This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

My guess is that you probably wouldn't want the pane flipping around on
it's hinges while you're bashing across the waves. Broken glass and bare
feet on the boat would kinda suck!

"Himm" wrote in message
...
This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

There wouldn't be a snap down if it weren't to be used. I run mine that way
100% of the time. It's never been closed whilst on the water. Same goes
for our '74 Anchor Craft Tri-hull we still have.

--
Steve (here to have fun) Barker
2001 210 LXI
=======================
Remove the not dot from my address to abuse my email box
"Himm" wrote in message
...
This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 03:04:35 GMT, Himm wrote:

This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

I already know that Steve disagrees with me ), but I have had the
windshield on my MFG I/O slam shut in rough water/wind. No damage
done, but it scared the crap out of me, and could have shattered. If
your snaps are tight, you're probably OK, but weigh the risks.

noah

Courtesy of Lee Yeaton,
See the boats of rec.boats
www.TheBayGuide.com/rec.boats

I run with my walkthrough door open all the time the weather is nice. Only
broken one window and it is laminated safety glass, was when I tossed a
fanny pack into the boat, and the jar inside the pack hit the window.
bill

"G Penstone" wrote in message
.. .
My guess is that you probably wouldn't want the pane flipping around on
it's hinges while you're bashing across the waves. Broken glass and bare
feet on the boat would kinda suck!

"Himm" wrote in message
...
This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

Calif Bill wrote:

I run with my walkthrough door open all the time the weather is nice. Only
broken one window and it is laminated safety glass, was when I tossed a
fanny pack into the boat, and the jar inside the pack hit the window.
bill

"G Penstone" wrote in message
.. .

My guess is that you probably wouldn't want the pane flipping around on
it's hinges while you're bashing across the waves. Broken glass and bare
feet on the boat would kinda suck!

"Himm" wrote in message
et...

This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6





The window snaps down when its open, it does not move, bu i have broken
a couple windshied screws that holds the windshield to the boat. I was
just wondering if the window locked would have caused greater stability.

#1, they're not glass
#2. Mine doesn't "flip around on it's hinges" whilst open. It justs sits
there.
#3. they are made to be run open.

--
Steve
=======================
Remove the not dot from my address to abuse my email box
"G Penstone" wrote in message
.. .
My guess is that you probably wouldn't want the pane flipping around on
it's hinges while you're bashing across the waves. Broken glass and bare
feet on the boat would kinda suck!

"Himm" wrote in message
...
This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

I don't necessarily disagree, but I would never be out in that kind of wind
or chop. If I want beat to death, I'll drive I-70 across Missouri. G.

BTW, they can't shatter if they're not glass.

--
Steve
=======================
Remove the not dot from my address to abuse my email box
"noah" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 03:04:35 GMT, Himm wrote:

This is a newbie question, but on the bowriders with the walk through
windshield, my boat has a label saying to not operate the boat with the
glass opened and snapped down, that it should be closed and secured
first, is this just over caution?
Thanks
John

Larson SEI180
Volvo V6

I already know that Steve disagrees with me ), but I have had the
windshield on my MFG I/O slam shut in rough water/wind. No damage
done, but it scared the crap out of me, and could have shattered. If
your snaps are tight, you're probably OK, but weigh the risks.

noah

Courtesy of Lee Yeaton,
See the boats of rec.boats
www.TheBayGuide.com/rec.boats

"Steve Barker" wrote in message
...

#1, they're not glass

Many of them are. Every boat I've ever owned with a walk-through windshield
(4 of them) used safety glass in all sections of the windshield, including
the hinged, center section. Don't know why you would consider yours to be
representative of the entire fleet of pleasurecraft on the market.


#2. Mine doesn't "flip around on it's hinges" whilst open. It justs sits
there.

You've been lucky. A very strong wind from abeam or a hard landing from
rough water could easily defeat the snap that "secures" the senter section
of the window in the open position and allow the window to be flung into the
closed position. I've seen it happen on mine and others boats.

#3. they are made to be run open.

Depends on the current conditions. In rough or windy conditions, I would
consider the secured position of the center section of the windshield to be
closed and fastened. I've personally seen them get closed violently by a
crosswind that gets underneath the open center section, even though they
were snapped shut. Three thoughts came to mind at that point:

1. I'm glad the glass didn't break. It's very expensive to replace.

2. I'm glad my fingers or someone else's didn't happen to be resting on the
windshield frame on the opposite side of the hinge and where the center
section seats when closed. They would have surely been broken by the
amazingly swift inadvertant closing of the center section.

3. I don't ever want to see it happen again.


You're advice suggesting that center sections of walk-through windshields
are meant to be run in the open position without consideration of conditions
and consequences is poorly thought out and potentially dangerous.

The window snaps down when its open, it does not move, bu i have broken
a couple windshied screws that holds the windshield to the boat. I was
just wondering if the window locked would have caused greater stability.

Yes, it will. Having the center section closed and secured will complete
the arc of the entire windshield assembly. This will allow for
substantially less flex from the windshield assembly while underway than if
the center section was left open. It is this flex that is likely causing
the windshield screws to fail.

This is essentially the same reason that convertible automobiles are
inherently less rigid than their hardtop counterparts and why they are often
criticized for excessive "cowl shake". Creative engineering solutions are
diminishing the problem in modern convertible automobiles, but automotive
engineers are going far beyond the equivalent of simply screwing the
windshield frame to the foredeck and gunwales of a boat for their solutions
to reduce body flex in cars. Until such solutions come to the marine
market, I'd suggest keeping the center section closed while underway.

There are a number of good reasons that your manufacturer placed the label
on your windshield advising you close and secure the center section of the
windshield before getting underway.