Windshield on the boat OB: a complete guide to selection and installation

Brand boats BOTH One of the most popular among Russian fishermen and hunters due to its reliability and availability, but even the most durable boat requires improvements for comfortable use, and one of the first improvements that owners think about is the installation of the boat. windshieldNot only does it protect against wind, splashes and insects, it also improves safety on the water, especially when driving at high speed or in bad weather.

But choosing and installing a windshield is not as easy as it seems, considering the material of the boat (PVC or aluminum), the type of mounting, the height and shape of the glass, and the features of operation. In this article, we will examine all the nuances from choosing the right model to step-by-step installation instructions, and also talk about common mistakes that can negate all efforts. BIG 420, BOTH-460 Or another model, this guide will help to avoid unnecessary costs and alterations.

Why is the windscreen necessary for the boat?

Many boat owners BOTH They're first exploited without a windshield, not realizing how much it makes life easier.

• 🛡️ Wind and splash protection Even with a small wave, water and wind create discomfort, and at speeds above 30 km / h without glass is simply uncomfortable.
• 🦟 Insect barrier Mosquitoes, midges and other insects will not be able to interfere with fishing or recreation.
• 🚤 Enhancing security Glass reduces the risk of falling overboard during a sharp maneuver or impact on a wave.
• 🔧 Additional rigidity of the body Properly installed glass strengthens the bow of the boat, which is especially important for PVC models.

In addition, the windshield gives the boat a more complete and stylish look. OBE POFI With factory glass, it looks much more solid than the basic versions without it, and if you often go on a boat with passengers, then comfort for them is another strong argument in favor of the installation.

Types of windshields for boats OB: materials and constructions

There are several types of windscreens on the market, and the choice depends on the budget, the material of the boat and the purposes of use.

From the material:

• 🔹 Plexiglas (acrylic glass) It's lightweight, transparent, resistant to impact, but it can scratch and get cloudy over time.
• 🔹 Polycarbonate stronger than plexiglass, withstands strong shocks, but more expensive and can turn yellow under the influence of UV rays.
• 🔹 Tempered glass It's the strongest and most durable, but it's heavy and expensive, and it's suitable for aluminium boats with reinforced frames.
• 🔹 Soft PVC curtains Budget option for temporary protection, but do not provide the same stiffness as glass.

By design:

• 🔧 One-piece glass One large canvas that is attached to the boat, suitable for models with a flat nose (for example, the silk is not a silk). BOTH-460).
• 🔧 Combatable (segmental) It's 2-3 parts, which makes transportation and installation easier, ideal for boats with curved noses.
• 🔧 Foldable - can be lowered or removed if necessary, convenient for fishing in cramped conditions (for example, in thickets).
• 🔧 With an integrated visor It protects not only from the wind, but also from the sun, often mounted on tourist and hunting boats.

For boats. BOTH The most universal solution is 4-6 mm thick plexiglass Polycarbonate is a good choice if you walk frequently on rivers with branches and risk of impact, and soft curtains are only suitable for rare use or as a temporary solution.

Which glass is better for sea fishing?

For going to sea or large bodies of water with a wave is recommended polycarbonate 6-8 mm thick or tempered-glassThey can withstand heavy loads and they don't crack with the shocks of the waves. reinforced And the ability to quickly dismantle in case of a storm.

How to choose a windshield for the size of a boat OB?

One of the most important parameters is height and widthIf it's too low, the protection will be ineffective, if it's too high, visibility and handling will deteriorate, and the optimal dimensions depend on the boat model.

Model boat OBE	Recommended glass height	Recommended width	Type of attachment
BIG 420, OBE-420 Pro	40-50 cm	80-90 cm	Stringers or brackets
BOTH-460, OBE-460 Turbo	50–60 cm	90-100 cm	On an aluminum frame or PVC profile
BOY-500. more	60-70 cm	100–120 cm	Combined (frame + screeds)
BOTH with a 15+ hp engine	50–65 cm (with a visor)	90–110 cm	Reinforced, with shock absorbers

For accurate selection, measure:

1. The width of the bow of the boat at the anchorage.
2. Height from deck to eye level of the seated driver (usually 40-60 cm).
3. The angle of inclination of the glass (optimally 10-15 ° back for better wind flow).

Important: for boats with an engine of more than 10 hp, the height of the glass should be at least 50 cm, otherwise at the speed of the spray will fly through it.

Ways to fasten the windshield to the boat

Not only is it convenient, it's also safe, and improperly secured glass can break on the move or even damage the boat.

1. Mounting on stringers (for PVC boats)

The most common way for boats BOTH PVC, specialty used. aluminum-stringersThey're attached to the canisters of the boat, and then they fix the glass to them.

• ✅ Easy installation (you can do it yourself).
• ✅ Reliability (withstanding loads at speed).
• ✅ Possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination.

Disadvantage: requires drilling holes in cylinders, which can weaken them if installed incorrectly.

Fixing to brackets (universal method)

Suitable for all boats, including aluminum, brackets attached to the transom or sides, and the glass is fixed on them with bolts or clamps.

• ✅ No modification of the boat.
• ✅ Easy to remove for transportation.
• ✅ Suitable for glass of any shape.

Minus: It can shake at high speed if the attachment is not rigid enough.

Fixing to the frame (for aluminum boats)

It uses a metal frame that is welded or screwed to the boat, and it's inserted into the slots of the frame, which is the strongest, but also the most time-consuming, and it's suitable for boats with a 15 hp engine.

Soft attachment (for temporary glazing)

We use belts, Velcro straps or textile loops, suitable for light PVC curtains or thin plexiglasses, minus: it can not withstand heavy loads.

Advice: For boats. BOTH With the motor, you'd better choose a combined mount -- stringers + brackets -- that's going to make it as rigid as possible.

Prepare stringers and fasteners | Mark drilling places on cylinders | Drill holes and install stringers | Fix the glass on stringers with bolts or clips | Check the rigidity of the structure-->

Step-by-step instructions for installing a windshield on a boat

Let’s take a look at the most popular option – installation. plexiglass on stringers boat BOTH-460You're gonna need:

• 🔧 Glass (plexiglas 5 mm, size 90 50 cm).
• 🔧 Aluminum stringers (2 pcs).
• 🔧 M6 bolts with nuts and washers (stainless).
• 🔧 Sealer for PVC (e.g., Bostik or pentelelast).
• 🔧 Drill, drill, keys, screwdriver.

Step 1 - The marking and preparation of the boat

Identify the location of the stringer attachment.

• 10-15 cm from the bow of the boat.
• Symmetrical on both sides.
• At the level of the top of the cylinder (for uniform load distribution).

Apply markings with a marker, check the symmetry with roulette.

Step 2. Installation of stringers

1. Drill holes in cylinders on marking (drill diameter - 5 mm).
2. Apply the sealant on the stringers from the side of the mount to the cylinder.
3. Put stringers on and fix them with bolts, without delaying until the end.
4. Check the horizontal level, then finally tighten the bolts.

Step 3: Glass fastening

1. Apply the glass to the stringers and mark the places for the holes.
2. Drill holes in the glass (diameter - 6 mm so that the bolt enters freely).
3. Set the glass on the stringers, insert bolts from below and fix with washer nuts.
4. Close the heads of bolts with decorative plugs or sealant.

Step 4: Verification and refinement

After installation:

• Check the rigidity of the structure - the glass should not stagger.
• Treat the edges of the glass with sandpaper (if they are sharp).
• If necessary, install a sealing gum between the glass and stringers.

⚠️ Attention: Don't use screws to attach the glass to the stringers, they can split the plexiglass.

Typical Installation Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced boaters sometimes make mistakes that have to be corrected.

1. Wrong choice of glass height Too high worsens the view, too low does not protect against splashes.

   How to avoid: Before buying, get on a boat and mark the optimal height (at eye level or slightly higher).

2. Weak stringer attachment If they stagger, the glass will break quickly.

   How to avoid: Use at least 4 mount points for each stringer and check the stiffness after installation.

3. Absence of sealing of holes - leads to water entering the cylinders and corrosion of the fastener.

   How to avoid: Always apply sealant on bolts and drilling places.

4. Use of inappropriate material For example, ordinary glass instead of plexiglass.

   How to avoid: For boats. BOTH It's optimal for plexiglass or polycarbonate. Normal glass is too heavy and brittle.

5. Failure to account for glass weight Heavy glass can overload the boat’s nose, especially on PVC models.

   How to avoid: For boats up to 4.5 m, use glass no more than 5 mm thick.

⚠️ Attention: If you install glass on a boat with an engine of more than 15 hp, be sure to strengthen the mounting with additional struts or shock absorbers. At high speed, the load on the glass increases significantly!

Windscreen care: how to extend its service life?

Even the strongest glass loses its transparency over time, scratches or cracks if it is not properly cared for.

• 🧼 Wash only with a soft sponge and special means (for example, Plexus Don't use abrasives!
• 🌞 Protect against UV rays Cover the glass with a protective film or use special sprays.
• 🔧 Check the mounting regularly Once a season, tighten the bolts and update the sealant.
• ❄️ Keep it warm. Plexiglas and polycarbonate become brittle in the cold.

If small scratches appear on the glass, they can be polished with a special paste (for example, DisplexDeep cracks are best not repaired - replace the glass, as it can break on the move.

FAQ: Frequent questions about windshields for boats

Can I install a windshield on a boat myself?

Yes, with a minimum set of tools (drill, keys, sealant) and accuracy, even a beginner can easily install the installation. The main thing is to properly mark the mounting places and not forget about sealing the holes. Aluminum boats may require a welding machine (if you attach to the frame).

Which glass is better: plexiglass or polycarbonate?

Depends on the operating conditions:

• plexiglas It's cheaper, lighter and more transparent, but less impact-resistant, suitable for calm water bodies.
• Polycarbonate It's stronger and more durable, but more expensive and can turn yellow over time, and it's optimal for rivers with obstacles or sea fishing.

Do I need to remove the glass when transporting a boat?

If the glass is attached to brackets or stringers, it is not necessary to remove it, but it is advisable to protect it with soft cloth or foam to avoid scratches. If transportation takes place in a trailer or on the roof of the car, it is better to remove the glass - this will reduce the risk of damage.

Can you make a windscreen from the materials available?

Yes, but it's a temporary solution, like cutting glass out of an old tank or plexiglass and mounting it on textile belts, but it's less durable and can't withstand the stresses of speed, and you'd better buy a finished product for permanent use.

What if the glass cracked during operation?

If the crack is small, it can be sealed with a special glue for plexiglass (for example, AcrifixBut it's a temporary measure, if you change the glass as soon as you can, it's dangerous to drive with cracked glass, and it can break on the move and injure passengers.