EZ2CY vs Strataglass

[gkuypers]

Yes, I know these 2 products are very different and have been discussed on this site before, but I'm hoping people that own each of these products could provide their owner experience with them. I'm looking to replace the front Visor (2 side curtains, and the 3 front panels) on my 2008 Sea Ray 330DA which has original Isinglass. We seem to leave these up about 95% of the time and only walk through the middle section, using the steps on the cabin door to anchor. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[Red Stripe]

Taking cost it of the equation I can't think of a reason to not replace at least the front panels with EZ2CY, particularly if they mostly remain in place. You might consider going with Strata for the sides to perhaps reduce cost or make for an easier setup for removal if you tend to take those down.

 

[CAMELLA]

I have EZ2CY on my front curtains which I don't take off and strataglass on the aft canvas which I do. If you don't plan on handling I would go with EZ2CY, if you do plan on handling I would go with strataglass. I can tell you the clarity of the EZ2CY is impressive.

 

[Carbo]

do you really have a bow thruster on an Axius boat?

 

[Alex F]

I'd say that the key to your decision is the way you manage air circulation in the cockpit. When I had my 320DA all of my 5 (3 front and 2 sides) had u-shape zippers in them. The captain side front and panels were rolled up very often and on hot sunny days I would roll up the port side front and side panels as well. This applies to ICW or inland waterways cruising. I can't imagine having them all closed up all the time as the main vent in the middle doesn't allow enough air on the hot days.

I don't know your waterways, but now let's review the scenario being on the open water (ocean in my case). 99% of the time I would have side panels open (stbd and port side panels). I would rarely open any of the front panels for several reasons (e.g. occasional spray, too much of colder air entering the cockpit, etc.).

So, based on my experience with 320DA I don't see a great benefit of having EZ2CY. Instead I would go with having the same flexibility of u-shape zipper panels. Your experience with your boat might be different.

P.S. My bridge has all panels made of EZ2CY and I couldn't ask for better product. Very happy with it.

 

[gkuypers]

do you really have a bow thruster on an Axius boat?

Yes, I do.

 

[gkuypers]

Thanks for all the feedback. If the EZ2CY was not so expensive it would be the easy choice.

 

[Alex F]

If you go with EZ2CY remember one important thing (I guess that's what Jon implied in his post). The moment you take a panel off you have to have it properly stored. "Handling" the panels is what gets them damaged the most.

My panels have custom made covers for each individual panel. I take off only two side panels that are easy to take off and i found perfect spot to store them. All other panels don't get touched until the boat goes for winter storage.

Another thought, I would look in to having the panels (at least some in the front) to either have some sort of ventilation option built-in or have them flip up and snap to the arch. This way you'll kill two birds with one stone by having good ventilation and no need to take them off and store.

 

[gerryb]

I have EZ2CY on our glass which never comes off. Amazing clarity but not at all flexible. My advice... IF... 1) the panel will be 95% glass and 2) you don't put it on and take it off alot each season and 3) you have a place to store it as a sheet when you do take it off... go with the EC2CY.

BTW, does anyone know where you can buy the EC2CY sheets directly?

 

[gkuypers]

OK, got some quotes and the EZ2CY is very expensive and we are now leaning toward Strataglass or Better Isinglass. I know Great Lakes Boat Tops supplies replacement canvas with 30 gauge Isinglass and there prices are reasonable, but I'm not sure how or if this even compares to Strataglass. I have seen small samples of Strata compared to 30 gauge Isin and they look similar to me, but in a larger sample this may not be the case. The only thing that concerns me with Strata is that some people claim it scratches easy and imprints won't come out if touched with sunscreen.

 

[Dani-Lu]

I have strata-glass on my side panels and the polycarbonate (i guess EZ2CY is a brand name for polycarbonate?) on the front 3 pieces. If you boat at night on cool evenings, being able to keep the plastic up and still being able to see clearly is a great benefit. Looking through the EZ2CY panels is as clear if not clearer than my glass windshield. On hot days and evenings, I am able to clip my center EZ2CY panel to the radar arch, so I do not have to take any other panels down. But, on hot days and evenings, I take all front panels down and handle them very carefully to avoid scratches - not an easy task with this stuff... if you install EZ2CY panels, you will understand why many of us spend the extra bucks on it. If you don't, you will have more gas money and not know what you are missing. I boated many years with strata and never thought twice about changing. What caused me to go to the EZ2CY was wanting to see better on cooler days and especially evenings. But, I prefer a warm breeze in my face than anything else! I would think in Michigan, in the early and late season and cool evenings, you would benefit greatly with the EZ2CY product. Enjoy..

 

[Dsybok]

Does anyone with Makrolon ( is EZ2CY just a brand name for Makrolon?), use these with canvas wind shield covers? Do they scratch from taking the windshield canvas on and off? Also, what is "expensive" for a 330? I have a 320 and I am considering the same question, what to do with my original 2005 isinglass which is nearing the end of its life.

 

[gkuypers]

Does anyone with Makrolon ( is EZ2CY just a brand name for Makrolon?), use these with canvas wind shield covers? Do they scratch from taking the windshield canvas on and off? Also, what is "expensive" for a 330? I have a 320 and I am considering the same question, what to do with my original 2005 isinglass which is nearing the end of its life.

EZ2CY is it's own type of glass, Makrolon is a competitor. I did research and thought the EZ2CY was the best of this rigid material. I have decided to go with Strataglass and I'm in the process of getting more quotes, but to do my front 5 visor windows it's $1300. THe same done in EZ2CY is $3200.