This is odd. Yesterday I called CL and talked to a gentelman in tech support..I forget his name...anyway he said that my bimini top WILL work on the lower profile windshield. You just have to let out the straps far enough to compensate. Hmmmm. But the dealer I'm talking with says that he will charge me 300-350 labor to do the swap and fix any holes. However, they can't get a cost on the windshield itself from CL??? This is frustrating.

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Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI

Marshall, what are you trying to do?  I had a 2004 225 lpx and I moved the mounting bracket for the bimini to the top on the windshield and bought adjustable bimini poles.  I did have an updated, new style windshield with real glass.

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Marshall, My guess is that your dealer is trying to contact the wrong person. They should contact Crystal for parts pricing.

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Jim Duff
Crownline Boats, Inc

Scott,

I am trying to exchange the regular windshield that came on my 202br with the lower profile black (lpx type) windscreen.  I have been messing with this longer than I care to imagine.  First I was told by the marine dealer that if they swap the windshield out...your existing bimini top won't work any longer.  Also, that your snap on cover will not fit.  That rocked on for a couple of weeks.  Then I called the dealer back and he said they still haven't heard from CL about how much the lpx type windshield will cost.  They gave me a price of $350 to do the exchange/install and fix any holes that were created by installing the new windshield, but couldn't give me a total.  In the mean while..I call CL myself.  They said the bimini will still work!  You just have to let the front straps out farther.  They also said the snap on cover will still work, but it might not fit quite as tight as before...but still would work.  So I'm just frustrated messing with it.  CL sent me to parts and they gave me a cost of $689 for the windshield.  Sounds like the dealer is dragging his feet to me.  Looks like total for the new windshield and the install will run about $1000.  Someone said the other day on the forum B.O.A.T.    "Break Out Another Thousad".  That is too much to just change out a windshield.  :-((

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Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI

I can see how the cover would still be able to fit.  The snaps can be put on the windshield to match the cover. It would be a bit baggy, because the windshield is smaller. but you could extend the support pole to make it tight.  And they are right on the Bimini, but I would look at how they are mounted on the new LPX's and install it on the top like the new ones.

 Now for my suggestion! I have had 225's with regular windshields and a 225 with an LPX.  The LPX looks very cool, but is not very functional.  It is nice to be able to get a bit out of the wind when you want to.  So in order to have the best of both worlds and save a bunch of money....tint your current windshield.  I can send you a pic of my old 225 with regular, Tinted windshield.  The guy I sold it to tinted the windshield and it lookd great.  Good luck.  Let me know your address if you want a copy of the pic.

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Scott,

Please do send the picture.  And thanks

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Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI

The thing to keep in mind also is that while the cockpit cover might still fit, the extra reinforcement they put in the areas where it will contact the frame won't be in the correct spots.  My concern then would be the cover might chafe the frame and the extra fabric might also beat on the windsheild and cause it to get scratched up badly...

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Good point Mike!

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Jim Duff
Crownline Boats, Inc

Thanks guys.  I'm not going to change out the windshields.  It is too expensive and too many unforeseen after effects.  I will plan on tinting my existing one and getting the frame powder coated.  I sure like the look of the low profile screen...but I should have just bought the lpx model I wanted in the first place.

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Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI

You will have the best of both worlds....great looks and great functionality! Post pics when you are done.

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Marshal, I look at the LPX windsheild the same way I look at all the extra pillows on the bed.   Looks great but not functional.  I've had both and there are times, especially in colder weather where you just want to be down below the glass. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Mike,

Good point.  I do remember being out one day and a storm blew up rather suddenly.  I had to "high-tail" it back to the landing.  I got down behind the windscreen and didn't have a bit of trouble navigating in the rain.  Now I need to find somewhere locally that can powder coat.  I suppose the windshield has to be removed to do this???

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Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI