Replacing Boat Strataglass: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Strataglass is a premium, flexible, coated vinyl sheet that is used to replace vinyl windows on boats. It is engineered to resist the sun's rays, environmental fallout, and scratching from handling, and it also blocks out 100% of UV light. It is reported to last 12+ years. To replace boat Strataglass, first lay the replacement Strataglass over the old vinyl window and trace the shape using a Sharpie. Cut out the window shape with scissors, then use a vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive like HH-66 to stick the new window in place.

Choosing the right Strataglass

When it comes to replacing the windows on your boat, Strataglass is an excellent option. Strataglass is a clear vinyl product that is UV-resistant and offers a long marine life of 2-5 years, which can be extended with proper maintenance. It is a popular choice for boat enclosures due to its flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some factors to consider when choosing Strataglass for your boat:

Visibility and Lifespan

Strataglass provides excellent visibility with its clear vinyl construction. It is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and offers a long lifespan of 10+ years, making it a great long-term investment for your boat.

Flexibility and Ease of Maintenance

One of the key advantages of Strataglass is its flexibility. It is made from a vinyl and polyester composite, allowing it to easily bend and curve along the contours of your boat. This makes it much easier to work with compared to rigid enclosure materials like polycarbonate or acrylic. Strataglass is also low maintenance and can be easily coated, repaired, and replaced if needed.

Scratch Resistance and Protection

Strataglass is known for its scratch-resistant properties, which is a significant benefit for boat windows. It features VueShield™, a highly engineered scratch-resistant coating technology that protects against minor scratches and swirl marks. Additionally, Strataglass offers enhanced UV resistance, providing extra protection from the sun's harmful rays for both your boat and its passengers.

Cost-Effectiveness

While Strataglass may be more expensive upfront compared to other options like clear vinyl sheets, it offers excellent value for money in the long run. Its durability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance make it a cost-effective choice. Repairs and replacements are also more affordable and straightforward compared to rigid enclosures.

Installation and Compatibility

Strataglass is relatively easy to install and can be a great DIY project. However, it is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and tips for installation and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Ensure that you prepare the Strataglass sheets properly before fabrication and follow the recommended cleaning and polishing procedures.

Preparing the surface

Before you begin the replacement, it is important to prepare the surface of your boat for the new Strataglass. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Inspect the surface for any tears, deep scratches, or holes. If there is significant damage, you may need to consider professional repair or replacement. Minor scratches can be buffed out with a soft cloth and a vinyl window compound.
• Clean the surface thoroughly. Wash the windows with a mild soap and water solution or a specialised clear vinyl window soap. Rinse with fresh water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Avoid using abrasive soaps or cleaners as they can damage the Strataglass.
• Dry the surface with a soft, clean cloth, such as a microfiber towel. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Treat the surface with a vinyl window compound to restore its condition. You can find these products online or at your local boat shop. Apply the compound with an applicator pad, following the instructions on the product.
• Polish the surface using a foam applicator pad and a product specifically designed for boat windows. Polishing will help create a smooth surface for the new Strataglass to adhere to.
• If there are any paper marks or lines from the inner cardboard edge on the vinyl, remove them with a heat gun, hairdryer, or direct sunlight. Hold the heat source 4-6 inches away from the surface and work in small sections at a time. Be careful not to overheat any single area.
• If you are installing in colder weather, heat up the enclosure during the installation. This will make the Strataglass more pliable and easier to work with.
• Using a soft cloth, apply a protective polish to the surface. This will create a base coat that will protect the Strataglass and promote water shedding.
• If you are attaching the Strataglass to a vinyl surface, roughen the vinyl with sandpaper where you plan to apply the glue. This will help create a stronger bond.
• Ensure that the surface is free of any debris or residue before proceeding with the installation of the new Strataglass.

By following these steps, you will properly prepare the surface for the replacement of your boat's Strataglass, ensuring a strong and long-lasting installation.

Cutting the Strataglass

When it comes to cutting Strataglass, there are several important factors and steps to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to lay the Strataglass sheets flat on a table in a warm room the night before fabrication. This helps to ensure that the sheets are at their perfect flatness, as Strataglass has structural memory of its original form when produced. If there are any paper marks or lines from the inner cardboard edge, these can be removed using a heat gun, hairdryer, or direct sunlight. It is important to hold the heat source 4-6 inches away from the product and work in small sections to avoid overheating.

Before cutting, it is crucial to inspect the Strataglass for any tears, deep scratches, or holes. If any significant damage is present, professional repair or replacement may be necessary. Additionally, ensure that your cutting tools, such as scissors or a knife, are sharp and suitable for vinyl cutting.

When you are ready to cut, carefully measure and mark the desired shape or size onto the Strataglass. For a window replacement, as one user describes, you can lay the replacement Strataglass over the old window and trace the shape using a marker. This ensures an accurate fit. After marking, cut out the desired shape with precision, following the lines or measurements you have made. If you are cutting multiple pieces, it is advisable to label each piece accordingly to avoid confusion during the installation process.

It is worth noting that some people choose to sew or glue the Strataglass instead of cutting it to size. This can be done by roughening the edges with sandpaper and applying a vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive, creating a strong and permanent bond. However, others have mentioned that gluing may not be as effective as sewing.

Attaching the Strataglass

When attaching Strataglass, a permanent adhesive like vinyl-to-vinyl cement is required. The product HH-66 by Jeune Brothers is one such adhesive. It is important to note that Strataglass has structural memory, and this memory is the perfect flatness it had when it was first produced. Therefore, when attaching Strataglass, it is crucial to ensure that it is laid flat and stretched into position, especially if installing in colder weather.

To attach Strataglass, first lay the replacement sheet over the old vinyl window and trace the shape using a marker. Cut out the shape of the window with a sharp pair of scissors. Before applying any adhesive, it is recommended to roughen the area with sandpaper to promote better adhesion. Clean the edges of the old window with an alcohol swab, then apply the vinyl-to-vinyl cement to both the edge of the old window and the new window. Press them together firmly to aid in the initial bond.

To maintain the shape of the Sunbrella surround, it is advisable to keep the old window in place while attaching the new one. Once the new window is securely attached, trim away the excess material from the old window, being careful not to damage the Sunbrella frame.

It is worth noting that some people prefer to sew the Strataglass in place rather than using adhesive, as sewing may provide a stronger bond. However, this requires access to a commercial sewing machine and some level of skill in sewing.

Maintaining Strataglass

Strataglass is a premium, flexible coated vinyl sheet that is used for boat windows. It is designed to resist the sun's rays, environmental fallout, and scratches from handling. It also blocks 100% of UV light. To ensure longevity and maintain the condition of Strataglass, proper maintenance and care are required. Here are some detailed instructions for maintaining Strataglass:

• Before installation, lay the Strataglass sheets flat on a table in a warm room for at least one night. This helps to remove any paper marks or lines from the inner cardboard edge. Use a heat gun, hairdryer, or direct sunlight to heat the product, being careful not to concentrate the heat in one area for too long.
• When installing in cold weather, heat up the enclosure and stretch the product into position to ensure a tight fit.
• Clean the Strataglass enclosure panels with Strataglass Protective Cleaner and then apply Strataglass Protective Polish, both inside and out. This will create a protective basecoat and promote water shedding.
• Keep new Strataglass enclosure curtains in the installed position and fastened securely to the boat as much as possible. If removal is necessary, carefully interleaf the panels with a soft fabric and store them flat.
• When the boat is not in use, always close and fasten the Strataglass enclosure panels to prolong their life and maintain clarity.
• For general cleaning, wash the windows with a mild soap and water solution or an approved clear vinyl window soap like 303C Clear Vinyl Cleaner. Avoid using abrasive soaps or cleaners.
• Rinse the windows with fresh water to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
• Dry the windows with a clean, soft cloth, such as a microfiber towel.
• Use a vinyl window formula and an applicator pad to restore the windows. Consult your boat manufacturer for the recommended restoration formula.
• Polish the windows using a foam applicator pad and a product designed specifically for boat windows, such as Meguiar’s No. 142 Clear Plastic and Vinyl Window Wax.
• Finally, treat the windows with a boat-approved window wax.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners, wash-and-wax products, or products like RAINEX, Pledge, or Plexus, as these can dull the surface and cause an "orange peel" effect.
• Do not handle Strataglass with sunscreen on your hands, as it can permanently cloud the vinyl.

Frequently asked questions