canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

[jerzshaw]

Hi y'all<br /><br />Bought a new boston whaler nantucket. im like a kid b4 Christmas...can't wait till she is delivered in 6 weeks. I have 3 young children, who wanted me to get a cuddy ( i looked at used 21 conquests as well as grady 208 adventures). I just know what the smell can get like in those things, and i like my boating more simple.<br /><br />as a compromise i want to create some "cuddy-like" alternative in my nantucket. does anyone have any creative ideas how to do this in canvas maybe? pictures? places that do that sort of thing? thanks. first timer here. Sal [/LIST]

 

[sloopy]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

Congratulations on your new boat! some powerboats have dodgers up front to act as a cuddy cabin. Go to www.sailrite.com and email them, they are experts in canvas and sail making.

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

thanks sloopy

 

[sloopy]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

No problem. Anything else?

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

sloopy...looks like that website really does sailboat thingamajigs. i wonder/hope there are some on the forum here who have created forward shelters on their center console powere boats? how does it look? where do you start?<br /><br />thanks much

 

[sloopy]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

They do have a forum on the website, You can also email them. They are very helpfull people.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

Jerz,i have a Mako center console and i added a dodger and a bimini top.It works great for some privacy and protection.This year I had a plastic windshield made which attaches the Bimini to the top of the dodger and wraps around the side a little.Great for when it is snotty out and great for when it is chilly out.Charlie

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

hey crazy. that sounds great....who did you use? did they give you the plans or did you have to map it out for them?. my nantucket is coming with a factory bimini top<br /><br />thanks. ps do u have pics of how it looks?

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

Congratulations on your new boat!<br />I think the Mills Company will have exactly what you are looking for.<br /> <br /><br /> web page for Mills Canvas <br /><br />Mike

 

[airman]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

A comment from experience - get the framework solid, and right. Whatever you decide to build, the backbone of it is the frame.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

Sorry no pictures yet.It does work great.When you get the boat with the top on,sit in the seat in front of the console and put out your arm to measure how far you want the dodger to be away from you.Now sit behind the wheel and see your line of vision.This will determine how high or low you want the dodger to be.You either want to be able to see out the dodger window(mine has a zippered window)while sitting or you want to be able to see above it.Just make certain that you are not constantly stretching your neck too see above it or crouching down to see through it.You want it just right.It is best if the front of the bimini is on an angle to reach the top of the dodger.the air will deflect while running with it up instead of grabbing the wind or stonewalling it.Any decent canvas guy should be able to do it.Charlie

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

Thanks Crazy.<br /><br />Actually the salesman, as well as the manager, at Lanoka Harbor both were telling me to think twice about the forward shelter [ "There was one on the 83 Mako 19 CC I bought in Florida, and at first I thought it was great. The kids love it but you can't see around it when you are docking etc....its a real pain."]<br /><br />Your advice will help me lay it out right. Thanks. I think I will have the local canvas guy do it. FYI...about 1/2 the price that Mills wanted.

 

[BillP]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

I am kinda laughing about a fwd dodger being such a hassle on a 20'cc boat for docking...if they are done right a clamshell type dodger can be folded down and out of the way in about 30 seconds while underway. It can have clear windows all around and be made to open in the front for bow access without taking it down too. Find an experienced marine canvas shop and they will know the options.<br /><br />Forget Sailrite's dodger, it's basically a square bimini top with side curtains. I would go for a shape where the frame exactly profiles your bow/deck when it is laid down.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

The dodger Billp is describing is exactly what I have and is never a problem.In fact my wife prefers to enter the boat through the zipout plastic on the dodger.PS she is 5ft 3 and 106lbs.Most people should not attempt this maneuver without supervision or a lifepreserver.I DO enjoy watching her though!!If you are getting nowhere with design I will see if I can get a snapshot to send you.Charlie

 

[Link]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

You have a lot of good practical advice here.<br />I would like to stress several important points already made and one that hasn't been covered but you decieded on!<br />If you can find someone local have it custom made for your boat! (your choice)<br />A: If a problem comes up you have a place to go.<br />B: They will have plenty of pic's of work done<br />C: They will make sure the frame work is solid.<br />D: They will go out and sit in the boat with you to figure out arm room etc and will make suggestions. Little things like snaps vrs zippers and options like even though at this point you don't want screens.. but in the futher if you want them it's easier to add the flap for it now.<br /><br />And IMHO only :<br /><br />"I would go for a shape where the frame exactly profiles your bow/deck when it is laid down"<br /><br />Ditto's Ditto"s Ditto's There is nothing worse than stepping over or going under a rolled up canvas! <br />Luck to ya and your choice<br /><br />PS Congrads on the new boat..<br />Q: What is the difference between a BMW and A BW?<br />A1: BMW Thinks they have built the best car!<br />A2: BW Knows they have built the BEST Boat!<br />

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

Thanks guys.<br /><br />Spoke to local canvas guy (works with the dealer in NJ that I bought the Nantucket from. When it comes in I am going to bring my oldest son with me and have him sit in the bow area while the canvas guy measures. That was great advice.<br /><br />I was told on the whaler website to go to Mills. I checked em (I don't know why)and they are twice the price the local guy is, who is actually going to customize..<br /><br />PS I dont want you to think I am close-minded regarding Boston Whaler Nantucket as my boat choice. I also looked at the BW 18' !Dauntless

 

[BillP]

Re: canvas / sheltering ? for CC's

What price are they quoting these days? Which fabric and what's the frame material? My preference on this rig would be a stainless frame for strenth and Weblon fabric for a 100% waterproof shelter. Throw in a couple of fast pins if you want to make removal quick and easy. Also, a zippered cover is nice to keep it tidy when folded down.