No problems with the edges yet (1-year).Much better thanks.
Have you noticed any problems with the edges of the film as I would think this would be their Achilles' Heel. Ever notice the window film in vans ..................... always curling up after a few years and that's ON THE INSIDE.
I have tinted hatchlights and they still let the heat and bleaching UV pour in, and that's here in Canada. Florida is a whole 'nuther world of heat and UV so I think films would be a good recommendation for southern boat hatches regardless of whether tinted or not. I choose to use snap-on covers as they're much cheaper and more effective.
Same applies to hatches which have a southern exposure when at their home marina.
I've been testing both polyurethane (Vivivid) headlight/light films and polyester films. The polyurethanes conform better to curves, are more ding resistant, probably less prone to pealing, and is more flexible to deal with differential expansion, but the polyester wears better because it is harder. I'll probably leave them up for ~ 5 years, as I have with vinyl, sealants, and other stuff I have tested for UV.
Installation is not difficult, but requires extreme attention to cleanliness and careful measurement (you can't trim in place on plastic windows).
There are films sold specifically for recreational aircraft. Not cheap and must conform to curves. Curiously, some are applied to the inside, some outside. They are for polycarbonate.