Any tips for camper tops?

[airdvr1227]

We're considering a camper top for next year. Custom made. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or warnings? How do they hold up? We have a bimini...do they incorporate that or start new?

 

[shrew]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

A good canvas person should be able to get the camper portion to connect to the bimini portion. It'll most likely connect with a zipper. Don;'t expect the materials to match. Variations in production runs alone can cause issues and it's helpful if all material is pulled from the same bolt. Just sitting in the sun will change the color. In some cases, colors get discontinued. a little mismatch won't be a huge deal unless your a perfectionist.

If you're going to do a full camper back I would suggest considering the following:

If you can get a door that rolls-up, I would do so.

You might want to include some 'smiles' (zippered windows) so a window can be opened while the canvas itself is still attached. This helps a ton if you're hangin out in the rain. Consider getting screens installed in the smiles, this helps with bugs and reduces dew in the cockpit at night while still letting some air in.

Consider getting some zippered seams installed at the corners so you can roll the back alone up.

I guess it really depends on what you do with the boat and where you boat. In New England the spring and late summer gets cool at night and we find we put the full set of curtains up and open a few zippered windows for air flow. Maybe it's not needed down south.

Just a few thoughts.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

Thanks. Funny to here Ohio referred to as 'down south'.

 

[nlain]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

I had custom made for my 185Sport, it came with bimini, they sewed zippers on the bimini and made the panels all the way around. 3 piece in front, center rolls up, 2 large sides with zippered windows, 2 triangle sides and 1 large back piece. It works real nice, the photos were taken in February. They will need your boat to make it all fit.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

Nice looking camper top... I may do something like that to restore the camper top on my Chris Craft...

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

ingalp01, Its not a camper top. Its called a slant-back canvas on his boat.

 

[shrew]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

Thanks. Funny to here Ohio referred to as 'down south'.

Just a general statement. Not specific to your location.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

try sullivan, ohio, Sam Miller. worth the trip if just for ideals from the other boats he will be working on.

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

If you fish, then you may want to be able to have the poles out and still get to them when it is raining but stay dry. I have a slant back which reduces the stand up room and when removed to fish then the back half of the boat gets wet. So consider what you will be doing when having them make it. Shrew basically covered most of it; zip out screens that can have the plastic windows zipped into them would be ideal to cover all the weather situations but that can be pricey.

In the spring and fall the plastic windows are really nice to heat up the cockpit in the morning or cruising when the air is chill. We have be out when it has been pouring rain and even snowing and it was not very cold cruising and we stay dry. We bring a little portable heater and go fishing when it is 40?F out side and we are toasty warm. Use old towels placed in between the windows to protect them and just roll them up to store them.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

I had custom made for my 185Sport, it came with bimini, they sewed zippers on the bimini and made the panels all the way around. 3 piece in front, center rolls up, 2 large sides with zippered windows, 2 triangle sides and 1 large back piece. It works real nice, the photos were taken in February. They will need your boat to make it all fit.

I like the style. How much $ to mod that binimi?

 

[nlain]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

It was done at a local shop here, there were no patterns so he had to do it all the hard way, it was $2400.00, Strataglass and Sunbrella. He even sewed strips of Sunbrella so it matched the Bimini frame, keeps the frame from hitting the glass.

 

[arks]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

Sure, your existing bimini can be used and added to.
Custom canvas is a worthy investment and can last a long time, but it needs to be made properly.

Some thoughts I've learned about custom canvas work:
- Collect all the info you can and create a spec sheet listing every detail possible.
- Give it to at least 3 different shops for bidding. Ask for references and GO SEE THEIR WORK before comitting.
- Once you decide who to use, have them sign a simple contract with a delivery date. When I had canvas done I added a late penalty after the delivery date, deducting 5% per month until it was 100% done. My guy didn't like it- but did sign! It motivated them to complete the job on time.
- Sunbrella is made in 2 weights. Make sure they use the heavier stuff.
- Require the use of Gore Tenera thread. 100X better then polyester.
- Clear window vinyl is available in a variety of weights and with different protective coatings. Go with the best material you can afford. I like Strataglas.
- If you boat in saltwater have the supports made from stainless steel, not aluminium.
- Use Sun Sox to prevent burning where clear vinyl touches any support bars.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

We use Tumacs at Bennington and I am pretty sure they will do custom ones btu I don't know what they will cost, I am sure it is going to be salty no matter where you go but they have made hundreds of them and do first quality work.

I know they have a shop in Elkhart and I believe they are out of Pennsylvania so you woudl be right in between both shops.

I actally made my own which I really don't reccomend, it was totally worth it though, being out fishing nice and dry when it is 38 and raining is really cool.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

Make sure you take some extra time in designing it. Mine slopes down near the stern and makes it tough for an average sized guy to stand, and impossible for a tall guy. Plus mine has small windows, so 99.9% of the time, it's down.

 

[MPII]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

I do not want to "Hi Jack" this thread but I am also looking. I purchased a "camper" or more likely I guess a "slant back" top off of craigslist. It was originally for a Sea Ray 223 Sundancer and I wanted to try and retrofit to my Rinker. Thanks for the tips!

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

A lot of good tips. Make sure you know what you want, design wise, definately check the shops work with past customers, makes sure that they use the good thread. I have so many friends that 'saved money' on thier new tops that now look like crap.

 

[shrew]

Re: Any tips for camper tops?

I do not want to "Hi Jack" this thread but I am also looking. I purchased a "camper" or more likely I guess a "slant back" top off of craigslist. It was originally for a Sea Ray 223 Sundancer and I wanted to try and retrofit to my Rinker. Thanks for the tips!

I would not do this. This is like trying to get the convertable top for a chevy to be fit onto a Ford. The boats will not be exactly the same and it won't fit properly. You'll be lucky to find a canvas person that would even be interested in making it work for you.