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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.

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!

Happy Boating!

Resources

Sailrite Window Material Buying Guide
Strataglass Care and Maintenance
IMAR Clear Vinyl Cleaning Products
 

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.

Keurig® K10 MINI Plus Brewing System

The Keurig K10 Mini Plus Brewing System is larger than the Nespresso Pixie but it offers some great additional key features.

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.

Key Features

• Energy-Saving Mode
• My Kcup Compatible
• Automatic On/Off Function
• Brews in Under 2 Minutes