UV protection for sidelights

[s4sail]

We have to shut our boat up on the hard in the South Caribbean for 5 months, and are trying to think how we can minimise UV degradation to the fixed lights and opening ports. Not normally an issue in Norther Europe!

Putting a cover over the coach roof is a very tricky option, especially if there are high winds. We do keep covers on the hatches all the time.

Are there any realistic alternatives to trying to bodge up a cover?

[thinwater]

Sail Delmarva: Salon Window Covers

Snap-on covers can work if there are screws.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by s4sail

We have to shut our boat up on the hard in the South Caribbean for 5 months, and are trying to think how we can minimise UV degradation to the fixed lights and opening ports. Not normally an issue in Norther Europe!

Putting a cover over the coach roof is a very tricky option, especially if there are high winds. We do keep covers on the hatches all the time.

Are there any realistic alternatives to trying to bodge up a cover?

You should be able to find some scrap shrink wrap cut and tape it over whatever you want to protect like the sidelights and/or hatches. Should be some laying around the boatyard if you are lucky. Use a good gaffers or duck tape to attach it. Should still be there when you come back.

[sailorboy1]

I've been wondering if you can not just put the plastic UV window treatment sheets that your can get at a hardware store on the portlights.


BTW - it would take a lot for me to consider duck taping something over the lights as a few months of the sun beating on the tape equals hours of work to get the glue off later.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I've been wondering if you can not just put the plastic UV window treatment sheets that your can get at a hardware store on the portlights.


BTW - it would take a lot for me to consider duck taping something over the lights as a few months of the sun beating on the tape equals hours of work to get the glue off later.

A little dab of Goo Gone should take of any tape residue. Minutes not hours in my experience.

[Vasco]

This shade cloth does an excellent job. Lets the wind through so no flapping and chafing but really cuts down on the uv. And the temperature. I put it on the boat just before being hauled.