ry57pont wrote:
i se it mentioned but not sure what it is
It's a generic term used to describe the clear panels usually hung to enclose the cockpit. The original term eisenglas or isinglass no longer really applies as that material hasn't been used on boat panels for ages. There's lots of different materials used for these panels now, clear vinyl (in various thicknesses), strataglass and others. Each has their own up and downsides. Clear vinyl rolls and stows, but strataglass and others have better visibility.
Which ever you've got it's important to FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS for cleaning it. DO NOT use windex or similar products for glass as the ammonia and other solvents in them WILL harm the panels. Since there have been so many different materials used for this purpose there's all sorts of dumb 'wives tales' on cleaner alternatives (like using Pledge furniture polish). What might've worked 30 years ago on the crap sold then may well ruin what's on a modern boat today.
When you stow the panels it's often a good idea to put some soft fabric between them to avoid one panel scuffing another (zippers leave nasty scrapes). I found it's best to use plain only white or light tan flannel. DO NOT use anything patterned as it will transfer to the vinyl. A single set of king size white flannel bed linens can be cut up into sections. This is a lot cheaper than buying the fabric at a shop. I put my panels on rolls and stow them in a sail bag. I put the front three on one roll, the two sets of side panels on two more, one for the rear panel and then one last roll for the starboard corner and entryway.
Just DON'T stow them when they're wet. They'll cloud up and it'll take a couple of days in bright sun to fade the clouding. That and you risk having the fabric get moldy.
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