[ReelMagic]

I had a similar problem when I purchased my 2003 38 Open in 2007. The windshield was etched as you describe. Water spots and could never get the glass clean. I went to a glass replacement place that also installed bathroom glass showers and was told with a lot or elbow grease I could get it to look new... He sold me a cream (green color) that they use to clean the inside of glass shower doors etched from years uf soap drying on the glass... Wasn''t sure if it made sense but the investment was $20 in the cleaner and lots of effort/elbow grease... Took quite a while as the etching was very bad but it worked.... I used a scrub daddy that wouldn't scratch the glass and lots of rags. Mine came out looking like it was new and still looks great after 18 years... I'd go to a good glass place and ask before I'd remove/replace the windshield.. Mine is curved so I would guess it would be $$$$$. Luckly it all worked out. Good luck