How Long does StrattaGlass last?

[Bad Obsession]

I am curious to know how long Strattaglass usually lasts on a dodger, connector, and bimini.I am into the fourth season of my bimini, dodger, and connector. I leave them up during the summer but they are usually off the boat from November to the end of April. I don't have any covers for the Strattaglass on those items, I wish that they were made into the system, so am I wondering how much longer they should last before I need to replace the strattaglass or replace the bimini and dodger.I am also wondering about a general price for what it costs to replace the strattaglass. If anyone has a clew on these things I would really appreciate it.My current bimini, dodger, and connector were made in 2004. I just cleaned the strattaglass using a special cleaner and a polish that I bought from defender (the brand of the cleaner was IMAR). It did clean it up nicely but I noticed a few, not more than 4-5, small gray spots in the strattaglass (they are about the size of the point on a ballpoint pen). I know that I should get at least this season but I am really thinking about having a cover made to cover the strattaglass on the bimini and maybe the connector but I will have to look into that later on because I am working on other projects. Then again, if the life of the dodger, bimini, and connector is more than 1/2 the way done, maybe I should wait until I replace it to have anything like that done.Any ideas or experiences about this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

not sure

I'm sure there are others more knowledgeable but I'll give you my experience. The stitching goes long before the glass assuming the latter has been maintained properly which it sounds like you are doing. It obviously depends on latitude as well but around here (in southern New England) it appears to me 7-10 years is typical.Had just the dodger glass redone last summer for $1400.

 

[jayncee]

Strataglas

We used Strataglas on our former boat, a 2003. Too much of a nuisance to deal with. We used Imar also but ours was getting cloudy in areas. On our new boat we are going to use Rainier.

 

[Maine Sail]

Like anything boat related..

Bad Obsesion,Like anything boat related the longevity of StrataGlass is in direct proportion to the care it's given. I do consulting work for a very high end custom canvas guy here in Maine and we've seen Strataglass last 9-10 years and still be optically clear. The StrataGlass on my boat was exquisitely cared for, per StrataGlass' instructions, and is now 8 years old and still very, very clear!All that being said we've seen customers ruin it in a season usually from using improper products or care techniques! Here's some things to keep in mind and consider about StrataGlass:1) StrataGlass is a coated product, this is what makes it so optically clear and distortion free. So NEVER use abrasive cleaners other than what the manufacturer recommends.2) This optical coating is THIN!3) Never clean StrataGlass with paper towels an use ONLY clean soft terrycloth or CLEAN soft microfiber rags.4) Never ever use Pledge, Rainex, 303, Armorall, 210, Windex or any other product not approved by the vendor.5) The ONLY approved products for use on StrataGlass are made by IMAR. They work and they work very well and when used as directed do not harm the coating. the manufacturer has tested many products and has come to the conclusion that IMAR products will uphold the reputation StrataGlass has earned.6) IMAR products are NOT made by StrataGlass so they get no benefit other than upholding their reputation as a top notch, long lasting optically clear window for marine use.7) Never use detergents or "wash & wax" products or soaps on StrataGlass.8) Use IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate for washing the windows. I have extensive experience with IMAR Yacht Soap and it is a wonderful product for washing your boat & dodger glass because it does NOT eat the wax on your hull like most soaps do. I'm still beading after six months and I wash my boat at least once per week during the season. I've yet to find a soap that actually cleans but that also does not destroy the wax like IMAR does.9) The use of cleaners, polishes, scratch removers, or any other product made for regular, uncoated vinyl will damage StrataGlass. Do not use these products.10) Use IMAR Strataglass protective Polish roughly every 1 to 2 months depending on condition. In the interim, use IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner frequently as in once per week.You've heard my suggestions and personal experience with IMAR products but the manufacturer says it best!Striaght from StrataGlass I did not write this:"We recommend using only IMAR Products. IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish, IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner, and mild soap (preferably IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate) on Strataglass. (We no longer recommend the use of any other products, regardless of the manufacturer's claims.) Use of harsh cleaners like Simple Green and/or pine will dull the curtains quickly.After September 30, 2004, using any other product(s) void the factory warranty" And:"Restoring: We once recommended a restoration process but extensive experience shows actual damage cannot truly be repaired. If IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish cannot restore the clarity and shine, it may be time to consider replacing the enclosures. Please...Please...use our recommended procedures and products from the beginning."It's sounds like you know what you are doing and I would expect that you could easily get another 4+ years out of those windows providing the thread holds out..

 

[Paul Akers]

Treat them Well...

...and they will last a long time. Always wash them before putting them away. I had vinyl glass on my dodger and it lasted 12 years, except for a couple of line-flogging bruises. I ensured that I washed, waxed them 3x during the season. 1. Start the season, 2. Mid-season and 3. When I put them away for the winter. The stitching wore out before the glass (which can also be replaced solely).

 

[Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi]

Stratiglas a great company

After my fourth season with stratiglas, my glass had what appeared to be dimples much like an orange peel. I talked to stratiglas, they sent new material to my canvas maker and replaced the glass. I was impressed and have had no problem with the replacment now in two seasons. Stratiglas stands behind their products.

 

[RichH]

Orange Peel on Strata glass, etc. .....

usually can be traced to the 'drippings' from sail covers, etc. that were 'remediated' with waterproofing compounds such as 303, etc. My unsubstantiated analysis is that the 303 and other waterproofing compounds continually leach when wet and when the 'drips' from the 'covers', etc. that adhere to the vinyl dry-out (concentrating the leachate) on surface of the Strataglass they cause the 'orange peel'. This happens with just about 'any' clear vinyl used as windows - some are affected faster than others but ultimately all seem so affected.