Bimini Top Vision Issues

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Had my boat out in the rain a couple of days ago with the Bimini top up. damn thing fogged up, so I vented the cabin and it went away but that wasn't the main problem - The rain on the top made seeing almost impossible. granted, everyone was dry but couldn't see worth a damn.

I had to open up the starboard side front panel so that I could see. i could see thru the windshield but not the plastic. anyone else have this issue and what would be a good way to alleviate the vision problems.

boat6.jpg
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

plastic windows are made more for the weather than for vision. There are products that make the rain sheet or bead off, but then there's the prospect that the product will harm the plastic. And you have to keep them clean, and reapply.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

I'll just get this out of the way now.....
2440776_std.jpg
 

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

plastic windows are made more for the weather than for vision. There are products that make the rain sheet or bead off, but then there's the prospect that the product will harm the plastic. And you have to keep them clean, and reapply.

I agree... probably gonna put something on the windshield to help with the beading anyway.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

look through the glass and install windshield wipers if you don't have them.... I think there is a rainx type product that is supposed to be safe for plastic too
 

hostage

Lieutenant
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
1,291
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

Get a DC powered fan and aim it at the window/windshield to defog?
 

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

actually thought of that... they used to use them for a similar purpose on our old school busses a loooong time ago
 

Navigator_Victory

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 3, 2011
Messages
284
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

I can not find it now because I am work but, there was a u tube video on how to clean/restore the plastic to new....not sure if that would help in the rain but, the guy was using some sort of furniture type polish....worked real well in the video
 

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

I can not find it now because I am work but, there was a u tube video on how to clean/restore the plastic to new....not sure if that would help in the rain but, the guy was using some sort of furniture type polish....worked real well in the video

would be quite interested in seeing that... thx
 

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

wife got all kinds of that! doesn't that stuff burn up plastic and vinyl especially in sunlight?
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

i dunno... I've heard of using it sooo many times on motorcycle windshields but have remained skeptical.... personally I'll stick with products specifically for plastic but lots of folks claim great success with the pledge
 

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

Don't know if I am willing to try it without knowing for sure.
 

RIDEPATE

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
324
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

This stuff works really well.

29eolxk.jpg
 

'78 Crusader

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
407
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

Don't know if I am willing to try it without knowing for sure.



We've been using pledge on plastic aircraft windshields for years with no problems at all. If we use it on them, using it on a boats plastic is a no brainer.
 

kobe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
145
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

interesting so far, thx guys - appreciate the advice/input. will see if we have anything at the marine shop specifically for the bimini clears.
 

Robbabob

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
678
Re: Bimini Top Vision Issues

This stuff works really well.

29eolxk.jpg

Use that on my motorcycle windshield, no issues at all.

I have the same issue with the rain on our plastic covers... it distorts the view so badly, I also stick my head out the side! lol That picture of Jim makes me think how silly I must look!
 
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