Windshield Rock Chips

[mav186]

OK…so I have an issue w/ my boat. Some of you know I bought a new Weldcraft this year. It’s a beautiful boat and I’ve enjoyed breaking it in. However, I’ve discovered an unforeseen issue with it….the windshield(s) keep getting pelted by rocks, gravel and small pebbles when I tow it. It’s like it’s a magnet for them…I swear!! I had to replace the driver’s side windshield already because it was ‘blown’ out on the first trip to E. Wa.! I have canvas packages for it up the kazoo…however not any of them cover the front windshields while towing. Does anyone have any recommendations for a canvas shop in the south sound area that can make a windscreen type of cover? One that may snap into place? Any other methods or suggestions to prevent this? As always, thanks in advance for your input!

[G-Man]

Mud flaps for your tow vehicle. Also you'll be doing the rest of the folks on the road a favor when your not towing your boat. I've never encountered a chip or ding in my towed boat's windscreen, what kind of tread do you have on your tow vehicle's tires?

[Drumdog]

You could try these options for knocking down the rocks etc from the truck....

http://www.towtector.com/images/online% ... 25x244.jpg

http://www.propridehitch.com/trailer_hi ... dG%202fMAg

Or these to protect your windshield....

http://www.clearplex.com/

http://www.clearfilmprotection.com/

I'm sure there are many other companies such as these.

Good luck!

[Anglinarcher]

Mud flaps for your tow vehicle. Also you'll be doing the rest of the folks on the road a favor when your not towing your boat. I've never encountered a chip or ding in my towed boat's windscreen, what kind of tread do you have on your tow vehicle's tires?

This was my thoughts as well. I have towed my boat for miles on gravel roads, and still no rock damage.

PS, except for color, my boat looks to be build just like yours, so it is not the boat that is at issue here.

[mav186]

Mud flaps for your tow vehicle. Also you'll be doing the rest of the folks on the road a favor when your not towing your boat. I've never encountered a chip or ding in my towed boat's windscreen, what kind of tread do you have on your tow vehicle's tires?

This was my thoughts as well. I have towed my boat for miles on gravel roads, and still no rock damage.

PS, except for color, my boat looks to be build just like yours, so it is not the boat that is at issue here.

You guys may be onto something. All this time I've been leaning towards the idea that this was coming from 'the other' vehicles, instead of my rig. I tow it w/ a V-8 4-Runner that has factory mud flaps on it. The thing is that the boat sits pretty high and forward on the trailer...so I thought the angle of attack was quite high for a rock to be thrown from my own rig. Perhaps it's more from the front tires when the wheel is being turned slightly...I don't know. It would be nice to have some kind of canvas cover made that would snap into place to protect while towing. I even thought about using that carpet protectant plastic film as a temp fix.

[fishing collector]

OK…so I have an issue w/ my boat. Some of you know I bought a new Weldcraft this year. It’s a beautiful boat and I’ve enjoyed breaking it in. However, I’ve discovered an unforeseen issue with it….the windshield(s) keep getting pelted by rocks, gravel and small pebbles when I tow it. It’s like it’s a magnet for them…I swear!! I had to replace the driver’s side windshield already because it was ‘blown’ out on the first trip to E. Wa.! I have canvas packages for it up the kazoo…however not any of them cover the front windshields while towing. Does anyone have any recommendations for a canvas shop in the south sound area that can make a windscreen type of cover? One that may snap into place? Any other methods or suggestions to prevent this? As always, thanks in advance for your input!

You should be able get one made by almost any automotive upolstery shop. They do that kind of work ......shouldn't be a problem. Good luck, Steve

[curado]

buy some mud flaps. that would save a lot of trouble

[Bodofish]

I got tired of the same thing......ding, ding, ding...... It was all coming from other vehicles. Mostly from rigs going the other direction or dump trucks and the like. I had a custom, towable cover made for the tub. I can say without hesitation it's the best accessory purchased to go with the boat. Over the pass in the winter???? No Problem! Run down to the Columbia for some springers but it's raining..... Drive on down pull the cover and all the guy's in line at the launch are green with envy because of the spotless tub under the cover. They're getting their dirty road grime coated tubs ready, trying to wipe the yuck off before their turn to launch. Full cover is the only way to go!

Eastside Tent and Awning

[Marc Martyn]

This is kind of a shot in the dark, but why not cover the windows with a PVC liner. I am referring to a 40 ml liner that is used in a shower pan when a mud set floor is poured. It is a very durable material and will hold up well.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none

You can buy it by the foot at Lowes or Home Depot. It is easily cut with scissors to any size. Cut out a pattern that would cover the windshield and put snaps on the ends that would snap onto the existing male snaps where the side curtains attach. If possible, you could roll up the side curtains while the windshield protector is in place. With it over the windshield, the windshield wipers would hold it to the glass while going down the highway. Matching female snaps could be installed easily on the PVC liner. These can be purchased at a marine dealer or an upholstery shop.
Putting that cover over the windshield would also protect the glass from bugs while driving home in the evening.
I have used this material and it is easy to work with and is very durable. Unlike canvas it does not rip or deteriorate in the sun.

[mav186]

Hey Guys...I just wanted to say 'thanks' for the great suggestions, ideas and links! I appreciate it.