Full Clear Vinyl Enclosure vs. Canvas with Vinyl windows

[Fundseeker]

Hi. Does anyone here have a Full Enclosure on a windshield boat that is completely clear vinyl side curtains and rear panel rather than mostly canvas with some smaller clear vinyl windows? Are they too hot in summer and is the full vinyl to rigid in cold temps? Dowco who makes the factory full enclosures for G3 is offering full clear vinyl sides and rear panel to fit the existing Bimini top on my new 18 ft G3 Angler . I'm in Ontario so I'll be dealing with high summer temps and cold fall / early winter temps . I'm concerned about whether the full clear coverage will be like a hot house in summer on the water and in the driveway and becoming quite rigid in colder temps. Full vinyl might be difficult to roll and store especially when cold . I'd like to just use the enclosure while storing the boat in the driveway all boating season rather than use the trailering cover. Any thoughts would be appreciated . Thanks

 

[crazy charlie]

Sounds like you would be a prime candidate for both set ups.One for summer and one for early spring and fall.Charlie

 

[dingbat]

Not sure what an all vinyl enclosure buys you except more headaches.

It’s bad enough trying to keep up with the “touch points” on the windows in the usual normal canvas enclosure. Can’t imagine the “road rash” you would get with a full vinyl enclosure.

I have a hardtop on my boat. The curtains goes on mid October and come off in early May. No need for the enclosure once things warm up.

UV is no friend to an enclosure. Especially the “glass”. Awful expensive storage solution.

 

[cptbill]

Seams to me full glass wound turn the deck into a greenhouse

 

[crazy charlie]

{"QUOTE Seams to me full glass wound turn the deck into a greenhouse END QUOTE"
Depends if the sun is out or not.Wifey and I zip ourselves in when it is cool out and as long as the sun is out ,you stay toasty warm while passing boats have passengers with coats and ski hats on and we are basically in tshirts.The passing boats do a double take.But beware,as soon as the sun goes behind a cloud it gets cold quick.The flipside is that in the warmer weather it needs to be opened up and you should have half moon zippers sewn in so you can roll up the plastic so you dont roast.Used correctly at the right time of year(temp) ,the greenhouse aint too bad!! Charlie

 

[cptbill]

I see, down here it's how to keep cool and keep the air moving

 

[crazy charlie]

QUOTE(
"I see, down here it's how to keep cool and keep the air movingI see, down here it's how to keep cool and keep the air moving"
END QUOTE) Then the need for half moon zippers is absolutely necessary.I have them and need them bigtime in July and August.I also have small 12V fan installed on the dash.We are only zipped in and closed up in Oct and Nov.Charlie

 

[Bob Sander]

I don't really use mine a lot, but yeah, the vinyl does get a little stiff on cold days and you have to be careful storing it because it scratches pretty easy. Other than that I have had no issues. Never really used it during the Summer days though. We close it all up at night if we are sleeping on the boat and it all gets opened up in the morning unless raining.

I use just a straight tarp and some 2x4 supports for the weight of the snow for storing in the Winter