Blue Water Windscreens is dedicated to repair and replacement of boat windscreens, and getting the job done right. Fabricating with almost 20 years of experience, they will assist from concept to completion, replacing the old parts from your boat for a new modern look or the traditional appearance when your boat was first manufactured. They are most regularly called upon to install new windscreens on trailer boats. All moulds and formings are done in-house to give you the best quality at the lowest price. Highly experienced in everything windscreens, they are qualified to provide clear answers to your most difficult questions.
KEVLACAT PROJECT
The team at Blue Water Windscreens recently worked on a Kevlacat 2400 Offshore. “It was old, leaking, and falling apart,” describes Peter O’toole, owner of Blue Water Windscreens.
They had to locate and remove all bolts and screws, cut the silicone seal to remove the old screen, and then removed the excess silicone, dirt and debris. They filled in the old holes to prepare the template for manufacturing the new windscreen. This process would take only 30 minutes.
The new windscreen is similar in size and shape to the old one and uses the Blue Water exclusive frame systems with toughened safety glass panels. This is 100% better than the original one with the heavier duty frame system. The safety glass is protected in a rubber channel seal allowing flex without putting too much pressure on the glass. All of Blue Water’s windscreens are riveted together instead of screwed down, reducing the chance of corrosion occurring in the joints.
While it takes a few days to process the safety glass, it normally takes only one person to install the windscreen in around six hours. According to Peter, the most challenging part was the installation of the windscreen around the stainless steel supports for the hard top. “On our frame systems, each panel slides onto the last to join them together,” he explains.
The outcome, however, negates the difficulties. “The most enjoyable part of the installation is seeing all your hard work coming together piece by piece,” says Peter.
“The customer is happy. It made a huge improvement to his boat. Not only has it improved his vision, but it has added style and value to his boat.”
With the new Blue Water windscreens on this Kevlacat, the vision is clearer, and everything is clean, neat and tidy.
To book in for repairs, get a quote or ask for advice, call Blue Water Windscreens on (07) 3382 7883.
WINDSCREEN AND SEAL CARE ADVICE
The easiest way to check for possible leaks is to just trickle water onto the windscreen one section at a time. Seals can be fixed but it depends on the type of seal that has been used. Most common is a silicone or Sikaflex seal in which case you just cut away the old seal and reapply the new one.
To ensure the windscreens are not damaged, it is best to not use chemicals on them. According to Peter O’Toole, a lot of the boat cleaning chemicals out there have acids of ammonia that will speed up the deterioration of the windscreen. He advises, “Just hose it off with fresh water and usa a microfibre or 100% cotton cloth. Apply a plastic protector, like vuplex, while in the shade. Applying in the sun can sometimes cause a reaction to the windscreen.”
Published in print October-December 2022
