Horizon 180 Bowrider in the Rain

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 13, 2016 10:38 am

Hello,

Has anyone figured out a solution to driving these boats in the rain and staying dry? Obviously the forward cover stays on, but what about keeping the cockpit area dry? I'm pondering a H180 OB purchase.

Thanks,
Chris

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Mon Jun 13, 2016 7:40 pm

The best suggestion I have is to get a canvas enclosure like a camper top. You and the interior of the boat may not stay 100 percent completely dry, but pretty close. Many of these tops can be set up and then used while cruising on plane. Just remember that cruising with the tops up while going into a stronger headwind may be more than you want to subject the top to. We had a camper top for our '95 190 Horizon. We used the Bimini frequently, and found many occasions where we set up part or all of the rest of the enclosure.

CaptainADK · **Posted:** Mon Jun 13, 2016 9:16 pm

It depends what year the 180 is. The newer ones don't offer camper tops. There are no snaps at the top of the windshield frame to attach one. I suggest a GoreTex jacket & pants. That's what I do.

If you expect to be in the rain quite a bit, maybe look for an older model.

Hillcountry · **Joined:** Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:51 am **Posts:** 17

We just had one made for our 07 Horizon 190. Came out beautiful! Any boat canvas shop can custom make one for you and they do install snaps on the windshield or wherever needed. A camper top can prove to be a godsend when out cruising and inclement weather pops up (which happens frequently here in NH)

Jdpber · **Posted:** Tue Jun 14, 2016 12:52 pm

you can add the snaps to the windshield, their are a few versions on the market that fit. Izen Glass and canvas is the expensive option. $40 tarp and some spring clips is the cheap option. Then the next is a nice FoulWeather jacket and bib. but this could get pricy if you have a Brady Bunch.

Keep in mind that an enclosure in the summer heat in the rain will be hot as all HELL in that small of a boat. JUST A HEADS UP. and you are looking at $500+ estimate on a shop to do a full set of izenglass curtains.

I just toss a big beach tower around the wife and kid. and friends kids get stuffed under both dashes. and i MAN UP and hammer down and take one for the team and get us back to the dock if the squall is not going to pass quickly.

All depends on the budget and your intentions.

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 14, 2016 2:47 pm

Looks like custom is the way to go. My family had a 95 Horizon 190 that had a camper top on it; it's a shame they don't make them from the factory anymore unless you go with a big bowrider.

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:30 pm

What if you left the cockpit cover on from the transom forward to just behind the driver's seat, and then had the bimini to cover the open driver's area? Obviously it won't keep you 100% dry but with a good rain jacket I bet this would work quite well.

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Sun Jun 19, 2016 8:48 pm

Depending on the boat and type of tops, it might work.....at least a little. It might not be too good for a boat load of passengers. When canvas gets wet it might sag a little. Also, sometimes there is wind with the rain. It may be helpful to have an enclosure rather than an umbrella. I also had a '95 190 Horizon with the camper top enclosure. We always had it along, and used it several times when weather developed.

Liquidenoir · **Posted:** Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:37 am

We have a 2012 180ss.(with the higher screen). No problems with clears clipped to the screen and zipped to the bimini. They come around the side about 3ft.
Will keep you and the boat mainly dry. Just need a wiper.!!

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:56 am

Liquidenoir wrote:

...No problems with clears clipped to the screen and zipped to the bimini ...Just need a wiper.!!

Rain-X works good on the glass, however the standard Rain-X cannot be used on plastic.

I just found on their website that Rain-X has a product for plastic also:
https://www.rainx.com/product/plastic-water-repellent/rain-x-plastic-water-repellent/#.V2fnBmf2bHY

Has anyone used products like that on their eisenglass?

Ray

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 4:45 pm

Bringing this back from the dead.

Looks like the 06 H200 I bought doesn't have a factory camper top either. Figures.

I have the Four Winns bimini and was thinking about adding side shields or something to it in case a freak storm pops up and I am out on the lake.

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 4:47 pm

Liquidenoir wrote:

We have a 2012 180ss.(with the higher screen). No problems with clears clipped to the screen and zipped to the bimini. They come around the side about 3ft.
Will keep you and the boat mainly dry. Just need a wiper.!!

Where did you get the clears from?

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Surprised at number who have enclosures on these smaller boats...we just get wet. I don't have room or patience to set all that up and suffocate.

But if we are out we are wet anyway from jumping in lake. Everyone has dry clothes and towels and we change once off water. Them wet shorts kinda bind on a fella.

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:51 pm

I guess I'm a bit OCD when it comes to the boat. I was annoyed at the tiny bit of water in the bilge from people getting into the boat after swimming this past weekend.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I hear ya....i just have everyone stand and drip on the platform for a while and dry off there...i usually have very little if any water in bilge after day of boating. Up until when i drain the ice chest into ski locker drain reservoir. Helps keep bilge clean and lightens the unloading of ice chests.

I actually don't mind the water in the bilge when i know its not due to a leak...but i do mind soaking the carpets and seats. The backing on the factory carpet turns on you when it gets wet over and over again.

www.iFourWinns.com

Horizon 180 Bowrider in the Rain

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