front window cover

[waterman30]

I am thinking of making a cover for the front window on my 23.5 that will go on the outside of the boat. It will be sitting in broiling sun facing south. Will do sunbrella or similar. I am thinking to snap it on to the cabintop. I am wondering if I should screw the snap receptacles into the fiberglass or epoxy. I think they are generally screwed in as in the companionway cover. Has anyone made any such covers? Thanks

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you do, suggest screwing in and use a light color sunbrella cover. Use of pure silicone for is better for caulk for example GE

 

[Ward H]

I used "YKK SNAD" fasteners from Sailrite.com instead of drilling holes for snap sockets. My hatches have enough of an edge I put the SNAD sockets on the hatch itself so I didn't have to remove the covers to open the hatches. They have 3M VHB foam tape on the back for adhesion.
I didn't want to fully block the view looking out the hatch so I used Phifertex material from Sailrite. The standard has a 70% shade rating and the Plus has a 93% shade rating. I used the standard so I can still see out easily but others can not see in.

 

[waterman30]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I like the looks of the Sailrite things. I forgot about those.

 

[BigEasy]

I used "YKK SNAD" fasteners from Sailrite.com instead of drilling holes for snap sockets. My hatches have enough of an edge I put the SNAD sockets on the hatch itself so I didn't have to remove the covers to open the hatches. They have 3M VHB foam tape on the back for adhesion.
I didn't want to fully block the view looking out the hatch so I used Phifertex material from Sailrite. The standard has a 70% shade rating and the Plus has a 93% shade rating. I used the standard so I can still see out easily but others can not see in.

Great idea and application. Definitely going to try it; don't like the idea of drilling more holes in the deck!

 

[Tom J]

My forward hatch cover has elastic sewn around the edge. The fit is nice and snug, and still good after 19 years. No snaps, no holes in the boat!

 

[jeepbluetj]

My forward hatch cover has elastic sewn around the edge. The fit is nice and snug, and still good after 19 years. No snaps, no holes in the boat!

Mine too. Easy to make if you're making them. Just sew in some bungee cord on the outside hem.

 

[Ward H]

My forward hatch cover has elastic sewn around the edge. The fit is nice and snug, and still good after 19 years. No snaps, no holes in the boat!

I was imagining the elastic "rolling" under the lip of the hatch when it was opened and interfering with the seal when closing it. I thought those type of covers were meant to be easily removed when opening/closing the hatch. No?

 

[Tom J]

If the cover is fitted well to the hatch, the material can't extend too far under the edge of the hatch. The bungee material is sewed into the edge of the cover. The cover works well with the hatch opened part way to catch the breeze while at anchor, and the cover in place to block the sun. Yes, the cover is very easy to remove and install.