Re: Making a top/tower for my Traveler...
Hey Guys... hope everybody had a good "fourth"!! I REALLY enjoyed the new top, even if only temporary! Went crabbing all day on the 3rd, and it kept us in the shade quite nicely. Got a bushel, but sure seems that they're slowing down!
Thought I would take the time to address some who were gracious enough to take the time to give me some ideas.
NetMatrix - I've welded EMT with an arc welder before. It was an AC/DC Lincoln. Never tried with AC, but should be doable if that's all you have. DC tends to make a cleaner (less spatter) job. You could buy a a 110 volt little mig machine and build this top for WAY less than you'd pay for a new top though.... and have a handy lil welder when your finished!!
Revenge - Hah, I know that bridge quite well!! I am concerned about the bolt/pin holes, so I am making sleeve/bushings to be welded in the legs that the bolt/pins will slide through, giving a lot more mass in that area. I'll cut them long, drill legs for them, weld them in, cut and grind down excess. That should do it. Although I observed over the past week, everything fits together pretty tightly, and didn't seem to be any stresses pushing or pulling on my top. I towed with my top (tarp) in place at 65 mph!! Everything still feels very tight. I'll still go through with plans though, as I'll be removing and re-installing many times, and want to keep everything fresh.
Mark42 - Wow, I'll be checking on that pvc material for this, and certainly other projects!! We have a lumber yard (84) nearby, I'll be checking there asap! I don't know how much this structure weighs, but I can easily pick it up, flip it and lift it over my head. I also lift in onto my boat all by myself. Gotta be less than 100 lbs I'd say. I still have more to add to it though, gussetting, ligting, oh and ROCKET LAUNCHERS!! I didn't know that's what we actually call them!! I was thinking that my fellow iboaters were trying to lead me down a troubled path!!
Nice job you did on that bayliner top Mark, not to mention that gorgeous Niagra!!
You bet I will craigman!! Just taking it easy in the heat for now, and enjoying it a little. 100* today, and I'm not doing much outside at all!!
Mick - Always nice to hear from you Bro! Following you along with your build, and can't wait for your big splash!! Real soon!!!
Thanks to all of you for checking in and commenting. Nice to hear all of your ideas!!
Norm II
