Enclosures - Materials & Specifications
Premium Window Materials
Crystal-Clear Visibility That Lasts
Your windows are the most critical component of your enclosure. Cheap vinyl windows yellow within a year, crack in cold weather, and scratch easily. We offer two premium window options - both engineered specifically for marine environments and guaranteed to stay clear for years.
Strataglass .040 - Flexible Window Material
The Industry Standard for Premium Marine Windows
Strataglass is the gold standard in flexible marine window material. Unlike cheap vinyl that yellows and cracks, Strataglass .040 maintains crystal-clear optical clarity for 7-10 years with proper care.
Why Strataglass .040?
Superior Clarity: Optical-grade clarity that rivals glass - you'll forget it's plastic
UV Stabilized: Won't yellow or haze like cheap vinyl
Cold-Weather Flexible: Stays pliable in cold temperatures (down to -40°F) without cracking
Scratch Resistant: Hardcoated surface resists scratching during cleaning and storage
Chemical Resistant: Stands up to saltwater, sunscreen, fuel, and cleaning products
.040 Thickness: The perfect balance of clarity, durability, and flexibility for roll-up or removable panels
Best For: Roll-up panels, removable sections, and enclosures that need to be stored frequently. Ideal for boats that want maximum flexibility and easy winter storage.
Makrolon .060 - Rigid Window Material
Glass-Like Rigidity with Polycarbonate Durability
Makrolon .060 is a rigid polycarbonate window material that offers glass-like clarity and stiffness without the weight or breakage risk of actual glass. Perfect for large window panels that need to maintain shape and rigidity.
Why Makrolon .060?
Rigid Structure: Maintains flat, taut appearance without sagging - looks like glass
Impact Resistant: Polycarbonate construction is virtually shatter-proof
Excellent Clarity: Crystal-clear optical quality that doesn't distort vision
UV Protected: Coated to resist yellowing and maintain clarity for years
.060 Thickness: Thicker gauge provides rigidity for large unsupported spans
Lightweight: Significantly lighter than glass while providing similar rigidity
Best For: Large fixed window panels, flybridge enclosures, and applications where a rigid, glass-like appearance is desired. Ideal for enclosures that stay installed year-round.
Which Window Material is Right for You?
Choose Strataglass .040 if:
You want roll-up or removable panels
You store your enclosure in winter
You need maximum flexibility for tight spaces
You prefer easier handling and storage
Choose Makrolon .060 if:
You want a glass-like rigid appearance
You have large window panels that need to stay flat
Your enclosure stays installed year-round
You prioritize impact resistance
Premium Marine Fabrics
Fabrics Engineered for Marine Environments
We use only marine-grade solution-dyed acrylic fabrics designed specifically for harsh saltwater conditions. These fabrics resist fading, mildew, and UV degradation far better than cheaper alternatives.
Sunbrella Marine Grade
The most recognized name in marine fabric for good reason. Sunbrella marine-grade fabric is solution-dyed, meaning color goes all the way through the fiber - not just coated on the surface.
Fade Resistant: 10-year warranty against fading
Water Repellent: Treated to shed water and resist staining
Mildew Resistant: Won't support mold or mildew growth
Breathable: Allows air circulation to prevent condensation
Easy to Clean: Most stains wash off with soap and water
Wide Color Selection: Dozens of colors and patterns to match your boat
Tempotest Marine
Italian-made premium marine fabric offering exceptional performance and European styling.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic: Color won't fade or wash out
Superior Water Repellency: Advanced water-resistant treatment
UV Resistant: Excellent fade resistance in harsh sun
Soft Hand Feel: Slightly softer texture than Sunbrella
European Color Palette: Unique colors not available in other brands
Stamoid
Premium coated fabric for applications requiring maximum water resistance and durability.
100% Waterproof: PVC-coated polyester construction
Extremely Durable: Abrasion and tear resistant
Easy to Clean: Smooth surface wipes clean easily
Excellent for High-Wear Areas: Door panels, high-traffic sections
Available in Multiple Weights: Light, medium, and heavy-duty options
SolarFix Thread - The Thread That Outlasts Your Fabric
Seams That Never Fail
Most enclosure failures start at the seams. Cheap thread degrades from UV exposure, causing seams to fail long before the fabric wears out. We use SolarFix marine thread - the premium choice for marine canvas professionals.
Why SolarFix Thread?
UV Resistant: Specially formulated to resist UV degradation
High Tensile Strength: Stronger than standard polyester thread
Guaranteed to Outlast Fabric: Your seams will be the last thing to fail, not the first
Mildew Resistant: Won't rot or degrade in damp conditions
Saltwater Proof: Unaffected by saltwater exposure
Color-Matched: Available in colors to match your fabric choice
Every seam on your Robie Canvas enclosure is sewn with SolarFix thread. We don't cut corners on thread - it's the difference between an enclosure that lasts 2 years and one that lasts 10.
YKK #10 Vislon Zippers - Heavy-Duty Marine Grade
Section Headline: Zippers Built for Thousands of Cycles
Zippers are the most common failure point on boat enclosures. Cheap zippers corrode, bind, and fail after one season. We use YKK #10 Vislon zippers - the heavy-duty choice for marine applications.
Why YKK #10 Vislon Zippers?
#10 Heavy-Duty Size: Large, robust teeth designed for marine canvas applications
Vislon Construction: Injection-molded plastic teeth that won't corrode like metal zippers
Self-Lubricating: Smooth operation even in saltwater environments
UV Resistant: Won't degrade from sun exposure
Designed for Thousands of Cycles: Built to open and close repeatedly without failure
Easy to Operate: Large pulls and smooth action, even with cold or wet hands
Saltwater Proof: Plastic construction eliminates corrosion issues
We strategically position zippers for easy access, weather-tight sealing, and long-term reliability. Every zipper is sewn with reinforced backing to prevent pull-out and stress failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my enclosure last?
With proper care, a Robie Canvas enclosure built with premium materials will last 7-10 years or more. Strataglass windows maintain clarity for 7-10 years. Sunbrella fabric carries a 10-year fade warranty. The key is proper cleaning and winter storage.
Can I leave my enclosure up year-round?
While our enclosures are built to withstand weather, we recommend removing them during winter months (or at least removing windows) to extend their life. Snow load and ice can stress frames and fabric. If you need year-round protection, consider Makrolon rigid windows and a reinforced frame.
How do I clean Strataglass windows?
Use only Strataglass cleaner or mild soap and water with a soft microfiber cloth. Never use Windex, paper towels, or abrasive cleaners - they'll scratch the surface. We provide detailed care instructions with every enclosure.
What if a window gets scratched or damaged?
Individual window panels can be replaced without replacing the entire enclosure. We keep patterns on file so replacements fit perfectly.
Can you add windows to my existing enclosure?
Yes. We can modify existing enclosures to add windows, replace solid panels with clear panels, or upgrade old vinyl windows to Strataglass or Makrolon.
How much does a custom enclosure cost?
Enclosure pricing varies based on boat size, enclosure type, materials, and complexity. A basic aft enclosure for a 25-foot boat might start around $2,500-3,500. A full cockpit enclosure for a 35-foot boat with premium materials can range $6,000-10,000+. We provide detailed quotes after measuring your boat.
Service Area
Based in Bellingham, Massachusetts, we serve boat owners throughout Rhode Island (excluding Block Island), southern Massachusetts, and parts of Cape Cod. We travel up to 60 miles for on-site patterning and installation.
Ready to Extend Your Boating Season?
Get Your Custom Enclosure Quote Today
Whether you need a full cockpit enclosure, partial protection, or window upgrades, we'll design a solution using premium materials that fit your boat perfectly and last for years.