Need advice on building Boat Top

[tonyscj5]

I have a late 70s aqua sport 19'6" fishing boat, it is the dual console not the center.<br /><br />When I got the boat it had a soft top for it, like a bimini but had side windows and rear zip away door. It was ugly and rotten, so we took it off. The thing I hated most about that top was I almost had to duck to see while driving, it had canvas that came down to the windsheild.<br /><br />I always liked haveing the enclosed warmer cabin for running 10 miles out salmon fishing. And I would like to get my antannaes mounted up higher out of the way, and it would be nice to have some upper rod storage.<br /><br />So, I think a canvas top that is fairly tall and has clear plastic windows would be perfect. I got some alluminum pipe recently at a scrap yard, and am planning on bending some up rights to support the top. I will probly weld flanges to the bottom and bolt it to the boat, but I am unsure what I am going to do at the top.<br /><br />Anyone done this before? Or have any advice or thoughts on how it should be done?<br /><br />Thanks Very much<br /><br />Also If anyone has any pics of nice homemade tops I would really appreciate seeing them for ideas.<br /><br />Tony

 

[tonyscj5]

Re: Need advice on building Boat Top

Anyone have any ideas, I am just curious about constructing methods and materials, common desighns stuff like that.<br /><br />thanks

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Need advice on building Boat Top

There's a couple ways to attack your problem.<br /><br />1<br />Make the frames to do what you want them to do when they are covered. <br /><br />Drag the boat down to the upholster's shop, give the guy his money, and tell them to 'fix it'. <br /><br />Have those folks put the covers/canvas on the frames, (which are where you want them to be) and let him attach them as he sees fit.<br /><br />When its done, enjoy your personalized/customized boat that does exactly what you want it to do, when you want to do it.... <br /><br />And feel good that you have helped support the local economy, and didn't help send a job offshore simply because you read all menus from right to left.<br /><br /><br />2.<br />Hack around with the Sun covers. make frames to fit them, but also try to make them work with your antennas, existing covers/straps, and other things until you get tired. <br /><br />Then, after a year or so of doing this,,,, <br /><br />re-think option #1.