Frequently Asked Questions

Rainier Windows are constructed using our patented bonding and construction process that has been used and improved for over 10 years. The clear plastic substrate (polycarbonate or modified acrylic) windows are permanently bonded between two seamless layers of marine vinyl, including Ferrari Stamoid®, or solution dyed acrylic, such as Glen Raven Sunbrella® without any stitching. The viewing area is then cut away to leave a seam free watertight window that offers unsurpassed clarity, sophistication and durability.

For marine applications, Rainier Windows are offered in the finest Sunbrella® solution dyed acrylic fabric and Stamoid® marine vinyls. Rainier Windows are available in a wide variety of Sunbrella® and Stamoid® colors. See your qualified Rainier Window fabricator for the latest colors and grades available.

Polycarbonate is an advanced type of plastic that is truly unbreakable for safety. It is National Transportation Safety Board approved and widely used in many window applications including airplane windows, marine hatches, eyeglasses, face shields, and architectural windows. Rainier Windows only use the latest technology specially coated polycarbonate to offer enhanced durability, scratch resistance and UV protection from the elements. The Rainier Diamond series window only uses GE Lexan MR-10 polycarbonate as a window substrate.

Modified high impact acrylic is a specially formulated flexible plastic that is over 10 times more break resistant than regular acrylic. It offers UV resistance without a special coating and although not as scratch resistance as coated polycarbonate, minor scratches can be polished out of the glass. Modified acrylic also works well on tight radius corners and offers an excellent value for many applications. The Rainier Crystal series window only uses modified high impact acrylic as a window substrate.

Each product has its unique qualities and specific uses in the marine and architectural markets.

Polycarbonate has a number of key benefits over other materials-the most important being it is truly shatter proof, and has been certified by the National Transportation Safety Board for transportation applications. When special coatings are applied like those used on Rainier Windows, polycarbonate will resist most scratches, yellowing, and hazing.

Modified acrylic has been improved to the point that it is over 10 times more break resistant than regular acrylic. This improvement has made this material very strong and usable in the harsh environments at a lower price than polycarbonate. An additional benefit of modified acrylic is that it does not need to be coated for UV and minor scratches can be buffed out of the windows. This quality allows for tighter radius curves on different designs.

Yes, Rainer Window panels can be safely and easily removed from an enclosure. Rainier Windows can be flexed slightly without shattering, so there is no need to worry about breaking them when removing. Your qualified fabricator can also make window storage bags made with breathable, lint free fabric to store the windows in the boat or at shore.

No, Rainier Windows are made of polycarbonate or high impact acrylic.

Isen Glass is a name commonly used to describe traditional clear vinyl marine enclosure windows. The first clear vinyl windows were produced with a brand of vinyl called Isen Glass. Clear vinyl is a soft product that can be rolled, wrinkles easily, and also scratches easily.

In addition, when exposed to sunlight, Isen soft vinyl will haze and yellow, becoming increasingly opaque and difficult to see through after only a year or two. Also because clear vinyl is stitched to the fabric to create the window, dirt and mold are easily lodged in the border of the clear vinyl window. Without a watertight seal, water can leak through the windows as well.

Rainier Windows are flexible, but they cannot be rolled. There are a number of ways to design an enclosure to offer the same benefits of rollable windows. A vinyl window is primarily rolled up for ventilation or to see more easily. Since Rainier Windows are as clear as glass, visibility is not an issue anymore. Enclosures using Rainier Windows can easily be designed to provide ventilation. For instance, Rainier Windows can be designed to flip up and fasten or zip to a soft or hard top. Another popular design incorporates our unique track systems that allow the windows to function like sliding doors.

The manufacturer does not recommend the installation or the use of windshield wipers on the windows. Although Rainier Windows have abrasion resistance coatings, windshield wipers can cause dirt to etch and scratch the windows over time. This is especially true if salt buildup occurs on the windows.

Complete safety glass/windshield wiper insert kits can be found online if you require a wiper on a soft boat enclosure.

While some customers have used RainX, it has not been tested and therefore we cannot recommended it at this time. We recommend a similar hydrophobic coating product instead, called RainMagic, which you can find at their website www.rainmagic.com

It has been approved for use on polycarbonate and modified acrylic and offers excellent water and dirt repellency.

Size, complexity, and design considerations can greatly vary from project to project. Rainier Windows are made using only the absolute best materials available to insure the window will last as long as possible. Rainier Windows will typically be about twice the cost of a soft - vinyl window, but will last 2 to 3 times as long. Therefore the lifetime cost is actually the same or less.

Rainier Windows are designed to withstand the assault of almost any outdoor environment and particularly the harsh marine conditions. Please refer to the written warranty for specific details but there are bonded windows that we produced that have exceeded 10 years and are still clear and look great!