Out with the old and in with the new
Florida, the sunshine state, revered for its warm climate and tropical disposition, it’s no wonder everything from our cars to our yachts have tinted windows, but yacht tinting, in particular, can be a difficult process to undergo. That said, it’s a necessary one, what with our year-round climate largely consisting of blazing sunlight beating down and wearing away at the interior and furnishings on our beloved motor yachts. Let’s delve into some of the often-asked questions regarding yacht tinting removal, application, and care.
Do I really need yacht-tinting?
Yes, you do. Yacht tinting not only protects the windows on your yacht and more importantly, your interior, from the damaging effects of the sun, but also eliminates sun glare (which can prove blinding when out at sea or navigating into direct sun light. Other benefits of yacht tinting include IR protection from hotspots, guarding against harmful UV rays, and complete privacy for those on board the vessel while docked. Let’s face it, who wants to be stared at while socializing in the main salon from some curios deck hand 3 boats down
Why yacht tinting is tricky
With the South Florida yacht tinting market so over flooded with products, it’s tough to figure out which one to choose, but be warned: picking the wrong film can not only be severely detrimental to your yacht and its interiors, but to your own health and safety, too. Some window films are known to interfere with radio transmission and other necessary marine electronics while others don’t provide maximum heat rejection and deflect the power of rays. From an aesthetically-pleasing point of view, choosing the wrong window film company could result in the reduction of natural light in your marine vessel. Not to mention carless installation that costs more expenses and grief in the end.
Can I do it myself?
While you certainly can, it is definitely not recommended. Undertaking a task as large as this one comes with a host of problems from taking away your valuable time and adding to that the strain of needing to get it right first-time round, to no warranty or maintenance protection thereafter. Using a professional will end up being more financially-savvy in the long-term while also reducing the anxiety and stress that comes with doing the task yourself. More so, clients will be dealing with 3M certified professionals, ensuring a job well done. You wouldn’t want an unlicensed marine engineer working on your yacht, would you? Why should it be any different for all areas of your vessel?
How to get yacht tinting right
In essence, it’s important to get hold of a yacht tinting professional who is well-known and respected in the industry, ensuring that all of your interests are taken care of. Furthermore, ensure that the company you choose to work for uses quality yacht tinting products such as 3M which provides up to 1000 SPF and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. 3M tinting also protects against vandalism, thefts, and forced invasions while other tinting options can lessen effects from any hard impact or offer a combination effect of the above.
What to look for in a yacht tinting professional
Any company worth their salt will have the following:
- An insurance policy that allows them to work at all South Florida marinas
- A factory-authorized Warranty Repair Facility
- 3M authorized dealer (which can offer non-metallic 3M, guaranteed to not interfere with signal on your vessel or corrode, event within a few months.
- Offers a warranty against peeling and fading (reputable companies should offer this warranty for the length of time you choose to own your vessel)