Selecting window tint

[Not Too Shabby]

The deadlight windows on my Catalina 22 are out and ready to be tinted.

United States law limits reflectivity to 25% on boats (edit: Maybe not. Read the replies from others, below). I went to my local tint shop to inquire about SunTek Symphony DS 35, which has a reflectivity of exactly 25%, but the only sample they had was Symphony DS 15, which has a reflectivity of 54%. The sample looks great but I'm leaning toward special ordering some of the 35 and complying with the law, since that's generally how I like to do things. But before I do, I want to ask, has anyone ever been inconvenienced by the strong reflection off a passerby or a neighbor in the marina? Or are there stories of fines by harbor police for non-compliance? Special ordering the 35 isn't going to be cheap, so I'm wondering if anyone here would just slap on the darker 15 with the higher reflectivity and call it a day.

Here is some info about the tint if interested.

 

[dlochner]

United States law limits reflectivity to 25% on boats.

Can you cite the legal reference? I've never heard of such a law or regulation. A quick search found only 1 article specifically referencing tint laws for boats in Florida and it was useless with only a recommendation to check with local authorities. It is highly unlikely that tint laws would vary from county to county in any state.

Any rational tint laws would only address tinting windshields not port lights.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I’ve also never heard of such a regulation. Best I can find in some searches is Boat Window Tint which provides some un-cited restrictions and Boat Window Tint Laws to Consider When Choosing Tints - Florida Window Tint Films which says windows “should have about 25% maximum reflectivity”. Neither of those sound authoritative, and really both of them just sound like they took car restrictions and pasted them onto their marine pages.

 

[dlochner]

I’ve also never heard of such a regulation. Best I can find in some searches is Boat Window Tint which provides some un-cited restrictions and Boat Window Tint Laws to Consider When Choosing Tints - Florida Window Tint Films which says windows “should have about 25% maximum reflectivity”. Neither of those sound authoritative, and really both of them just sound like they took car restrictions and pasted them onto their marine pages.

The articles David and I cited had a distinct AI flavor to them, saying a lot and saying nothing at the same time. Being a curious sort I went to ChatGPT and submitted 2 prompts, results below.


Write an article about window tint laws for boats:

Title: Navigating the Waters: Understanding Boat Window Tint Laws

Boating is a beloved pastime for many enthusiasts, offering relaxation and adventure on the open water. However, just like operating a vehicle on land, there are regulations that govern boating activities, including laws regarding window tinting. While window tinting is a common customization for boats, it's essential for boaters to understand the legalities to ensure compliance and safe operation. Let's delve into the nuances of boat window tint laws to navigate the waters responsibly.

The Purpose of Window Tint Laws
Window tint laws are in place to balance various factors such as safety, visibility, and privacy. Excessive tinting can obstruct visibility, impede communication with other vessels, and compromise navigation safety. Additionally, authorities need to maintain visibility into vessels for law enforcement and safety inspections.

Variations in Regulations
Just as with automobile window tint laws, regulations regarding boat window tinting vary by jurisdiction. These laws may differ based on factors such as vessel type, size, and intended use, as well as regional regulations and environmental considerations.

Legal Limits and Compliance
Boat owners must adhere to specific tint darkness limits set forth by governing authorities. These limits are typically expressed as a percentage of visible light transmission (VLT). For instance, a regulation might stipulate that window tint on boats must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through.

Exceptions and Special Considerations
Certain types of boats, such as commercial vessels or emergency response crafts, might be subject to different tinting regulations due to their unique operational requirements. Additionally, some regions may have exceptions for medical conditions that necessitate increased UV protection, allowing for darker tints with proper documentation.

Enforcement and Penalties
Authorities actively enforce window tint laws for boats to uphold safety standards on the water. Penalties for non-compliance can range from citations and fines to vessel impoundment or operational restrictions. It's crucial for boaters to familiarize themselves with local laws and ensure their tinting meets legal requirements to avoid potential consequences.

Safety and Visibility
While aesthetics and privacy are valid reasons for tinting boat windows, safety should always be the top priority. Maintaining adequate visibility is essential for safe navigation, especially in varying weather and lighting conditions. Boaters should choose window tint that balances their desired level of privacy with sufficient visibility to ensure safe operation.

Responsible Tinting Practices
To stay compliant with window tint laws and prioritize safety, boat owners should consider the following best practices:

1. Research Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific window tint laws applicable to your area or the areas where you plan to navigate.
2. Choose Quality Products: Invest in high-quality window tint films that meet legal standards and offer UV protection without compromising visibility.
3. Professional Installation: Have window tint installed by experienced professionals to ensure proper application and adherence to legal requirements.
4. Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect window tint for damage or degradation, and promptly repair or replace any compromised areas to maintain compliance and safety.

Conclusion
Window tinting can enhance the comfort and aesthetics of boats, but it's essential for boaters to navigate the legal landscape with awareness and responsibility. By understanding and complying with boat window tint laws, boaters can enjoy their time on the water while prioritizing safety for themselves and others. Whether cruising along coastal waters or navigating inland lakes, adherence to tinting regulations ensures a smooth sailing experience for all.

Which states have laws about window tint on boats and what are those laws?

As of my last update in January 2022, regulations regarding window tint on boats can vary significantly from state to state in the United States. While some states have specific laws addressing window tint on boats, others may not have explicit regulations, leaving it to the discretion of local authorities or adhering to general window tint laws applicable to vehicles.

Here's a summary of some states with notable regulations regarding window tint on boats:

1. Florida: Florida has regulations regarding window tint on boats. According to Florida Statute 327.73, window tinting on boats is permitted, but it must comply with certain requirements. Tinted windows must allow a minimum of 27% light transmittance, measured with a photometric light meter.
2. California: California also has regulations governing window tint on boats. The California Vehicle Code specifies that any material applied to marine vessel windows must not be so dark as to obstruct the operator's view. Additionally, any tinting material applied to marine vessel windows must be certified by the manufacturer as having a minimum visible light transmittance of 70%.
3. Texas: In Texas, while there are no specific laws addressing window tint on boats, window tint laws for vehicles are generally applicable. According to Texas law, front side windows must allow more than 25% light transmission, while rear side and rear windows can have any darkness of tint.
4. Michigan: Michigan regulates window tinting on vehicles, but it's unclear whether there are specific laws pertaining to boats. Generally, Michigan's laws on window tint for vehicles stipulate that the front side windows must allow more than 35% light transmission, while rear side and rear windows can have any level of tint.
5. New York: New York has regulations concerning window tint on vehicles but may not have specific laws addressing boats. New York's laws require that front side windows allow at least 70% of light to pass through, while rear side and rear windows can have any level of tint.

It's important to note that regulations may change over time, so boat owners should consult the most current statutes or contact local authorities for the latest information on window tint laws for boats in their area. Additionally, while some states may not have specific laws regarding window tint on boats, boaters should always prioritize safety and ensure that window tinting does not obstruct visibility or violate any general regulations related to safe boating practices.

 

[Not Too Shabby]

Admittedly, I haven't read any such laws from the source but my web search came up with various commercial pages that made the reference and the AI summation said the same. I live in CA and I figured if any state has such a law, CA definitely does too.

Some commercial sites:

Tinting Your Boat Windows. Why and How To Do It? - Window Tint Laws

Although giving hours of joy and relaxation, your boat or yacht may quickly become an expensive investment if not properly maintained.

windowtintlaws.us

Boat Window Tint Laws You Need to Consider

Before having your boat tinted, you first have to familiarize yourself with boat window tint laws to keep you out of trouble.

mobilewindowtint.com

Can You Tint Boat Windshield? | Boat Life 365

While boating with my family on a very sunny day last summer, my daughter left her smartphone on top of the dashboard. After only about…

boatlife365.com

After reading Dave's post I searched for the California Vehicle Code. Nothing I found suggests that there is indeed a 25% reflectivity requirement, nor a 70% light transmittance requirement on boats. Forgive me if I've caused any confusion. I wonder whether there is any way to determine the actual requirement, if it exists. The only way would be to find the actual law as it is written, but I'm yet to find such a search result.

 

[dlochner]

Because someone implies it is does not mean it is so. It is impossible to prove the negative, in this case the nonexistentence of a law about tinted boat windows. There has been limited evidence that these laws exist and in your case such a law would be frivolous as the port lights in question have no effect on safe navigation.

A prudent Mariner would never apply anything to ports that would have an adverse effect on visibility from the helm like heavily tinted ports.

There is no need to worry about this.

 

[Davidasailor26]

in your case such a law would be frivolous as the port lights in question have no effect on safe navigation

One of the articles said the reflectivity requirement was about preventing reflected glare affecting nearby navigators. In theory that could be a consideration for windows other than windshields. But that claim seems pretty weak, considering there are no regulations against things like large stainless plates that would be even more reflective. Even flat glass can create a glare at the right angle, and boats are generally much farther apart than cars, making any sun glare even less relevant.

 

[jssailem]

sun glare

Isn't that why one wears polarized dark glasses?

What about those mirrored RayBans that were so popular?

What about the polished surfaces of a new boat?
What is the reflective quotient?

 

[Not Too Shabby]

Good points by all. I'm likely going to proceed with the SunTek Symphony DS 15 with 54% reflectivity. I need to put the sample up against the glass properly and give it another look. It appears to be quite mirror-like from the outside. I don't have curtains in the cabin so this might be a nice feature, providing a good amount of solar protection without darkening the cabin as much as darker tint would. Perhaps others might find this info useful.

Edit: I found some proper specs (link to archive.org because the page is inactive on the SunTek site).

 

[Davidasailor26]

Isn't that why one wears polarized dark glasses?

The polarization is usually angled to cut glare off the water’s surface, which is polarized at a certain angle. Cock your head at an angle when you’re wearing polarized glasses and you’ll notice more glare. Glare coming off a vertical surface will likely be polarized at the opposite angle and not as affected by the glasses. Still, I think any concerns about glare off reflective window tint are purely academic.