Closing the Opening Under the Windshield on a Freedom 225

[Graybeard]

A lot of the duel console boats I looked at had doors to block the wind from blowing through the opening between the deck and the bottom of the windshield. My F225 came with the optional bow cover and that serves the puropse. But I was wondering if there's another way to close off this area without using the bow cover or adding my own door.....which would kill me because it would involve drilling holes in my new boat. Not to mention I'm not the best craftsman in the world. Or is it not a problem worth trying to address?? Thanks

 

[Fishtales]

Re: Closing the Opening Under the Windshield on a Freedom 22

Hi,

I have not been on that boat, but will toss this idea out there if there isn't a solution from GW. I'm assuming this is for snotty weather and storage conditions....

Personally, I don't like the door option. They will be in the way all the time, bang around and for the few times you use them, it might not be worth it.

What if you had a piece of starboard or duratrim 2" wide by 1" thick with a dado cut in it (to make a U channel - but leave about an inch block at the bottom), that runs the length of the opening, installed on both sides of the opening. This will allow you to slide down a piece(s) of starboard in the U channel and effectively make a wall to block the elements. You could have several pieces of starboard that stack on top of each other to make dorr storage easier. If you do multiple pieces, consider a lap joint or tongue and groove if you can so you have a nice seal and the wind and water are kept out.

The inch at the bottom of the duratrim slides serves as a stop so the first piece of starboard is positioned where you want it to. The successive pieces just slide in the channel in order.

 

[BobP]

Re: Closing the Opening Under the Windshield on a Freedom 22

suggest having a piece of canvas made for the opening below the glass. A canvas guy will show you some ideas as they keep photos of jobs done.

I recall many years ago having that on my 17 ft Cruisers Rally bowrider.
Did I say many years ago (?)