When deciding on a new boat cover there are many options to choose from. Some are easier than others but one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the type of Eisenglass (also commonly spelled as isinglass or isenglass) for your boats windows.
Strataglass (left) and Clear Vinyl (right) aged 10 year on the same boat
Cost is a factor for everything but visibility and lifespan also have a role in this type of marine product.
Eisenglass Marine Products come in four primary categories:
Clear Vinyl on a roll – the least expensive option that offers limited visibility.
Polished Vinyl Sheets – great economical option that have good visibily within their 5-7 year lifespan.
Strataglass and O’Sea- premium vinyl sheets that offer 10+ year of usage.
Lexan and Makrolon – semi-rigid products seen on larger yachts with hard enclosures.
Most boaters narrow their decision down to a brand such as Strataglass vs Eisenglass (aka Clear Vinyl Sheets). Clear Vinyl Sheets are by far the most popular and can be found on the majority of boats in any harbor. Strataglass is a big step up in price but you get an excellent product with a much longer life.
This decision though can’t be made on it’s own. You wouldn’t put a turbocharger in Buick would you? The same goes with choosing the right isinglass. As discussed before, these two product has a different lifespan and so do other product that go into the construction of your boat cover. Thread is one of these factors. Standard polyester thread has a 5 year lifespan which is similar to clear vinyl sheets. Gore Tenara thread is more expensive but is guaranteed for life and more suited to be used with Strataglass. Other finishing factors such as using Facing to cover transition area and Xtreme Seal instead of Webbing also go hand in hand in deciding what type of isinglass to choose. It’s essentially standard vs. premium.
Both Strataglass and Clear Vinyl Sheets are great products serving different needs. If you have the means for a premium custom boat cover and plan on enjoying your boat beyond the 5-7 year lifespan Clear Vinyl Sheets provides then Strataglass sounds like a great solution. Keep in mind that Clear Vinyl Sheets can be replaced too especially if your canvas is in good condition.
And a parting tip for those who have read the whole article……. Suntan lotion may protect you from UV rays but it kills clear vinyl and Strataglass! It will result in a hazy look if not removed immediately. So be sure not to let your guests bring any spray suntan lotion or bananas too!
Ever look for a boat coffee maker? Unfortunately there is no such thing as a coffee maker specifically manufactured for a boat but we found two that we consider the best boat coffee makers available! In choosing a coffee maker for your boat there are a few things to consider.
Durability: Everything “boating” needs to be a little tougher and built better that most items due to the rigorous demands of being on the water. A glass coffee pot is the last thing you need on your boat! Durability was a key factor when deciding on the best boat coffee makers.
Usability: Ease of use is also very important which is why we immediately started to look at single cup coffee machines over traditional brewers. This makes for much easier brewing while underway.
Size: Most boat cabins have limited counter space and storage so your big coffee makers will not make this cut. The smaller and more compact the better.
Best Boat Coffee Makers
Nespresso Pixie
The Nespresso Pixie is one of our favorite coffee makers available. It has a super compact size and good weight to it, when the boat starts a rocking, this coffee maker will not. It’s offered in a variety of colors but the Aluminum options looks great!
The water container for the Nespresso Pixie is removable from the back and can hold 24 oz. of water. It has a used capsule container in the front that has a capacity of 11. The drip tray can also be folded up for for larger glasses too.
One downside to the Pixie is that it’s limited to it’s Lungo pods which are 3.7 oz. of coffee. It’s best to double up brews to get a full cup.
Key Features
Compact and Light (Weight: 6.6lb & Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.4 in x 12.8 in x 9.3 in)
Eco-Friendly
Fast Heat Up 25 Seconds
Coffee Size Expresso & Lungo
Off Mode After 9 Minutes
Overall this is a great compact coffee maker that could find a home on the water in any boat.
Although larger than the Pixie, it’s still a very compact machine relative to other available models. It is also able to brew larger cups than the Pixie which is limited at 3.7 oz. These single use K-Cups are available in over 400 varieties from 60 brands and available at almost every major retailer.
The MINI Plus Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage in under two minutes at the touch of a button. With the choice of three cup sizes, the MINI Plus brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate short travel mugs. To operate, you simply add fresh water into the single-use reservoir, choose your favorite K-Cup pack, brew and enjoy.
Our Chicago Boat Storage Guide is the authority when it comes to great marinas and boatyards for winter storage for your yacht or boat. It is arranged by geographical area around Chicago with pros and cons. If you’ve had a great experience or difficult one at a storage facility listed or would like one added please submit a comment and we’ll get it on the list.
Chicago River Boat Storage
Storing your boat in the Chicago River system is a convenient option when keeping your at the various Chicago Harbors during the summer months. This can be a huge benefit when facing inclement weather in October since you don’t have to travel far in potentially rough seas. You do pay a premium for this convenience but it does allow you to get the most out of your boating season making these a favorite of the Chicago Boat Storage Guide.
Goose Island Boatyard: The only storage facility on the north branch of the Chicago River, Goose Island Boatyard is a full service medium sided facility. Access to the yard is reasonable and for the “do it yourselfers” they allow boaters to do their own work as long as it’s within reason. They do offer indoor storage which is very limited so the majority of boats are shrink wrapped outside.
Chicago Yacht Yard
Chicago Yacht Yard: A large full service boatyard located on the south branch of the Chicago River, this yacht yard has it all. They have multiple storage options of indoor (heated or cold) and outdoor. Access is good but do have rules when it comes to doing your own work.
Forest View Marina: This is a nice marina located farther down the south branch from the Chicago Yacht Yard. They have a nice indoor storage facility but also offer outdoor storage too. Offering a full range of maintenance, Forest View Marina is a good lower cost option farther down the river.
Calumet River Boat Storage
Depending on your harbor, the Calumet River is located about 20 miles south of Chicago by water. As long as the weather is co-operating it’s a nice cruise at the beginning of the season as you take in the Chicago skyline. NE winds in the fall will help push you down but you don’t want to have too much help as winds over 15 knots can make it an uncomfortable ride. Traveling on the river is enjoyable but be conscious of the barge traffic which services some of the industry located on the river. Rates are less than what you’ll find on the Chicago River but it seems to equal out when you consider the gas burned to/from along with travel distances to the area.
Crowley’s Yacht Yard Lakeside : Crowley’s is the first marina of many that you’ll find in the Calumet river. They’re a favorite in the sailboat community but there are also plenty of powerboats at this mega marina. They have plenty of indoor or outdoor storage space and are full service for all maintenance.
Skyway Yacht Works : Just beyond Crowley’s you’ll find Skyway Yacht Works. Skyway is a newer full service marina that focuses on storage and service. You’ll be able to choose form indoor heated or outdoor storage at this facility.
Sunset Bay Marina : Once you make it down the river through the loch, Sunset Bay Marina will be on your portside. They also are a full service marina with indoor and outdoor storage. They also have fuel which is generally at a good price.
Marine Services Corp
Marine Services Corporation : Marine Services Corp keep growing and recently added a 25,000 sq ft building for indoor storage. They have multiple storage buildings on site but also offer outdoor storage too. Once unique feature is that they operate their own harbor with 128 slips along with full service maintenance.
Pier 11 Marina : Pier 11 Marina has been a family business since 1983. They are a full service marina with summer and winter slips. One of their specialties is REPO boats. Pier 11 Marina works directly as an agent for the banks so you get the best deal possible. True REPOs with no middle man.
Indiana and Michigan Boat Storage
There are plenty of great storage areas across Indiana and Michigan but here are a few that we’ve had experience along with other boaters in our network. There maybe some cost savings when storing in these areas but the travel expense and time negates the savings. If you purchases your boat from a marina or boat dealer in Indiana or Michigan, that’s a great reason to return to them. These businesses like to cater to and keep their customers offering great deals on winter storage but also service.
B & E Marina : Only 38 miles from Chicago by water, B & E Marina is a premiere dealership and marina. They are authorized dealers for Sea Ray, Meridian and Boston Whaler along with a large brokerage selection. Winter storage options are for indoor or outdoor with a full range of maintenance services.
Shoreland Marine : This Michigan City, IN caters primarily to northwest Indiana and southeast Michigan but does have some boats come in from Chicago. They offer full service on maintenance and also fiberglass repair. You have the choice of indoor or outdoor storage along with all winterizing services.
Pier 33 : Located in St. Joseph, MI this full service marina is ENE from Chicago. It’s a very professional marina with new and used boat sales and service. Storage options are indoor and outdoor at a very reasonable price.
Chicago Harbors Boat Storage
Winter Storage in Chicago doesn’t get any easier than just staying at the harbor! There is some downside with storing at the harbor such as they’re not a full service marina but Skipper Bud’s does service each harbor. Both locations offer some discounts in conjunction with summer slip fees too.
Montrose Harbor : Only outdoor storage is available but they can fit up to 300 power and sail boats at the harbor for winter storage.
31st Street Harbor : The newest of the Chicago Harbors, 31st St Harbor offers indoor heated and outdoor storage for up to 200 boats.
Inland Boat Storage
If you have a trailer for your boat and can haul out yourself the options are really limitless. From your neighbor’s driveway, barns to your local public storage units you can pretty much store anywhere. You’ll just want to confirm that area is secure and a safe environment for your boat.
Munroe Storage : This is a great storage facility in Plainfield, IL that has winter storage for cars and boats. It’s indoor/unheated storage at a great price making it #1 for the Chicago Boat Storage Guide! Boat length is really not an issue but the overhead doors are 16′ tall which shouldn’t be a problem for most boaters. If you trailer you boat this is a great option that’s about 10 minutes off I-55.
Chicago Boat Storage Guide
We hope your gained some valuable information from the Chicago Boat Storage Guide and this helps you in deciding on where to store your boat over the winter. We will continue to update the Chicago Boat Storage Guide and appreciate your input.
The Chicago Boat Show Free Seminars is a great place to find very valuable information and also a great time to talk to the experts. Below is a complete schedule of the 2015 Chicago Boat Show Free Seminars schedule.
Chicago Boat Show Free Seminars- Dates & Location
Wednesday-Sunday, January 14-18, 2015
McCormick Place—South Building – NEW LOCATION!!!
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Chicago Boat Show Free Seminars are a great place to learn about your boat and become a better boater. Don’t miss out on the Chicago Boat Show Free Seminars this year!
There are many great Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors that boaters visit every summer! Here’s a list along with some great information on each starting from the northwest.
Northpoint Marina
Northpoint Marina : The largest marina on Lake Michigan is home to over 1500 slips with some of the nicest facilities available. With transient slips available, this is a great place to stop off when cruising between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Waukegan Harbor : Just south of Northpoint Marina, Waukegan Harbor has some of the nicest amenities you’ll find. It also has excellent salmon and lake trout fishing right outside the harbor.
Wilmette Harbor : Wilmette Harbor is a very small harbor that caters primary to small sailboats. The main attraction though is the architecturally stunning Baha’i Temple which is a hidden gem for boaters just south of the harbor. Sporting one of the few areas with sand bars on the western shores of Lake Michigan, this area is anchor down at when light SW winds are blowing.
Montrose Harbor : Montrose Harbor is the most northern harbor in the 10 Chicago public harbors. Fishing from shore around the harbor is excellent and it also has a great bait shop too!
Belmont Harbor : Belmont Harbor is one of the largest harbors in Chicago providing slips to both sail and power boats. The fuel dock facilities can accommodate vessels up to 120′.
Diversey Harbor
Diversey Harbor: This harbor is home to power boats only due to the bridge clearance of ~ 14′ at the mouth of the harbor. It’s one of the most vibrant harbors in Chicago and also has 2 launch ramps for daily boaters. Being steps away from Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo, this is a great place to lay up for the night. This could be the wildest Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors.
DuSable Harbor : DuSable Harbor sits on the northern point of Monroe Harbor which is where you would enter by sea. It’s the closest harbor to Navy Pier which always provides a great day of entertainment.
Monroe Harbor : The harbor of cans….. Not those cans but the cans you will have to moor your boat too! There are no slips at this harbor but the cans are a very affordable way to start boating in Chicago with some of the lowest rates for slips. Monroe also has a great “touch and go” for picking up and dropping off guests.
Burnham Harbor
Burnham Harbor : Home of some of the largest yachts in Chicago and also the Chicago Bears, this harbor has something for everyone. Burnham Harbor is located with in walking distance of Chicago’s museum campus and Northerly Island which hosts outdoor summer concerts just about every week. Getting a transient slip on the east side of the harbor is the way to go to enjoy your favorite bank on the night of the concert.
31st Street Harbor : The newest harbor in Chicago, 31st offers some of the best amenities available to boaters. It also has a very wide and accessible set of launch ramps and hosts some great events over the summer. The Chicago In-Water Boat Show is one of a kind where you can pull up and dock your boat while browsing the newest boats available. There are also plenty of summertime concerts at 31st too.
59th St Harbor : This harbor is one of the smaller harbor in Chicago but one of the most beautiful. It’s a short walk to the Museum of Science and Industry and also the 63rd St Beach. There’s also a public golf course nearby too.
Jackson Park Outer & Jackson Park Inner : The Jackson Park Harbors are divided into two with Jackson Park Inner only able to accommodate power boats due to bridge restrictions similar to Diversey Harbor. The harbor has a fuel dock offering both gas and diesel.
Hammond Marina : Not only is Hammond Marina great to tie up at for a trip to the Horseshoe Casino but also hosts one of the best festivals of the year, Festival of the Lakes.
Michigan City Port : This harbor has gone through some great renovations over the past 10 years. There’s a great beach right next to harbor and home to some of the most majestic sand dunes in Indiana.
New Buffalo
New Buffalo Harbor : New Buffalo is one of the closest and best destination when traveling from Chicago by sea. The Stray Dog Bar & Grill is a must see when your in town but there are plenty of good restaurants and bars within walking distance to the harbor. Transient slips are available at a great rate and it’s the perfect place for a quick overnight stay.
St Joseph & Benton Harbor : These two cities have developed into one of the most popular stopovers in the lake which lie at the mouth of a major river. West Basin Marina is a good place to stay since it’s the only marina with connection to the beachfront. This is definetly a port where you’ll want to spend a few night traveling around the river and also to see what both towns have to offer.
South Haven : South Haven is by far the premier cruising destination with multiple marinas available to dock at up and down the winding river which makes it so popular. It’s very easy to walk through this historic and beautiful town with it being another port that you’ll want to stay more than a day at. Another great resource for South Haven is the South Haven Visitors Bureau.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck : Sometimes called the Cape Cod of the midwest, Saugatuck is a beehive of social activity. When you enter the channel into the Kalamazoo river there’s a great anchorage right inside to starboard which gets very crowded on the weekends. As you get into Kalamazoo Lake they’ll be plenty of slips on northside servicing the downtown area. This is one of the best Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors.
Holland : A pleasant town of tulips and Dutch charm on inviting Lake Macatawa, Holland’s beauty is unmatched. You won’t find the hustle bustle of Saugatuck in Holland but it’s a great place to explore and unwind. When entering this port you won’t miss the now silent foghorn of Big Red on the south pier.
Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors
There is nothing more beautiful than some of the Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors. To visit all the Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors takes years and should not be rushed. Please send your comments on your favorite Chicago and South Lake Michigan Harbors today.
Seems like these two words would mean the same but nothing could be further than the truth. So Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas, what’s the difference when it comes to boat canvas?
Water Repellent
Let’s start here since water repellent canvas is a favorite when it comes to marine canvas. Water repellent marine canvas is an acrylic or polyester blend material that is very tightly woven by the manufacturer. This naturally prevents water seepage but most canvases are coated with a DWR ( durable water repellent) which makes then more water-resistant. The DWR coating will wear off over time and does require re-application, this is the type of “waterproofing” sprays you find at your local boat store. This type of fabric is loved by many in boating due to it’s soft touch flexibility of use.
Waterproof
Waterproof is a little easier to understand, no water gets in! Waterproof marine canvas is typically the same acrylic or polyester blend you find with water repellent fabric but one or two side is vinyl coated. There is no ongoing maintenance required of this type of canvas unlike water repellent fabric which requires re-coating a DWR.
So What’s Right For My Boat?
There are two primary factors when deciding which canvas is best for you, what type of weather do you encounter and how do you plan on using it?
As mentioned before, water repellent canvas is a favorite amongst boats and the most popular solution in the marketplace today. People love the variety of colors that are available, it’s soft touch and is fade resistant. It does a great job of keeping the recreational boater dry and is cost effective. It’s commonly used throughout all climates and is most popular on boat enclosures, bimini tops, aft covers and convertible tops. Sunbrella offers a great line of water repellent acrylic marine canvas that comes with a 10-year warranty in over 75 colors.
Waterproof marine canvas is more popular in the northeast and northwest where mother nature whips up some more her more nasty storms. It’s also very popular for boat covers, especially “road” and storage covers. Some boaters do prefer this type of material for all types of enclosures though but is not as popular or as common since it is more expensive than water repellent canvas. Stamoid has an excellent line of waterproof canvases that comes in four different grades, light, heavy, open and top.
If your still undecided on what type of boat canvas is best for you take a trip down to your local harbor. Walk around and see the different types of canvases used in your area and in different ways. You can also work with your local canvas shop which will have a variety of samples of the various marine canvases available today.
Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas
We hope this article helped you in deciding on Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas for your boat. Please send any comments or ideas on Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas, we would love to hear your feedback.
