canopy

speedemon

Cadet
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
20
does anyone know where i can find a new canopy for a 73 manatee cruiser. i have looked on this site but could not find the boat manufacturer. any help is greatly appreciated
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: canopy

if your wanting a soft top for your boat, ya usually have to have one made up at a tent/awning type store. custom made to fit.

if ya are wanting something else. you'll have to let us know with more description of what ya want. or maybe a pic of your boat would help...
 

1fishbone

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
476
Re: canopy

"Canopy" can mean different things on a boat.
A Bimini
A mooring cover
A storage cover
Full enclosure or camper style

For a 1973, and most older boats, the only real good choice is custom made.

There are 'generic' Bimini covers that might fit good, you'll need measurements of your boat to find one that fits.
 

speedemon

Cadet
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
20
Re: canopy

yes a "Bimini" is what i meant, and custom sounds expensive. what would be a good way to get an old one to soften up. doesn't have any holes in it just kinda stiff and nasty
 

1fishbone

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
476
Re: canopy

I don't think it can be softened up.
I had that happen to a "Sunbrella" top.

Since a Bimini is what you're looking for, a few measurement and few dollars can get you a new one!
Measure the width on your boat and go shopping for a 'generic' Bimini!
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
Joined
Sep 20, 2010
Messages
5,431
Re: canopy

Have you tried a canvas shop? I know were spoiled here in Colorado with a couple really good Canvas shops like Pauls Canvas http://www.paulscanvas.com/ but I would think there have to be a couple decent places in Florida?
 

speedemon

Cadet
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
20
Re: canopy

the bimini that is on it appears to be made of vinyl, and is still in good shape its just getting stiff from not being stored for a while. i am afraid that i will have to go to a custom shop for the cover since there are snaps all down the side of the boat that continue off the windscreen. but whatever, i'm just trying to plan right now since the guy that actually owns the boat abandoned it in my yard 2 years ago and hasn't contacted me about it. hoping all goes well and he signs it over, that would be nice.
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: canopy

The vinyl top may be a good pattern for the shop to make one from Sunbrella, so try not to damage it.
 

DaNinja

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 11, 2008
Messages
1,407
Re: canopy

The vinyl top may be a good pattern for the shop to make one from Sunbrella, so try not to damage it.
Having the frame definitely makes things easier. Any decent shop should be able to make a new bimini. I like my Sunbrella covers and biminis.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: canopy

Your going to shell out Bucks to get that re-made..just to let you know...Sunbrella or otherwise...

YD.
 

speedemon

Cadet
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
20
Re: canopy

yeah i figured it would be a good but of money. i was gonna saok it with some armor all and let it sit before i tried anything with it. i appreciate all the advice and links. if i can manage to get this boat from teh uy it will be my first boat. the deck feels pretty solid i will have to look at the transom though. it looks like a couple of the rivets that hold the trim on have pulled away so i need to get the motor off and the trim removed so i can see what is up with it. i just don't want to tear too deep into it since i don't have a garage to store it. if the transom is roted how hard is it to replace?
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: canopy

I just thought of something..

IF its a canvas type then you could try to pressure wash it real good..then take some Kiwi tent sealer to it. Check out the big outdoor play stores ( like cabellas or something ) to see what they have for canvas tent conditioners..

?? dunno just thinking ..

YD.
 
Top