$2200 for side curtains?

[ashedd]

I was just quoted around $2200 to install side curtains and rear curtain to an existing top with the zippers already installed. The top is a year old and the previous owner had the zippers installed to anticipate side/rear panels later. It's a 20' wood cruiser and the top has the bimini and rear section. The total length of the top is maybe ten feet, but more like 8. Am I missing something here? I think I could make curtains myself and have them turn out reasonably good. Should I get another estimate or does this sound like the going rate? Oh, and it would take 2 moths before they can do it...

 

[airdvr1227]

High season but I'd shop that around.

 

[Scott Danforth]

this is the worst time of year for the canvas guys as they are busy. if you want a great price, wait until winter and the price will most likely be less than half

how much eisenglass/stratoglass on the side curtains are you having quoted? the cost of the eisenglass/stratoglass is about $140/ yard

I also agree, check around.

 

[Fireman431]

I run an upholstery & canvas shop. First, a couple of things:

1) any quality shop is busy year 'round. There is no "slow" time. And if there were, the price certainly would not be 'cut in half'. There just isn't that much profit built into canvas work. Sunbrella is $15.00/yard. Then eisenglass (depending on gauge) runs 12.00-15.00/yard. Then stainless twist locks & stainless snaps, keterwelting, zippers, screening, reinforcing webbing, Tenera thread is almost $200 per spool!

2) get 3 quotes and make sure they are quoting apples to apples. Same materials & same construction.

3) You didn't note any measurements on the curtains or the design, but a "standard" size curtain (say 60" wide x 60" tall) will run anywhere from $350-$400 each. More if you add screens. And it's a lot tougher to add curtains "after the fact" on bimini construction. Much more labor intensive. In all, if measurements were close, you should expect to pay $1500-$1900....roughly. Maybe a bit more more if it's a quality shop with great references.

 

[JoLin]

3) You didn't note any measurements on the curtains or the design, but a "standard" size curtain (say 60" wide x 60" tall) will run anywhere from $350-$400 each. More if you add screens. And it's a lot tougher to add curtains "after the fact" on bimini construction. Much more labor intensive. In all, if measurements were close, you should expect to pay $1500-$1900....roughly. Maybe a bit more more if it's a quality shop with great references.

I needed a new enclosure for my Four Winns a few years back, and a very reputable and reasonable shop in my area told me basically the same thing. It costs about the same to make a new bimini and enclosure, as it costs to try and fit new stuff to an existing top.

 

[Fireman431]

^^^^^Exactly