All,

As I work to spec out my new boat (21' Dual Consol Ranger or Triton), I was hoping you could chime in on the importance or effectiveness of the windshields.  It would be nice to have some wind protection running at 70 mph - especially in the spring and fall.  How do the various windshields perform and is there aftermarket upgrades to improve effectiveness?  Do you feel the windshield is important???

Thanks!

Last september I found myself whipping along at 55 mph on Lake Champlain at 7:00am during a tounament in a heavy rainstorm.

I had no console (or winshield)

At that speed water likes to turn to rocks

I now highly value windshields

Motorcycle helmet and a bottle of rain-x will work wonders. Not only in the rain but in the winter also. No frozen tears at 70 mph. A helmet is cheaper than a windsheild.

ive been 70 on a boat before in mid summer and there was no need for a wind sheild.

It's been my experience that windshields all perform about the same.  Yes, they cut down a bit on wind, but that's about it.  Rain will still get to you unless you huddle down behind the steering wheel.  

You'll get the same experience whether on a Ranger or Triton.  But excellent decision to get a dual console.

I only have the 18'6" Triton so I got a single console to make more room in the boat.  My windshield works great but my partner does like his very much--especially when it rains.

I like having only a single console because I tournament fish. Plus I am always the bus driver, so I am guaranteed a windshield.  ;D

It is nice for the Co-Anglers (and my wife the 3 times a year she rides in my boat), but I like the increased room to move that you get with a single console.

I may decide to get a dual console at some point in the future, but it would take a pretty strong arguement from my wife or one of my Co-Anglers to get that job done.

JT Bagwell

Some type of eye protection is a must whether you are behind a console or not. Can be a helmet, goggles or wrap around sunglasses with a GOOD lanyard. Try hitting a june bug at 70 and see if it don't leave a mark. Could easily loose your eye! Just as important as a vest IMO.

I like the single consoles, mor room to move around in the boat.

The windshield will help alittle in the wind, but the rain will always get you. I use glasses with foam inserts around the frame to keep the wind and rain away from my eyes. You can buy these for $20.00 or less at any store that sells waterskis or wakeboards.