Last Updated on August 23, 2022 by
Although giving hours of joy and relaxation, your boat or yacht may quickly become an expensive investment if not properly maintained.
If you want to lengthen the life of your boat, it all comes down to routine servicing down to the smallest detail. This is where boat window tint film comes in – something that is necessary and frequently overlooked!
Window tint is used in almost every car and marine craft to protect against heat and UV radiation.
Tinted windows are becoming more common as technology advances and the ease of application increases. Tinting film can be found in workplaces, homes, automobiles, and even on boats.
Boats, even more so than other transportation units, are more vulnerable to direct sunlight exposure.
In fact, UV-protected marine window tinting film is a mandatory requirement in some tropical states.
In addition to decreasing sunlight exposure, properly tinted boat windows also offer passengers safety. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to tint windows or don’t even know why you should tint your boat windows, as this article will cover everything about window tinting your boat.
So, let’s jump right into it (excuse the pun).
WHAT IS BOAT/YACHT WINDOW TINTING?
The coating or covering of boat windows with a uv-protective film or tint is known as marine window tinting or boat window tinting.
The quantity of light and heat permitted to flow through the window is altered by this layer, influenced by the type of film used (VLT or Visible Light Transmission).
Some individuals favor window tinting on the inside, while others prefer exterior/outside window tinting.
For extra protection, you can consider adding a tint to both sides.
BENEFITS OF TINTING YOUR BOAT WINDOWS:
If you want to preserve the inside of your boat/yacht while also increasing privacy and comfort, window film is a good option.
Tinting your vessel’s windows will protect the inside by preventing UV radiation. Without window film, the inside of your boat/yacht is exposed to damaging UV rays, which fade and degrade the interior. You may improve privacy and comfort by tinting your vessel’s windows.
Here are a few of the top advantages of tinting your boat windows:
- Reduces up to 99 percent of the sun’s carcinogenic (UV-A and UV-B) radiation.
- Improves skin and eye protection
- Interior fading and cracking are reduced.
- Extends the life of all rubber, wood, cell phones, audio equipment, and speakers.
- Improves air conditioning efficiency
- Enhances comfort
- It reduces glare and fatigue.
- Enhances eyesight and safety
THE STEPS INVOLVED IN TINTING BOAT WINDOWS:
Marine window tinting installation is quite simple and should not take longer than an hour or two to apply, but it does need the services of a professional.
People frequently attempt to tint their boat windows to save money, but such efforts can result in improper application. A professional tinting service is required for accurate and effective tinting.
But, if you’re still curious about the entire process, here are some important actions you can take in the same order to produce gorgeous marine window tints.
Measure and cut to size to fit your boats windows:
To apply a tint film, first, measure the size of your boat’s windows.
We recommend leaving around one or two inches of additional film before cutting the tint. This extra film can easily be removed during its installation on the windows.
Clean the boat windows first:
Before applying tint to windows on a boat, all of the windows must be clean, according to boat window tint rules. To thoroughly clean the windows, prepare a cleaning fluid by combining water and dishwashing soap. This treatment will leave your marine windows clean, clear, and ready for tinting.
Remove any residue:
Before applying window film to your yacht or boat, you should check to see if there is any residue on the glass. If you notice any small objects adhering to the window, use a sharp razor blade to scrape them.
You should be very cautious not to damage the glass while doing this. Also, use a squeegee to clean the window glass. This makes it easier to ensure that no residues are left behind and your windows are ready for film.
Apply tint film to your boats windows:
To begin, spray the windows with your cleaning chemicals.
Once wiped down and squeegeed, position the marine film over the glass to cover it adequately.
Finally, depending on the design of your windows, you can trim any excess film from the windows. Note, if your marine windows are pre-cut, you may obtain a special pre-cut boat window tint to make this step easier.
Squeegee the fluid above the tinting plexiglass windscreen over the window glass at the end. When all of the liquid has been cleared, your boat window tinting should be near complete.
Flatten and heat it:
After placing the window tint, squeegee it again to flatten it. It is recommended that you check for the presence of any air bubbles while doing so.
Squeeze the mirror edges to flatten them and the result should be an outstanding tinting job. The final and most crucial stage in tinting marine windows is the heating.
When the film is heated with a heat gun specific for window film, it becomes stickier and strengthens its grip on the glass windows. Heat-drying should be done using a squeegee in both sideways and horizontal motions.
IS IT LEGAL TO TINT YOUR BOAT WINDOWS?
Yes, it is legal to tint your boat’s window, but there are some rules and regulations to follow.
These rules differ from state to state and region to region but, for the most part, there are some basic laws, which you should be aware of:
- A tinted front windshield window should allow at least 28 percent of light to flow through. This is to ensure that the captain of the boat has enough visibility when operating the vessel.
- The side and rear window tint film should allow at least 15% of light to pass through. These glasses can be tinted darker because they are not as crucial for the captain’s sight as the windshield.
- The maximum legal reflectivity for all boat windows is 25%. If you opt to apply a reflective tint, keep in mind that the glare from your windows might briefly dazzle operators on other boats and perhaps cause accidents.
HOW MUCH SHOULD IT COST TO TINT YOUR BOAT WINDOWS?
Tinting your boat’s glass windows have several advantages, but those advantages come at a cost.
Nothing is free, and tinting the windows of a vessel will take some money, obviously, the cost varies significantly depending on 3 major factors: the size of the boat, the number of windows, and the intricacy of the shape of the window.
Tinting smaller windows with a flat form are straightforward and less expensive.
These windows are frequently priced between $50 and $100. Windshields are more complex to design and require more fil.
Boat owners should budget between $150 and $300 for this sort of work, depending on the size and shape of the windshield glass.
A more complicated tint applied to a curved or difficult-to-fit window is more time-consuming, thus necessitating more expensive materials and skills. This sort of project typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on the work required and the size of the window.
Summary of Tinting Your Boat Windows:
If you own a boat, you must maintain it properly! Window tinting is one simple way to accomplish this, and the advantages of safety and protection will go a long way.
Investing in a high-quality window tint film is recommended since it will save you money in the long run. Take immediate action and tint the windows of your boat to safeguard yourself, your guests, and the value of your boat.