I am trying to decide on whether to opt for the rear cockpit glass that started as an option in 2015 (if memory serves me correctly). I can see the advantages in bad weather or stormy days at sea, plus not having to deal with isinglass. Also I hear it cuts down on engine noise under cruise. On the other hand I like the open feel without it, especially on a day out with friends and family. I am coming from smaller PCs and it?s nice to be able to be at the helm while still feeling connected with the aft lounge. The door seems to splits the aft in half. I am also wondering if the isinglass provides enough insulation when using the 30k BTU A/C in either hot or cold weather. If anybody who has experience either way could share their experience it would be greatly appreciated. I am finding this to be a tough decision! Thank you!
Rear cockpit Glass Door - To Be or Not to Be
- Thread starter SkipperH
- Start date
That is a great question and one that I pondered for months before deciding against the glass door. Before we bought our 2017 45 we looked at many of the "new style" boats with the large glass doors that separated the outside from the inside environment. After determining that we did not like how the new boats were designed with living space up and the staterooms down we turned our attention to the classic design of Formula with the idea that we would buy a new one then we realized that Formula canceled the line in 2020.
We decided that for the way we boat the glass door would infringe on our cockpit space and would separate our friends into two different areas while boating which we did not want to do as we use our boat for social gatherings with friends and family. For us the roll up isinglass divider is super easy to use and quickly rolls up when you want the open air feel of boating. To answer your question about heat and cooling I find that the cockpit AC/ Heat unit is more that adequate to keep you comfortable with the isinglass up or down unless you are in south Florida or in the upper peninsula of Michigan. From a noise standpoint I find the Formula 45 with IPS to be very quite and smooth so the engine noise does not bother me at all. Coming out of a 48 Sea Ray Sundancer with Cummins and shafts this is a much quieter boat than what we had before.
So it really comes down to personal preferences on how you will use the boat and how many people you entertain while underway. Once you determine that it will be an easy decision .
We decided that for the way we boat the glass door would infringe on our cockpit space and would separate our friends into two different areas while boating which we did not want to do as we use our boat for social gatherings with friends and family. For us the roll up isinglass divider is super easy to use and quickly rolls up when you want the open air feel of boating. To answer your question about heat and cooling I find that the cockpit AC/ Heat unit is more that adequate to keep you comfortable with the isinglass up or down unless you are in south Florida or in the upper peninsula of Michigan. From a noise standpoint I find the Formula 45 with IPS to be very quite and smooth so the engine noise does not bother me at all. Coming out of a 48 Sea Ray Sundancer with Cummins and shafts this is a much quieter boat than what we had before.
So it really comes down to personal preferences on how you will use the boat and how many people you entertain while underway. Once you determine that it will be an easy decision .
Last edited:
axapowell
Member
I am going to agree and we opted for the open cockpit. We also entertain frequently and the glass door would impede that environment. We also looked at several 45?s and decided that if we needed it, we could use the mid-curtain isinglass or the rear drop to keep the cool or heat in. On our way home with the boat, I installed the mid curtain and cruised up the Hudson at 30 mph with the AC on. It was in the high 80?s that day outside and we were very comfortable. Noise was very low, as a matter of fact, I commented it was like driving a car, not a boat!
I?m sure others will comment about security, that was a thought for us as well. Formula could have done better with the cabin door lock?
Dave
I?m sure others will comment about security, that was a thought for us as well. Formula could have done better with the cabin door lock?
Dave
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Thank you for the very helpful replies. You both have confirmed what I was thinking. My first reaction when I saw the door was that it really isolated passengers sitting in the aft lounge. I am coming from a 34PC and it's nice that when sitting at the helm you can talk to folks sitting aft. Dave, your picture is worth a thousand words in that regard! . On the 34 you also have a "world" view aft when the Isinglass is rolled up. However I hate dealing with Isinglass. No matter how well installed and maintained the forward panels always leak water when it rains or when in heavy chop. The 45 without the door seems to be the best of both worlds, full windows up front but open world view in the back. I have struck up a deal for one without the door. Anyone looking for a 34 PC? 
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