The Skipper's Blog

Paul Delfino asked:

My boat is only 3 years old and already the Isinglass curtains are starting to turn a foggy yellowish color, which is making it hard to see through. I also noticed the same thing happening to the plastic portlights. Is there anyway to clean them or will I have to replace them. Replacement is expensive.

Answer:
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Many thousands of boat owners have had fantastic success with Aurora Clear View Kit. It’s a two-part kit. Part one is a cleaner / restorer that removes fogging, yellowing, and minor scratching from Isinglass (clear vinyl), polycarbonate, and acrylic. In other words, from all see-through plastics. Part two is a protector that has UV inhibitors in it to protect against sun damage and is anti-static to repel dust and dirt. It also fills in minor scratches to restore optical clarity and replaces some of the dried out plasticizers to restore suppleness.

Providing that your curtains and portlights are not too far gone, Clear View Kit can easily save you the cost, time and effort of having to replace them. One boat owner saved $850.00 plus Re&Re costs by restoring his compass dome, rather than replacing it. Another saved over $450.00 by restoring the windshield in his bimini, rather than replacing. Numerous sailors have complained that before Clear View Kit they could not see through their portholes, now they have to invest in curtains to get some privacy.

On new plastic, regular use of Clear View Kit can extend the life by over four times.

A few tips on the care and maintenance of see through plastic:

1. When cleaning your Isinglass, polycarbonate or acrylic, rinse well with clear water and pat dry with a synthetic chamois or soft clean cloth.
2. Never wipe your windows, especially when dry or with a paper towel and this will scratch the surface.
3. Never fold Isinglass. The best way to store your curtains is to place a towel on the surface and roll it. Folding will result in cracking.
4. Only use cleaners, made especially for see through plastics. Never use household cleaners. Some household window cleaners can destroy your Isinglass in a mater of months.
5. Never use furniture polish on Isinglass. They will tint your windows yellow or brown.
6. Apply Clear View Kit #2 to your see through plastics every 4 to 6 weeks to protect against UV degradation and extend their life and optical clarity. Also protect your compass dome, instrument crystals at the same time.
7. Do not let your Isinglass windows rest against stainless steel or aluminum rails. The suns reflection will burn permanent marks into the windows. Invest in offset spacers or cotton covers for the rails.
8. During winter lay-up, remove your Isinglass windows and store them at home if possible.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar

The Skipper Recommends:

CLEAR VIEW KIT