Building A Hardtop

[tallcanadian]

Has anyone build a hardtop on their boat? I have a 15'MFG trihull and will soon need a new convertible canvas. Mine still has the original top but its getting a bit seedy. The zippers are starting to let go, and frankly, its just looking dirty. I got the idea from a Grady White I was recently on. It got me thinking. The trouble is I'm not sure how it will look. I wouldn't want it real high. Just enough for me to sit in without smacking my head.
Thoughts? Ideas?

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, I would simply visit a canvas shop and have your convertible top re-done. It will not only be cheaper and faster........

adding a bunch of weight up-high on your old tri-hull not only takes away from its capactiy, however changes the center of gravity alot.

 

[JASinIL2006]

On a smaller boat, I'd be worried about it becoming top-heavy.

 

[southkogs]

This is similar: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1977-orrion-becoming-an-ocean-animal.579140/

Was done quite a while ago. Not sure I'd do it, but it was interesting anyway.

 

[tallcanadian]

On a smaller boat, I'd be worried about it becoming top-heavy.

I’ve thought of that. But it wouldn’t be a real big top. It be approx 5’ X 5’ ish. I’m thinking over covering the front seats, part of the rear facing seats and about 6” past the top of the windshield. I’d have aluminum tubes made for support and also to be Removable .

 

[tallcanadian]

This is similar: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1977-orrion-becoming-an-ocean-animal.579140/

Was done quite a while ago. Not sure I'd do it, but it was interesting anyway.

He did a ton of work. I like but for me, it’s too much. But I will give him props for having the cojones to go out on that big water in a tri hull.

 

[Woodonglass]

Merry Christmas my friend!

 

[tallcanadian]

Merry Christmas my friend!

Merry Christmas Mike. Always a pleasuring hearing from you. I hope the new year finds you and yours in great health and on the water.

 

[matt167]

Years ago on my dads old Starcraft Chieftan, he built a lightweight frame and fiberglassed it, and it worked and it wasn't more than 50 lbs or so. It didn't look pro and was quite wavy. Later he built a wooden top that was raised up about 8" farther, and much heavier. The boat handled it but it deffinetly made it rock more..

I would think you could go the lightweight fiberglass route without any issue. A canvas top has weight too. Check out Marty Zoffinger on Youtube. He recently did a fiberglass top much like my dad did years ago.

 

[tallcanadian]

Years ago on my dads old Starcraft Chieftan, he built a lightweight frame and fiberglassed it, and it worked and it wasn't more than 50 lbs or so. It didn't look pro and was quite wavy. Later he built a wooden top that was raised up about 8" farther, and much heavier. The boat handled it but it deffinetly made it rock more..

I would think you could go the lightweight fiberglass route without any issue. A canvas top has weight too. Check out Marty Zoffinger on Youtube. He recently did a fiberglass top much like my dad did years ago.

I’ll check that out. Thank you. I have my eye on a Fiberglass truck cap that I could cut just the very top of it. It’s almost the size I need. Then have some bars made up to support it.