windows - go high end or...

[Justin_NSA]

The Hunter has 3 fixed windows that let in a lot of light and heat making it pretty toasty below. The curtains look dated and the elastic is worn out so their use was abandoned long ago. I doubt they ever did much for heat, just privacy. The POs, and I see this a lot on other boats, cut out insulated foil panels to fit into the window openings. They make it dark below but block a lot of heat. I'm not sure if that heat buildup on the "glass" is good for the windows though. You have to remove them to get natural light below and you have to stow them so don't get damaged. They are getting worn out and fall out by themselves, so it's time to do something. They don't last very long.
Anyway. I have my sights set on Zarcor 'CloZures' for all 3 windows. They are pricey, around $300 for the set, but they solve most of my problems.

• They attach 'permanently' i.e. you don't have to remove and stow them to let in light or see out. With a quick touch you can close or open them.
• They look very modern and don't give the boat that tin foil trailer park look. Again, it's quite common, just not my thing.
• They block UV and heat and you can control light much better. They can filter light, not an all or nothing setup.

I can't think of a con for using them other than the price vs. going to Home Depot and getting some more foil insulation. I have the money, but sometimes my enthusiasm needs to be curbed (or not).

 

[woodster]

ask your admiral what she thinks and you will have your answer

 

[Gunni]

I got a couple of those zarcor things back when they were called Peek-a-boo. Wanted to get rid of the fabric curtains over galley stove. My general impression is that they block at least half of the visibility out the port and are sub-optimal. So I went back to what I have on my overhead hatches, OceanAire screens, they are sold here:
http://shop.beneteauowners.com/prod.php?50080

 

[Benny17441]

We have had them for 5 years and still are like new. Work real good but still do not keep the heat out. The only thing that will work is to set up a canvas awning to absorb the direct sunlight.

 

[Justin_NSA]

We have had them for 5 years and still are like new. Work real good but still do not keep the heat out. The only thing that will work is to set up a canvas awning to absorb the direct sunlight.

Thanks for the testimony. I remember when the called them that too. I used the free sample in the head area on my Mac. Worked great. I agree, the only way to keep heat out is to prevent it from striking the window. We keep a deck cover on when we are slipped for long periods.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I got a couple of those zarcor things back when they were called Peek-a-boo. Wanted to get rid of the fabric curtains over galley stove. My general impression is that they block at least half of the visibility out the port and are sub-optimal. So I went back to what I have on my overhead hatches, OceanAire screens, they are sold here:
http://shop.beneteauowners.com/prod.php?50080

Interesting. I really don't want to add more holes to my cabin. Maybe I could make a transition adapter from my curtain mounts to these.

 

[Justin_NSA]

ask your admiral what she thinks and you will have your answer

I know she hates the curtain look. She is cheap though, God bless her. It's my money, it was a gift, so she should be okay with it. I just need the right look. She likes the CloZures. The PortShades might appeal to her as well.

 

[Pat]

Justin, I like the shades your thinking about...I've thought several times about putting them in our boat, but we have nice
accordian blinds in the main cabin....it's the other hatches, both opening and closing where they would be my preference. I've seen them on a lot of boats. Without blinds the AC has to work much harder on a 103 degree day.....headed out there now to change the oil...Patrick

 

[Justin_NSA]

Hi Pat. Missed you two this weekend. The wind was obnoxious though. They scratched the Sunday races. It gave our guests something to talk about when they got home.
First time I saw these CloZures was on 'Dark and Stormy'. Loved the look ever since.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I use self cling vinyl on then inside. Buy it at sign shops,, cut to fit, dampen glass (Or lexan) and sponge it on. When youwant the port clear, ,just peel it off, and stow, then reuse.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Duct tape.

Lord, must I come up with everything?..

 

[Roadking Larry]

I use self cling vinyl on then inside. Buy it at sign shops,, cut to fit, dampen glass (Or lexan) and sponge it on. When youwant the port clear, ,just peel it off, and stow, then reuse.

You can get that stuff printed too. Put a nice picture showing to the outside, maybe something from the kama Sutra

 

[Justin_NSA]

The PortShades look nice but they don't come long enough.
I've looked at the static cling stuff because we use them in the car when we travel. Never had to wet them, just on and off as needed.. It comes in a lot of patterns. Not crazy about working out bubbles each time we take them down.
Waiting to hear back from Zarcor to see if they will give me a break on a set of 3.

 

[JRacer]

Justin. We have a couple of the Zarcor shades, several of the shiny bubble wrap options and one of the pull type shades on the Beneteau. Stop by if you want to see all the aforementioned options. ;-) We'll be around all weekend. Fitz

 

[Justin_NSA]

Justin. We have a couple of the Zarcor shades, several of the shiny bubble wrap options and one of the pull type shades on the Beneteau. Stop by if you want to see all the aforementioned options. ;-) We'll be around all weekend. Fitz

We will do that. Then Jackie can get Nancy's opinion as well.
Zarcor replied and said they will cover shipping. They have the window templates for my Hunter, but they said they would send paper copies to be sure they are correct first. Takes longer, but a good idea.

 

[Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi]

We have Zarco PeekABoos since 2003 on our Hunter 356 on the salon lower Windows and in the rear bedroom and overhead hatches. We slide them shut when we want privacy or light blockage. They attach with Velcro dots and have worked great for us. We don't worry about heat Gain too much as we run HVAC at dock and while sailing. We run generator at all times we are not at dock. The Zarcor products are very well made.