Plast-X.. Just remember to put a towel down under the window so that you don't scratch the under side while you are cleaning the top side..

 

[wgkenney]

Stu,

I don't remember any labels on the dodger or bimini ... but they may be there. I need to look. The boat was delivered to Willis Marine in Huntington NY and that is where the previous owner kept it. I would guess that Willis has a group that they use for canvas. They have not been particularly responsive when I have tried to get info on the boat from them. I tend to have to research on my own.

 

[bobtigar]

I have 15 yerar old clr vinyl panels that I wash with a mix of warm water and vinegar (1 gal water 1 cup vinegar) let dry and spray with furniture polish. Then use a soft rag to rub off the polish. They still look pretty good. The lanolin in the polish ads a protective coat. Bob

 

[wgkenney]

I called the dealer and found out who they use. It is The Canvas Shop up in NY. Talked to them and I do have the strataglass. They recommended a product called Prisim Polish. Has anyone heard of that?

Glenn

 

[py26129]

I jus clean with water and then spray with Pledge and polish with a soft clean rag. This has worked great for many years.

Matt

 

[Maine Sail]

The ONLY products that ever touch our dodger glass are IMAR products. I have been using it since long before Practical Sailor crowned it the King of glass treatments...

I will put the clarity of our dodger glass up against any product at any point in the life cycle of the glass and IMAR will win every time. Yet to see it lose... Heck IMAR is sooooo good that Strataglass has an entire corner of their warehouse full of their own product. When the discovered IMAR they began recommending it over their OWN PRODUCT... That says something...!!

Show me yours (all taken with a crappy P&S camera).....

 

[CarlN]

Strataglass specifies only IMAR cleaning products (others void warranty - not that you have a warranty anymore). I'm pretty sure Strataglass doesn't own IMAR, so I can't see why they would recommend a less good product.

http://www.strataglass.com/strataglass-care-and-maintenance

I had always used Plexus on my plexiglass hatches (still do) but have been happy with IMAR on the Strataglass. I use the cleaner and the polish. The cleaner is especially good at getting bird poop off quickly. Some bird poop seems to permanently eat into Strataglass. It's available at Defender.

Carl

 

[py26129]

Mainesail

You win!

Matt

 

[Maine Sail]

mainesail

You Win!

Matt

 

[wgkenney]

What a minute. Main Sail cheated. There is actually no glass in the dodger! Or at least I can't see it.

Glenn

 

[wgkenney]

Thanks all -- Now that I know that I have the strataglass I'll check out the IMAR products. I called west marine in Rock Hall MD and they have it in stock.