What Is Eisenglass and How Does It Work On Boats?
Boats take a lot of work. They’re a lot of fun, but if you want to keep your boat in great shape for longer and protect its resale value, you’re going to need to invest in the right cleaning supplies and protective gear. Eisenglass, also called isinglass, is a word for the clear plastic rolls or sheets that go on boats.
Typically, it’s used to make durable windows that protect the boat from the sun and water. The marine-grade vinyl is very clear and can extend the lifespan of your boat.
There are a lot of different types of vinyl or plastic windows used on boats. The term “eisenglass,” though, has become so popular that it’s now used to describe them all.
Any non-glass window on a boat is usually called eisenglass. There are different types of vinyl windows, though, and what type you buy and how you care for the windows will affect their performance.
If you’re new to boating or need to buy some eisenglass, there are things you should know that will make your life easier and save you money. We’ve put together some information and tips that will help you along the way.
Different Types of Eisenglass
As a boater, you’re going to have a lot of choices when it comes to any product you’re shopping for. There are so many different types of boats out there, and that means suppliers and accessory manufacturers for every preference and style. Eisenglass is no exception.
The kind of eisenglass you buy will depend on what you’re looking for. Here are some of the different types of eisenglass:
- Thickness-How thick you want your windows to be will affect the price and how you care for them. For example, thick eisenglass isn’t something you should roll up and leave that way for too long because it will create creases and other types of wear and tear. Then, you’ll struggle to look through the windows as easily.
- Sheet Vinyl-This is a thicker type of eisenglass that is clearer and sturdier than the roll-up options out there. Most big boats use sheet vinyl because they have the space and they can stay installed for months at a time.
- Roll-up Vinyl-This is the most affordable option, and roll-up vinyl is easy to store. There may be some visual distortion in the thin eisenglass, but modern vinyl sheets are a massive improvement over older generations.
Tips On Getting the Most Out of Your Eisenglass
Most of the time, eisenglass will come with some sort of fabric border that snaps or zippers in place. You put the frame around your boat and when the season arrives, you put your eisenglass in place. They are a great accessory to have because they help block UV rays and prevent scratches, etc.
To get the most out of your eisenglass, you need to know how to properly care for it and there are some things that you should watch out for. Here’s a good place to start.
Tip 1 – Eisenglass gets hot. We put this at the top of the list because every year a lot of people get burned by sitting on hot eisenglass when they’re in their swimsuits. Direct contact with hot eisenglass that’s been sitting in the sun for hours will give you a nice burn, so be careful!
Tip 2 – If you’re looking for how to prevent yellowing of eisenglass, you’re going to need to clean the eisenglass after every outing, just like you do the rest of your boat.
Don’t apply a strong stream of water too close to the vinyl because it could push any rocks or sand across the surface with enough force to scratch it. Instead, use something with less intensity to get all of the sand and salt off after a day on the boat.
Tip 3 – It’s hard to rehab vinyl. It will last for years, and how you take care of it will affect what it will look like in five years. Eventually, though, eisenglass will start getting a bit cloudy, and there will be enough scratches on it that you’ll want to replace it.
Tip 4 – Make sure you store your eisenglass in the off-season properly. Place it in storage clean and completely dry, so you take it out looking nice and clear when the next boating season comes around.
When you take it out, you might need to leave it in the sun for a few days to let it even out and stretch back out to the size it should be. This is especially true in colder weathers where the vinyl is inclined to shrink.
Tip 5 – Roll your vinyl up on a pool noodle or something with substance to keep it from collapsing and creasing. Having it rolled around something stiff will help prevent dents or scratches. You can also put some towels in the eisenglass before you store it.
Tip 6 – Buy products for cleaning that are designed for eisenglass. As with most things boating, eisenglass can be sensitive. You need to make sure you’re cleaning it properly with stuff that’s not too strong and not too weak.
Some solutions will remove light scratches and keep your vinyl clear. Can you use ammonia on eisenglass? No, you shouldn’t. That means you should stay away from any common window cleaners at the store. Ammonia will damage the surface.
Tip 7 – You’re going to be using a lot of chemicals to clean your boat. Vinyl can be a bit sensitive, so avoid spilling anything on it that will discolor it or cloud the vinyl.
These are just some of the tips that will get you started with eisenglass. It’s a great addition to your boat because the sun and saltwater will be hitting the glass instead of other surfaces on your boat. It’s easy to replace eisenglass compared to repairing other parts of your boat.
Can You Remove/Clean Eisenglass That Has Yellowed?
You can, but it’s hard. Yellowing will worsen over time. Cleaning it regularly and storing your eisenglass will slow the yellowing process. If you’re dealing with eisenglass that’s already yellow, there are some cleaning products available at boating supply stores or online you can try.
Boaters report mixed results. There are also services available that will send a technician to your boat to clean your eisenglass and remove some of the yellowing.
Look for Eisenglass with a Protective Coating
There are going to be a lot of options when you’re out shopping for eisenglass.
One of the best things you can do, after finding something in your budget that fits and looks nice, is to buy eisenglass with a protective coating on it. It will stand up to the UV rays and saltwater better, so you won’t have to treat it or replace it as often.
The right eisenglass will last you for years and look good doing it.
