Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-10-2022, 09:04 AM   #1
Member
 
ex-sailor's Avatar
 
City: Nahant, MA
Vessel Name: Easy Wind
Vessel Model: Pacific Trawler 40
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 19
Window covers: Inside vs. Outside

Hi, folks.
I'm looking to add window covers for the pilot house on our Pacific Trawler 40. Most of the ones I've seen on trawlers are snap-on mounted on the outside. I have seen some, particularly on a Flemming, that were mounted on the inside and more like the roller shades in our salon.

Is there a reason most shades are on the outside?

Carol.
Easy Wind
Pacific Trawler 40
Nahant, MA
ex-sailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 09:17 AM   #2
Guru
 
mvweebles's Avatar
 
City: Saint Petersburg
Vessel Name: Weebles
Vessel Model: 1970 Willard 36 Trawler
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 7,179
Many PH windshield windows are not easily accessible from the inside. There are often companionway stairs, extended dashboards, and instrument panels. Wrapping around the outside is pretty easy.

I have seen motorized shades that work well until they don't. They seem to always fail in the lowered position.

Peter
__________________
_______________________________________
Cruising our 1970 Willard 36 trawler from California to Florida
Join our Instagram page @MVWeebles to follow along
mvweebles is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 09:21 AM   #3
Guru
 
syjos's Avatar


 
City: Gig Harbor
Vessel Name: Sandpiper
Vessel Model: Bluewater 40 Pilothouse Trawler
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,315
Quote:
Originally Posted by ex-sailor View Post
Hi, folks.
I'm looking to add window covers for the pilot house on our Pacific Trawler 40. Most of the ones I've seen on trawlers are snap-on mounted on the outside. I have seen some, particularly on a Flemming, that were mounted on the inside and more like the roller shades in our salon.

Is there a reason most shades are on the outside?

Carol.
Easy Wind
Pacific Trawler 40
Nahant, MA
I install clear covers on the exterior in winter because:

Keeps glass from fogging up in winter

Prevents window leaks

Keeps green mold from growing in window tracks

Snaps already installed on exterior for summer Phifertex window covers

Keeps heat in and cold out
__________________
"My worst day working on the boat is still better than my best day at a job"
syjos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 09:57 AM   #4
Moderator Emeritus
 
Comodave's Avatar
 
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,185
If you are looking to keep the heat from the sun out, outside covers work much better. I have made them out of Stamoid to help stop window leaks since Stamoid is waterproof.
__________________
Boat Nut:
If you are one there is no explanation necessary.
If you aren’t one, there is no explanation possible.
Comodave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 10:04 AM   #5
Guru
 
syjos's Avatar


 
City: Gig Harbor
Vessel Name: Sandpiper
Vessel Model: Bluewater 40 Pilothouse Trawler
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,315
During spring fall and summer I install Phifertex covers on the exterior to keep sun and heat out.

If you install them on the inside, the glass will heat up and transmit that to the interior.
__________________
"My worst day working on the boat is still better than my best day at a job"
syjos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 11:35 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
City: Bristol
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 233
Somewhat depends on the intended purpose I think. One of the first things I bought when I purchased my boat was some custom made window covers that snap on the outside. I only really use them when I am away from the boat to protect the interior from heat and UV. If you want something to use when at anchor, inside shades would probably be better, but not for the windshield.
NEtrawler58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 11:52 AM   #7
Guru
 
C lectric's Avatar
 
City: Gibsons, B.C., Canada
Vessel Name: Island Pride
Vessel Model: Palmer 32'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,414
Ours are installed outside to keep the heat out and protect the windows.
We used to use an inside curtain but it did not block the heat very well and the dash was frying.
To boot it protects the windows varnish from the sun and rain.
C lectric is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 01:16 PM   #8
Newbie
 
City: New Bern
Vessel Name: Island Time
Vessel Model: Mainship Pilot 34
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by syjos View Post
I install clear covers on the exterior in winter because:

Keeps glass from fogging up in winter

Prevents window leaks

Keeps green mold from growing in window tracks

Snaps already installed on exterior for summer Phifertex window covers

Keeps heat in and cold out
I'm curious... how does it prevent the windshield glass fogging up? When we go out in winter months, especially with more than just 1 or 2 people aboard, the forward glass fogs up quite heavily (on the inside). I've been pondering whether I could install some sort of defogger that uses engine heat (like in a gas car) but haven't figured out the best way yet.
sailnc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 01:22 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
City: Juneau
Vessel Name: Sea Dog
Vessel Model: 1991 DeFever 49 RPH
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 296
I’ve always figured the main purposes (on my boat anyway) of the covers are to protect the wooden window frames from weather and to prevent window leaks. Obviously they need to be on the outside to do those things. Secondary purposes are to keep sun from damaging the interior and to keep the cold out in winter.
SeaDogAK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 04:13 PM   #10
Guru
 
City: West coast
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,137
Has anyone thought to use the new clear (or tinted) ceramic window films that are being used on cars?
Claimed 50% reduction in solar energy, 99% reduction in UV and no interference with radio signals.
bowball is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 04:22 PM   #11
Moderator Emeritus
 
Comodave's Avatar
 
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,185
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeaDogAK View Post
I’ve always figured the main purposes (on my boat anyway) of the covers are to protect the wooden window frames from weather and to prevent window leaks. Obviously they need to be on the outside to do those things. Secondary purposes are to keep sun from damaging the interior and to keep the cold out in winter.
Yes, on a previous boat of ours I made them to prevent leaks in the teak window frames. Used an aluminum keder strip across the top and used Stamoid to make the covers. Stamoid is waterproof and with the keder all the way across the top water couldn’t get in behind the covers. I used the thinner version of Stamoid in white so it let in quite a bit of light.
__________________
Boat Nut:
If you are one there is no explanation necessary.
If you aren’t one, there is no explanation possible.
Comodave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2022, 06:18 PM   #12
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,834
I have both in the saloon. The outside snap on covers protect, block light, and reduce the impact of rain. The inside curtains also reduce the impact of the sun on the wood work and reduce heat build up while cruising. They also add privacy when desired.

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 05:29 AM   #13
Member
 
City: Dallas
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 8
My brother, a talented seamstress, came up with the concept for front curtains for the inside of the front windows while I was in the same circumstances as yours. He'll put in a drawstring that I'll be able to tighten around the window panes when we're in port and staying on board. For the side windows and the back windows, he had already produced monogrammed curtains. For the back doors, I had purchased blinds. On my 21 SC, I utilized the same type of metal track that I used for the berth curtains.
Ronald M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 06:34 AM   #14
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
The AT comes standard with fantastic two part pull down shades on the inside. The port holes, had inside covers with draw strings to hold them in place.

For the pilot house area, I had external canvas made but moved them inside due to wind and I found them easier to remove without getting wet.

Gotta remember no matter what film you put on the windows, during the day you get some privacy but at night with the internal lights on, people can see in so keep your robe on.
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 06:40 AM   #15
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,087
Quote:
Originally Posted by bowball View Post
Has anyone thought to use the new clear (or tinted) ceramic window films that are being used on cars?
Claimed 50% reduction in solar energy, 99% reduction in UV and no interference with radio signals.

We're in the process of installing interior window tint.

Our front windows will be 3M Prestige 50 (lets 50% of light in) and the back "patio" window and sliding door are Prestige 60 (60% of light in).

The vendor said Prestige uses a multi-layer technology (?) and is a slightly better performer than the 3M Ceramic IR that they use more often for auto installations. They said the most extreme Prestige can reduce IR by up to 97% whereas the most extreme Ceramic IR reduces IR by up to 85%.

But then, they don't use anything darker than Prestige 50 for a situation like ours because the tint itself can absorb too much heat, so presumably there'd be some worry about windows shattering.

And too... Prestige comes in the sizes necessary for our two largest front windows, whereas Ceramic IR doesn't.

Our front window tinting replaces some old baked-on blue stuff the came with the boat, not particularly useful for heat, disconcerting exterior views... and the new stuff is at least much easier to see (out) through. And outside isn't blue anymore. Don't have temp comparisons for the films yet. Hopefully they finish up this coming Saturday...

We also have an exterior mesh cover. Seems to me it might be Textilene... maybe 90%... and I did recently see a 30° reduction in temps (with no interior tinting) on the interior surface just below those windows with the mesh mounted.

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 07:38 AM   #16
Guru
 
City: Winthrop
Vessel Model: Pacific Trawler 40
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 878
Just a thought... If you tint the windows, even with a 50% tint. Won't that make it harder to see out in fog or at night?

I like the idea, but that's what comes to mind.
__________________
Iggy
Iggy is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 08:02 AM   #17
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,087
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
Just a thought... If you tint the windows, even with a 50% tint. Won't that make it harder to see out in fog or at night?

I like the idea, but that's what comes to mind.

Yes, perhaps... and that could be especially relevant for boats with lower stations.

We don't have that, but I still much prefer the lighter (50%) tint compared to the dark blue stuff that came on this boat. I suspect that was simply privacy tinting, no significant heat reduction... but don't know that for sure.

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 09:29 AM   #18
Guru
 
City: Montgomery
Vessel Name: Choices
Vessel Model: 36 Grand Banks Europa
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 897
We have Sunbrella white canvas and duplicate set of white phifortex.

The white canvas allows light in without being see through. I call it putting the boat in it's pajamas.

Windows stay dry in rain.

The Phifortex stained from Pine pollen in a covered slip. Waiting for Sailrite to do something. Only three screens stained out of about twelve. Will not come clean even with bleach. Disappointing warranty response.
__________________
36 Grand Banks Europa
Montgomery, TX
Blog: "grandbankschoices"
Choices is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 10:03 AM   #19
TF Site Team
 
koliver's Avatar
 
City: Saltspring Island
Vessel Name: Retreat
Vessel Model: C&L 44
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,663
We have an old set of outside sunbrella covers that are suitable only for layup as they eliminate 100% of the light.
We also have Phifertex covers. The one for the front windows wraps around, from the triangular side window, across the front, to the other triangular window. That one cuts about 95% of the light and is removed for travel. On the side windows we have 90% Phifertex that stay on all the time. before those covers, the interior curtains were always in use, lots of changing from open to closed, to open, as the angle of the sun changed. Now, with the outside 90%, the curtains rarely get used.
The Phifertex has the added feature that our boat looks a little more modern.
Since we are in SW BC, cutting temperature is not our goal and we have no way of measuring any reduction.
Keeping the Phifertex clean is easy enough, just a light scrub annually seems to work well enough.
__________________
Keith
koliver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2022, 12:05 PM   #20
Guru
 
Simi 60's Avatar
 
City: Queensland
Vessel Model: Milkraft 60 converted timber prawn trawler
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 5,482
About to do the top 3/4 of our front windows in perforated film
Sitting in the helm seat , water to a bit above horizon will still be clear
__________________
Everything on a boat is broken, you just don't know it yet
Full time cruising is repairing boats in exotic locations
Simi 60 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012