I often find my window gets obscured with dried salt and I can't see through them , especially with the low angles of the sun in winter.
I've tried rinsing them with fresh water but that doesn't seem to last long..
Any suggestions for treatments that can help to keep it clean/ clear..?
it's not too much of a problem in winter as there's rarely anyone else on the lake but it will be as it warms up.

Hi Sue, I've been using this stuff called Vu Plex that is used for Bistro Blinds. It works well on the milky scratches. You can get it from Bunnings.

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Jetlag said..
Hi Sue, I've been using this stuff called Vu Plex that is used for Bistro Blinds. It works well on the milky scratches. You can get it from Bunnings.

The windows are clear it's just dried salt.. I have some protectorate? ( can't find the bottle) that I use if i do get any scuff marks...Is what you use something similar?
I wonder if Rainex would work? Would it damage the windows? Maybe the water would run off and not dry salty?
If people think it is safe i might give it a go?

The tips in this TWS link is what I use. I don't normally do the daily freshwater wash but soapy water wash downs are very effective.

Thanks. I'll try the detergent idea.
I've only noticed the problem in the last few months..I wonder if the salt builds up and then causes issues? I've rinsed the windows at home but next sail I get the same problem.
If the sail falls in the water it gets washed and goes clear again but then as soon as the wind dries it as I'm sailing the salt obscures the vision.

Waaaay back I was told to rinse off my sails after use with a car wash and wax detergent, preferably one with some UV protectant to help keep the 'clears' clear and offer some degree of UV protection. I have always done this, and the clears are always in good optical condition - but I have not ever done a side-by-side comparison to see whether its actually making a difference. At the very least the rigging area grass gets a good watering.

It might not be only salt. Anything a little bit oily or greasy in the water is likely to stick to the plastic and have algae etc in turn stick to it.

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Mr Milk said..
It might not be only salt. Anything a little bit oily or greasy in the water is likely to stick to the plastic and have algae etc in turn stick to it.

Could be some of that on it from Budgy..

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sboardcrazy said..

Jetlag said..
Hi Sue, I've been using this stuff called Vu Plex that is used for Bistro Blinds. It works well on the milky scratches. You can get it from Bunnings.

The windows are clear it's just dried salt.. I have some protectorate? ( can't find the bottle) that I use if i do get any scuff marks...Is what you use something similar?
I wonder if Rainex would work? Would it damage the windows? Maybe the water would run off and not dry salty?
If people think it is safe i might give it a go?

Vuplex was recommended to me by the professionals who built my boat canopy. Not many products are safe to use, long term, on clear plastics which is why they recommended Vuplex. I have used Vuplex on my NP sails and they come up clean and shiny.

Soap+water
303 protectant

Mr Sheen,

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Hardcarve1 said..
Mr Sheen,

That was going to be my suggestion too. Works a treat. Makes the sail look brand new again.

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Manuel7 said..
Soap+water
303 protectant

I think that's what I have - 303 protectant..
I'll take a sponge and detergent next session and give it a clean before I go out and see if that helps..

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qldnacra said..

Hardcarve1 said..
Mr Sheen,

That was going to be my suggestion too. Works a treat. Makes the sail look brand new again.

Been using it for 35 years on my sails and the clears on my boat. Alway keep a can on the boat because nothing worse than cloudy clears driving into the sun.

I rinse the salt and grit off my sails with fresh water when I can. If the problem is still there then I use white vinegar to wipe the window clean and that certainly helps if you sail on lake water.
You rinse off the white vinegar with fresh water, and that seems to keep sail windows very clear for a while.

If the sail is older and the window brittle or scratched, then you might try using plastic conditioner as already suggested.
The soapy water suggestion works for those people smearing sunscreen.

I forgot the detergent but I wet a microfibre cloth and wiped the boom window before I went out yesterday. It worked a treat!
I've been relying on hosing or pouring water on the window to clear it . The 'film' is like how the inside of your car windscreen goes when it fogs up and it needs a wipe with a cloth / sponge..