How does white acrylic windscreen compare to regular framed windshield
 

I'm looking at a performance series Baja (Boss package) and it has the white acrylic windscreen (fairing) instead of the regular framed (glass) windshield. How does the windscreen compare to the windshield regarding wind blockage and durability? Its a cuddy cabin boat, so I'll be using the molded in steps to get on up to the bow, but will need to hold on to the windscreen, too.... are they durable? Also, how are the windscreens for keeping the wind out of your face, as compared to the framed standard windshields? With my hearing as it is, I cannot take the wind noise anymore.... we had a Formula 292 a couple of years ago and my biggest complaint (other than being slow) was the wind noise. The Formula's windshield stopped at about my neck so my whole head was above the windshield and that was one of the main reasons we didn't keep it very long.

Thanks in advance,
Bob T

I went from a 208 Islander with a windshield to a 24 Outlaw with the windscreen, if you don't like the wind you better find a boat with the windshield.

The acrylic screen on my 270 works well. Caution...you don't want to use it as support for climbing to/from the bow deck. They do break and are not cheap to replace (if you can find replacement). I believe The full windshield has increased frame support but I still don't believe it will act as climbing support.

The white windscreen on my Boss 302 is very durable and thicker than the clear one on my 25 Outlaw. I like the look much better this way over the windshield. My biggest complaint is visability while sitting down in the seat is limited as I can't see the bow while idling along. The boat sits ass heavy.

What model? A .38 special is a lot deeper than a 232.

Thanks for all of the replies. Model is a 245. Having owned several Fountains over the past 15 years, it was always a pain trying to get to the bow (no steps - just climb up on the seat and over the dashboard), especially the older one's with the (unsupported) smoked plexiglass windscreens. The framed windshields on those boats were a huge improvement. Was curious if it is the same scenario with these boats, other than having the benefit of molded in steps by the cuddy door (still need something to hold on to, though).

Thanks,
Bob.

On a lot of the closed bow Bajas, the windshield still swings open in the middle like an open bow. Not too sure about the particular model you're looking at, but wouldn't be too hard to find out.

My hammer was thin white plexi and my 302 is quite thick plexi.

My windshield was painted to give my 280 sport a more modern look. It looks great but sucks for passengers sitting down because you can't see crap!

I went from a 01 272 Boss with a windshield to a 03 302 Boss with acrylic windscreen this year. I was dead set to replace the windscreen on the 302 with a windshield but after going out a few times on it i am definitely reconsidering. I do miss the step through windshield as it makes it very easy getting to the bow..bit more difficult with the windscreen but doable (sober at least). I am 6' and when i am sitting down and running the wind cuts right over me in the 302. My issue with the 272 windshield was the frame was right in my line of vision so either needed to stand or sit on a cushion to get over it or crouch down to be under it.

I am in the minority probaby, but do like the look of the windshield and especially after a medium tint to the glass.

The acrylic windscreen on a 302 is farily sturdy but if you put some force on it...it will defnintely move. Not to be used to pull your boat to the dock on a windy day thats for sure.

My fear was getting cut by the wind or windnoise in general....i am OK with that with the windscreen so think i will stick with it on my boat.

My 302 has the same thick white plexi wind screen, it works fine with good sunglasses and clear glasses for the night time rides. Obvious wind noise, but used to that from my Harley so it doesnt bother me. The wife really doesnt even complain about it just turn up the stereo and keep the exhaust open and all is good! Plus it looks better than the windshield.

I've got the windshield on my 272. I had a Sunbrella cover made for it years ago because I HATE the over grown skiboat look. I'm 6'3" and enjoy the protection it provides (always stand).

As far as stepping over it, you are asking for trouble putting ANY pressure on it. I've always left the bow line on 24/7. I use it to steady myself climbing the dash on the way out, and stepping back over on the way in. I NEVER touch the windshield frame and don't allow anyone else to step over it. I would guess unless you're over 6 feet, that might be a big step to make. We all know if you do break it, odds are no replacement parts are avaliable.

Again, thanks for all of the responses .... so, if I end up with the one with the fairing, and can absolutely not just get used to it, is there a market to swap out, or work a trade, for a windshield ... is that even a possibility? I would assume that the decks are the same (maybe a bad assumption ???) and it would be just remove/fill screw holes, and then replace??? I know on the newer "windshield" fountains, each one was more or less "fitted" to the boat, so it would not be an easy "remove and replace" on those ... are these the same way? Thanks for the replies ... I appreciate it.

I got your PM but just thought I would give my opinion here.

If you like the Boss package 245 boat better, buy it!

The decks are the same for both options and the windshields are still avaiable to purchase. Checkmate even has some for their 275 ZT that will fit perfect in stock. The 245 windscreen is the thicker 1/2" plexiglass that is much harder to break that the models with 1/4" plex. The venturi molded across the top edge actually works very well directing the wind force over your head at speed. If you put your face above any windshield the wind force is packed into your face.

If you don't like the windscreen you should have no problem getting big $ for it.

XT

The pic above....is that painted or vinyl wrapped or coated with what? Thx

I've got the short, thin, clear windscreen on my 33 Outlaw and concur with what other mentioned regarding the wind in your face. After riding a few different boats with and without windshields (including a 38 Powerplay without at 80+) I was really leaning toward a windshield. But you have to agree the stubby cafe look is very sporty. Anyway, I found the 33 with 4 bolsters and bought it so I didn't have much choice. Here's where I'm at with it...driving faster, rough ass LOTO, I want to be standing and don't mind the wind. When things are a little more calm and I'm sitting down, it's a non-issue and the wind goes right over my head, I"m 6' 1". Even when I"m standing and it's not rough for a stretch I can slouch down in the bolster and get out of it for a bit. Honestly, even in the rough water, it's not bad sitting down and I'm getting more and more comfortable running like that. I do however wish the windshield was a little thicker or a different design so it wasn't so vulnerable when climbing onto the bow.

I also received a brand new, still in the bubble wrap, windscreen with my boat purchase. The original, still on the boat, is cracked in a few places and I thought I might experiment with it a little...wrap, paint, something.

Did you make the wind screen yourself? I need on for a 252. you have any ideas? Thanks!