Full enclosure is a super nice luxury. Now that I know how much I like it, I don't know if I could go back! I purchased the boat with the enclosure and all the panels had recently been made. Everything, dodger, bimini and isinglass panels are all in brand new condition. When all is closed and zipped up, it fits like a glove. I have 8 isinglass panels. 2 panels for each side, 2 rear quarter panels, a connector between bimini & dodger and the center rear panel is just wide enough to exit to the swim deck between the stanchions. My bimini ends just above the stanchions, so the rear panels fit inside the stanchions and there is no interference with the davit and motor mount. If I had a dinghy davit, there would be no interference.
Each panel rolls up independently and can be stored rolled up and hanging from the bimini. My bimini has a high clearance so the panels are completely out of the way when stored in place and rolled up. This makes it very easy to selectively roll down a panel to block a cold wind when sailing. I have on a few occasions been perfectly comfortable sailing with either selected panels down or all down and the cockpit enclosed. All control lines are accessible, except the genoa fairlead controls. It is easy enough to release the bottom of a panel to reach those controls. The panels are easily removed when I want them off. I haven't worked out the storage situation completely. Right now I roll them loosely and lay in the bow compartment. I plan on making racks in the bow to store them.
It's only a little bit of a nuisance to roll up a side curtain to exit the cockpit to go forward on the deck. The insinglass panels are such a nice feature that I decided to have all the panels duplicated, except with screens.
@Ward H took my isinglass panels home and used them as a template to make the screen panels. They turned out perfectly! We sat in the cockpit and noticed that even the smallest gnats could not enter. They enable a nice cooling breeze and some shade. Sue is delighted.
We considered making "windows" in the isinglass panels to fit screens that could be zipped into the windows. I decided to go with separate screen panels and I was very glad that we did it that way. When it is too warm for the isinglass, it's best to take them completely off, because the boat will really heat up if even just a little sun is going through even a portion of isinglass. The thermal properties were absolutely great last November. I woke up a few times at anchor with the outside temp in the low 40's and the cockpit warm and dry for breakfast! I could sit in the cockpit in short sleeves, basking in the sun!
I'd recommend that the way to do it best is separate panels for isinglass and screens. Dual purpose panels, I think, is a mistake.
I could not tell you what is the cost. I only know that it was a HUGE bonus to buy a boat that had the isinglass panels included. Ward is giving me a substantial friends discount for the screens (it was a learning experience for him), and he did such an excellent job that I know it was a bargain. I am extremely lucky all the way around.
