Any do's or don't's in buying a canvas and glass enclosure

[pbolden]

Hello Everyone,

I'm going to be meeting with a couple of marine canvas shops shortly to get an estimate for a cockpit enclosure consisting of both canvas and glass. I'm also going to need a bow cover. Any tips on what to buy or what not to buy in canvas and glass would be greatly appreciated. I would like this to be a quality job. Any tips?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[alldodge]

Other then to use sunbrella it all comes down to making sure it's written down what your want, what price and when it will be done

Other then that, see if they have references

 

[vetting]

An be prepared for your butt to pucker when you see the price

Are you replacing an existing enclosure or will it be all new? Do you plan on going with a bimini or do you have a tower already?

 

[pbolden]

No, I am not replacing an existing enclosure. Also I am replacing the existing bimini with a hardtop which will have a keder track for the enclosure.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Bondo]

An be prepared for your butt to pucker when you see the price

Ayuh,..... I'll say,.... I built my own semi-rigid bimini top, 'n decided to close it in for a true 3 season boat,...

I scrounged all the materials, 'n bought the ensenglass brought it over to my ole lady's sister, who owns a canvas shop, 'n asked her to build what I envisioned,...
Her, 'n 'er ole man went to work, 'n built it sorta like I asked, not exactly, but close enough for me to make the way I wanted,....
When I went, 'n picked it up, she handed me the bill, 'n my butt went well past puckered,....
If that was the "I'm married to yer sister" price, I'da dropped dead from the "man off the street" price,...

I ain't had Linda do anymore work for me, unless it's a bartered deal,...

Gotta admit, it's a nice dry, warm cabin,....

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Sunbrella is my choice. I had a travel top for my 19 foot StarCraft bow rider made locally for $700.00 CDN, that would be around $420.00 USD today. I think that is a great price. No puckering up here. Does it compare to US prices?

 

[boatman37]

i got 1 quote so far at a boat show. it wasn't sunbrella but some other brand. for my 250 sundancer full camper top with the raised front with eisenglass above the windshield (including all new poles) was about $2700 but they had a show special if i put 50% down that day it would be $2200. i didn't go for it as it was the first person we talked to about it and i want sunbrella. they said they can use sunbrella but it would be a little more

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Top Gun is a quality material too.

 

[pbolden]

Thanks Guys. Anyone have any comments on glass?

 

[vetting]

I got 3 prices for replacing the canvas on my bimini and replacing the front and side plastic. All of the quotes were over $3000 and that didnt include a rear backdrop. Ah the joys of living on the great lakes....

 

[Bondo]

Thanks Guys. Anyone have any comments on glass?

Ayuh,... I went with the heavier 40ga. I think,.... mighta been 30ga...

It rolls up, 'n stows at the top,...