Dark Windows Or Curtains

[Andrewcook]

I've just seen a Private Boat that has got Dark Windows all round with out any Curtains all I would prefer to have Curtains for privacy Day time plus at Night time 

[Smoggy]

Curtains for me every time, I don't like dark windows on a boat.

[OldBerkshireBoy]

Each to their own I guess.

[Ray]

It's a good job they invented blinds... otherwise it would be curtains for everyone.

[SteveO]

Curtains for privacy and the little bit of insulation they provide when boating in the colder months.

 

[Lulu]

You cant tell if someone has waved at you with the dark windows.

[YnysMon]

That really bugs me too. I used to mostly wave anyway, but felt a bit of an idiot waving when I couldn’t see anyone. Are the dark windows making the Broads a less sociable place?

[OldBerkshireBoy]

2 hours ago, Andrewcook said:

I've just seen a Private Boat that has got Dark Windows all round with out any Curtains at all

Probably did have curtains, you just didnt see them and a few hire boats have darkened windows now as well.

[BroadAmbition]

We have darkened windows on the cabin windows for privacy, but clear in t wheelhouse.  Curtains available for the lot of course, makes the boat warmer in winter too.  I often see some private craft with darkened windows throughout, I know the boat and the owners too, pretty pointless waving at them as I can't see em

Griff

[ExSurveyor]

Same here, a light tint on the cabins and clear in the helm area. Thick thermal lines curtains all round for the colder months. The doors, four of them, are double glazed sliding patio doors so some privacy is needed.

[TheQ]

Dark windows are quite see through from the outside when the lights are on....

[BroadAmbition]

Not with curtains drawn

Griff

[CeePee1952]

Am I right in thinking that darkened windows on boats are for the purpose of reducing the effect of the sun on upholstery {fading) and UV damage to instrumentation etc? Although it beats me why we need them in this country!! 

Chris

[addicted]

You would might think that, but  we recently bought a boat that had a large skylight in the saloon that had never been fitted with a cover and we are having to have remedial work done on the woodwork to eradicate sunlight damage.

 

 

Carole

[Bikertov]

You would be surprised at the strength of the sun and UV damage even in this country. Many people get sunburnt here, because they think 'the sun isn't that strong in this country' 

I believe boats in the Med etc can suffer even worse UV damage.

[Ray]

As the previous owner of a boat with varnished topsides, UV is an expensive and constant enemy!

[Bikertov]

I have heard comments (on YouTube vids) suggesting that is why people use imitation teak on decks, even on expensive boats, as it lasts a lot longer.

[annv]

Hi Cris We have tinted laminated glass it helps with uv on the fabrics and wood work but still have blinds for privacy. John

[Speleologist]

It concerns me that anyone would consider acceptable to have tinted windows in a wheelhouse or on any window used for navigational purposes. There is a reason why SOLAS V/22 makes it illegal for commercial vessels. It may not be illegal on pleasure vessels, but the loss of light transmission is a hazard in poor visibility, such as heavy rain or fog and at night. I know some boats are not used at night, but rain and fog are still issues.

[vanessan]

I like curtains, particularly in the cooler months. Makes it cosy. Apart from the height of summer (if anyone can remember what a good summer was like!), I like the sunshine being able to warm the interior of the boat too.