Camper Tops??

[popeyefoghorn]

I have a 1978 Chris Craft Catalina Express 28' Hardtop, and would like to get a camper top for it. I have a local guy who does this type of work and he is going to give me a quote, I've heard it will be around $1000. Canadian. Is there any mail order companies where I could order one that would fit & maybe save some $. So far all the ones i've seen are made for newer boats.

 

[diamonddave]

Re: Camper Tops??

Ian, don't know of any mail order houses for camper tops, most likely it will have to be measured up and custom made. Where in Canada are you, in S.W. Ont I have names of several canvas people I have used that are pretty reasonable, but $1000.00 seem like a good price, depending on what they are suppliyng. Good Luck

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Camper Tops??

DiamondDave, Ya I live in Sarnia, Ont.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Camper Tops??

Ian,<br />Hello again...I have full camper canvas for my 28 Chris & love it. It can be set up either as full canvas or screens and makes a lot of difference when using the boat in cold weather...or when sleeping in the cockpit in the summer. I have a full width seat across the stern that converts into the best berth on the boat in nice weather.<br /><br />I don't know what the exchange rate is right now...but doubt that I could replace what I have for $1000 U.S. so that price sounds pretty good to me. I would make sure that the framework used to support the canvas is 1" stainless. If I can think of it, I'll try to find some pics of my setup tonight if you are interested.

 

[diamonddave]

Re: Camper Tops??

Ian, the company is in Camebridge, although I don't have the name or number with me at present. I will try to dig it out tonight and forward it to you. They do a lot of work in this area and come very highly reccommended. regards

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Camper Tops??

Relentless, pictures would be nice. It'll give me some ideas. You say you have a bench seat at the back? Is that original or something you added?

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Camper Tops??

DiamondDave,<br />Thanks but I don't have a trailer for the boat so I'll have to look at people close in the area. The boat is actualy in Port Lambton, which is down river from Sarnia, about a 1/2 hour drive.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Camper Tops??

Ian,<br />As far as I know the bench seat was added by a previous owner. It runs the full width of the boat and has a separate back which lifts up and then goes down beside the bottom portion to make a 7X3' berth. With the screens up on a nice night it is the best place on the boat to sleep. I'll try and dig out some pictures...beats hanging the blinds that the wife is after me to do.

 

[golfer]

Re: Camper Tops??

$1,000 is very low....I would be very concerned about that, especially if thats $1,000 Canadian ($700 +/- U.S.)...Price should be around $2,000 at least, maybe even $2,500-$3,000 for full camper top with zip outs...

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Camper Tops??

Well I have got some quotes on getting a camper top, looks like it will be about $2000can. What are your thoughts on 'Top Gun' vs 'Sunbrella' for the material? One guy claims that this 'Top Gun' is the way to go, says it won't rip. What do you think?

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Camper Tops??

We do camper tops. Depends on what you want. We recommend sunbrella. 30 Gauge glass is standard, 40 Gauge is nicer, but can still scratch, but the nicest of which to go is Strataglass. 40 Gauge, but with laminated pannels on the side. Please note: you can still roll strataglass up. and you can't scratch it. You will if you jab it reall hard with something.<br /><br />STRATAGLASS USERS: Don't use any harsh chemicals on it to clean it. NEVER touch it with sunscreen on either becuase it will permanently fog your glass!<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Camper Tops??

What the down side to "top Gun" material?

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Camper Tops??

Top gun material doesn't breath. Sunbrella breathes. Sunbrealla Plus doesn't breath. You should have proper ventilation to prevent molding on your top.<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[Nite_Ryder]

Re: Camper Tops??

Jazz is correct with the breathing, I would go with the sunbrella. aLthough Top Gun is also a great product.

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Camper Tops??

Yes it is. Not bad for a vinyl type material!<br /><br />JAZZ