Building hardtop

[sogood]

As part of the refurb on my Wellcraft Sportsman, I made up a DIY folding bimini, but preferred the option of a permanent hard top. I worked out the sort of headroom that I'd need and so, could roughly figure out the height that such a hard top would add to my boat. I'm thinking if I did go this route, that I'd use 1/2" marine ply with something like 1/2" x 2 1/2" hardwood ribs in the roof section, and wonder how durable this would be if it was sealed, treated, primed and painted using 2 pack paint. Or would it need to be glassed, filled, faired and then painted.
I'd be happier to keep the "top heavy" element down to a minimum. Final design is a way off yet, but I've been looking at and collecting pictures of other hard tops for reference.
I would be removing the existing windscreen and side windows and working from the existing level that these sit on.
Pics show the total height, temporarily marked out using some wood and a very rough photo shop image of what I'm considering. Any thoughts?

 

[kcassells]

I'm going for this look.

 

[kcassells]

!/2 or 3/8 sides, 3/4 top and yup glass.

 

[kcassells]

Check out this web their are more CC and wheelhouse builds going on. Provides some info to generally make up ways to do the build.
Go sell something. :joyous:

https://www.downeastboatforum.com/

 

[kcassells]

Ideas;
You should ask the mod to combine this to your original thread. They don't like multiple subjects out of the original forum.
Million concepts to draw from.

 

[dingbat]

Not a big fan of the "smaller" Pilot House style boats.

The Parker 2320 was on the very short list when I bought the Grady. Decided to go with the "convertible" after fishing a couple of pilot houses.

The "house" is not big enough to be good usable space until you get into 30+ ft.class boats. I would stick with a conventional hardtop with curtains for their versatility in a smaller boat.

 

[sogood]

Ideas;
You should ask the mod to combine this to your original thread. They don't like multiple subjects out of the original forum.
Million concepts to draw from.

Thanks for the input. I started a new thread as this is not part of my current undertaking. It's more of a vague idea that I'm considering. I felt that combining the threads might cause some confusion.

 

[kcassells]

I've been working on my vague idea for 5 years LOL! No biggy at all. I do like the idea haha! Always wanted a roof over meboat but not made out of canvASS.
Their are some wheelhouse builds going on here...take a look for construction ideas
https://www.downeastboatforum.com/

I do like the Parker top. Mine is 22' and it's going to happen. Shade for the wifey, little heat/cool, air and if it's striper season I'll be comfortable.

 

[froggy1150]

I want heat/cool too... just not sure how to do that on a boat???? Well I got time:faint2:

 

[dingbat]

I want heat/cool too... just not sure how to do that on a boat???? Well I got time:faint2:

neither are practical in practice on a small boat.

If you have an I/O with FWC you can rig up an automotive heater/heat exchanger. You can do the same with raw water but it’s nowhere as efficient and you have to worry about wintering the unit, hoses, etc.

No such option with an outboard. A conventional hardtop with full enclosure, long johns and a sweat shirt keeps me comfortable long after the fair weather boaters retire for the season.

Cooling is where the enclosed cabin lost me. Unless you install a generator to run a portable AC unit your pretty much stuck with a fan and outside ventilation.

This is where I prefer the convertible over 4/60 AC

 

[kcassells]

dingbat
Glad to hear your opinions thank you! Got any pics?

 

[dingbat]

dingbat
Glad to hear your opinions thank you! Got any pics?

Winter and summer modes.....

 

[kcassells]

dingbat
Looks Nice! Thanks!

 

[kcassells]

My problem is the boat did not come with a windshield. I've searched for replacements for years with little to no luck. By the time I build a windshield I may as well just continue with a small pilot house.

 

[dingbat]

B

By the time I build a windshield I may as well just continue with a small pilot house.

Or sell it and buy what you want like I did.

Took me me almost two years to find this one. At the time it was just 4 years old.

The guy wanted a larger boat and sold it loan value which at the time was about 1/2 the cost of new. The enclosure and seat curtains where still in the box. The only factory option installed was the hardtop and baitwell system.

I hunted down and installed all the factory options with the exception of a bow pulpit.

Considering selling this one and buying a Grady 232 for the 9’ beam and engine bracket

 

[kcassells]

Always like bigger but this one is a keeper for me. :joyous:

 

[kcassells]

Funny my boat is 222 feet. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have no right owning this boat in the first place and enjoy/hate every minute of the rebuild. My personal opinion is that I do not like any of the canvas options even though I have the frame work for it. It's just my personal call. Yours looks really nice, mine is a clump of elcrapo.
I had to think on your comments and understand.