Re: hardtops
Nightride, <br />I have researched this topic ALOT as I am considering the same upgrade for my 23 foot open fishing boat. If you have the Money go to the ATLANATICTOWERS.COM or similar company inyour area and look at their custom aluminum hardtops, they're about $3000.00. (ouch!)<br /><br />Alternatively (like me) take a page from the wooden boat makers playbook and make one of resin and glass encapsulated plywood. Wood boat makers have been doing this stuff for centuries. Buy yourself a copy of WOODENBOAT magazine and take a look at some of their drawings and cross section blueprints of their projects for ideas. Its a HUGE resource. Look at boats with tops you like. consider tops you like, and ones you do not. copy them for style and form. <br /><br />I think the tops HINCKLEY yacht puts on their 40 foot picnic boat are works of art. They have a website too. What style is your boat? If you have a cigarette style racer an old time lobster boat top is going to look silly and not work for you. Conversely, a raked ultra-radical wakeboard carrier top is going to look weird on a classic chris-craft gentlemen's cruiser...<br /><br />My boat is modern, and so I'd like a more clean style befitting the overall look of the boat. <br /><br /> This encapsulating approach was perfected in the 70's. The materials get better each year. WEST systems epoxies are considered to be the best. <br /><br />Here's what I plan on doing. Make detailed notes on what you are going to use the top for- shade, protection from rain, and spray, etc... Write a one page specification and stick to it! Next get into the boat, make ALOT of measurements. How tall are you? make your top taller than the tallest person using the boat. How wide is your cabin? Make a measurement to fit your boats width plus any overhang you wish for drainage... How long is cabin? Again, any overhang front to back? Do you want solid glass, or are the clear vinyl panels OK? What kind of ventilation do you need? Can you get that ventilation with glass, Vinyl? Vinyl can be made in snap and zippers for nice days. Please consider making your hardtop with the following festures: a drip edge, and a curve for good looks and drainage, also consider proper support, etc... what kind of wood are going to use? Marine grade plywood isn't cheap, but 1/4, or 1/2 inch encapsulated inside fiberglass for the top part should be good enough. Do you glass already? If not consider doing some small test pieces to get you technique down. <br /><br />For the supports Mahogany, and or Teak are generally considered to be the standard. Do you have woodworking skills and tools? can you cut and join with accuracy? If you're going to use wood are you going to varnish it, or is painting your preference. Do you need rod holders? if so reinforce the mounting area with maybe a couple of extra layers of glass(?) Do you need an antenna mount pad? <br /><br />Can you weld aluminum? If so weld up a top frame for you project- What are your decks made of? To sucessfully attach the top please research reinforcing backing under any mounting areas. <br />Are you glassing it on, or are you using through bolts? <br /><br />As with any design project the quote worth remembering comes from the world famous architectiral genius Mr. Ludwig Mies Van De Rohe: "GOD IS IN THE DETAILS"
<br /><br />Have a happy holiday! and a great new year!<br />Santa666-
