Getting ready to have a windshield cover made. My question is, should i use sunbrella that my Bimini is made of or a mesh type cover? All help is really appreciated, JC
I don't think I would use Sunbrella. My windshield cover is a mesh made to diffuse the sunlight and it works well. I guess it depends on what you want it to do. Diffuse the sunlight or completely block it out.
Tobpnr I don't think you use a windshield cover to keep anything dry.
Jack, Thanks, thats what iam looking for. Shade and some protection is what i want. Really having a hard time about this for some reason. My Bimini is a Tan. Most of the mesh type i see are black. What do you think of color choices out there? Black, darker tan, ? Thanks Guys for your help, JC
Most of the boats I see that are using the mesh covers use black. I think they diffuse more sunlight. You'll have to decide black or white but I think either would look good.
Good luck.
They make all colors with the mesh along with various levels of light blockage... I got mine redone last year and it was better quality material than the original... don't remember the name of the fabric though.
One thing I have found since I have both for my boat. When I had it made they said the black actually lasts longer than the other colors because it is more UV resistant believe it or not!
Guys, You all are the best. That is the information i needed. I need to find out more about levels of uv blockage but i think i will go with a black mesh. Thanks again, JC
Gary if you think of the types please let me know.
Have one of each and only use the mesh one they come in different UV blocking I think the one I have is 70% had it made in tan trimmed and with Sunbrella.
Previous boat - 2003.5 Sea Ray 340 DA
Current boat - 2003 Mikelson 50
Engines
Cummins 480 CE
I had a boat next to me in Catalina last weekend which had the black mesh. If is last longer or has more UV protection, I would go with it. Unless you are up close, it just looks like you have tinted windows. If you have a white hull, it looks pretty good.
I wasn't talking about the blockage of UV, I was saying that the black lasts longer and will not deteriorate as fast as a colored mesh.
There is a boat with a black mesh cover in the harbor that still looks like new after 4 years, the boat next to it had a white mesh cover made and its falling apart and looks horrendous after 3 years.
Black will cause your salon to be much hotter. I replaced my black with white and the air c unit worked much less. Could not believe how nice my salon was in 90 plus heat. Since you have tan, stay with the lighter color and it will match.
We have the 70% mesh in black for Winter and when we entertain on board (lighting) and a solid, insulated one for the rest of the time. The insulated one was made by a local canvas shop with about 40 vertical seams/stitching so that it rolls up. Saves the ac a ton of run time down here in Houston.