Helm Enclosure For Caribbean Sailing

[rajsach]

Trying to figure out if I need a full helm enclosure for the Caribbean. The boat is a leopard 44 w a hardtop Bimini. I was thinking of just getting a partial enclosure ( front and curved partially along the sides of the instrument panel) made with strataglass along with a roll up sunshade at the back. I only plan on sailing in the Caribbean with no plans of crossing oceans etc. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Raj


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[Triumphant]

Have a look at the UV protection netting.

It lets the breeze in so you stay cool, you can look out through it, it is harder to see in and it keeps out the most of the UV.

You can roll it up when you are not using it

See this link http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread...ective-netting

[Perstarebob]

Do ya need one , thousands of boats have done without . Windshield forward of bimini would be nice . That would be enough for me . We spent many years in Carib and never had one .

[rajsach]

Triumphant- sorry I wasn't clear but that is what I meant by the sun shade.


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[rajsach]

Originally Posted by Perstarebob

Do ya need one , thousands of boats have done without . Windshield forward of bimini would be nice . That would be enough for me . We spent many years in Carib and never had one .

Good point. The design I'm thinking about is essentially like a front windshield


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[Cheechako]

If you are talking the front "windshield" . I found having one on my cat a big plus. Mine was just Sunbrella and plastic windows. When it rains real hard (which it does at times) it was very nice. Along with the bimini, it kept the cockpit nice and dry so you are not tracking water all over inside the salon. When going to weather for a long time it gets you out of the 20-25 knot tradewind also. Mine un zipped and rolled up in 3 sections.

[adlib2]

Originally Posted by rajsach

Trying to figure out if I need a full helm enclosure for the Caribbean. The boat is a leopard 44 w a hardtop Bimini. I was thinking of just getting a partial enclosure ( front and curved partially along the sides of the instrument panel) made with strataglass along with a roll up sunshade at the back. I only plan on sailing in the Caribbean with no plans of crossing oceans etc. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Raj


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Had a full enclosure during 6 yrs cruising the Caribbean and was pleased to keep the bugs out and rain.

[sck5]

a dodger and bimini are all you really need plus a connector between the two. I dont think I have ever seen anyone with a full enclosure actually use it down there. People do occasionally roll down the canvas on one side or the other for shade but you could just as easily do that with a light tarp or even a sheet. WAY cheaper than a full zippered enclosure. And one good thing about trade winds is that they blow the bugs away unless you anchor close to shore

[MarkJ]

You want to be able to leave all cockpit cushion in the cockpit all the time and they remain dry.
To have to take them in 4 times per day when those little drenching squall come through, is a pain.
So determine that and you have your answer for your particular boat and set-up

Sent from a stupid phone that replaces words with weird stuff.

[rajsach]

Thanks for all the input. It's much appreciated


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[zboss]

It depends on how cold you get! In the winter, after a long day in the sun, and a few drinks and then its raining... you get cold! Its nice having a full enclosure even in tropical areas. Heck in the winter we get used to the warm weather and wear sweatshirts at night.

[barnakiel]

I would start without one, then see if I need protection and how much. Then I would build what it takes. Caribbean is sort of benign most of the time.

b.

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by rajsach

Trying to figure out if I need a full helm enclosure for the Caribbean. The boat is a leopard 44 w a hardtop Bimini. I was thinking of just getting a partial enclosure ( front and curved partially along the sides of the instrument panel) made with strataglass along with a roll up sunshade at the back. I only plan on sailing in the Caribbean with no plans of crossing oceans etc. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Raj


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So you are talking only about the helm enclosure.
So how much actual sailing do you plan to do?
How much time of this will you spend at the helm vs. bow net?
How often in weather bad enough that you'd want an enclosure?

If you are crusing around the lesser antilles distances are so minimal that I could do without any protection.

[tomfl]

Saw an interesting post on facebook in a sailing group. Guy got some shower curtains and some heavy duty clamps and clamped the shower curtains to the sides of the bimini. Kept the rain out at anchor and also helped with insects. Cheap and easy to replace. If you find you need more solid protection you can pay the price for a real enclosure.

[rajsach]

Originally Posted by tomfl

Saw an interesting post on facebook in a sailing group. Guy got some shower curtains and some heavy duty clamps and clamped the shower curtains to the sides of the bimini. Kept the rain out at anchor and also helped with insects. Cheap and easy to replace. If you find you need more solid protection you can pay the price for a real enclosure.

Lol! Thanks I'll keep that in mind and file this information away in a safe place

I've decided to go with a partial Helm enclosure made out of 40G strataglass in three panels. One in the front of the helm and two that curve partially around the sides. Three zippered panels so they can all be rolled up if needed. I'm also putting a roll up sunshade with the breathable mesh at the back of the raised helm that's supposed to block out about 80% of the UV and you can still see through it. Product is called Phifertex Plus.
Cockpit area will have the standard canvas/screen full enclosure
Thanks everyone for your help


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