Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

[ezmobee]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Today was the first trip, and we were close to the load limit of the boat (5 people or 750lbs). I had myself, wife, my daughter, and son, and my three nephews (these are all small kids). We totaled 600 lbs so we were within the weight of the boat, plus the top. The boat did have a little trouble getting on plane but running WOT for a few moments took care of that. Later when we hit smooth water and ran WOT, it only reached 35 mph. I ran 40mph with just me in the boat two years ago. I won't be able to run with the top and just me for a few days, but I don't think there will be much loss of speed.

I think 35 with a full load with an 85 is doing pretty darn good. Top looks great.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

It reminds me of the Popemobile

LOL That was Hilarious!!! But Really, That, hands down, is the sweetest looking and most versatile 16' you can pack into a boat!

 

[azlakes]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Today I made a cardboard mock up of the photo mock ups of the hard top design I posted a few weeks ago. Spent better half of the afternoon measureing and cutting cardboard. The important part was to get the sides and top on so I could sit in it and get a feel for the space it provided.

All in all, I was very happy with the look and feel of the hard top. Wife and I sat inside for a while discussing changes that would make it easier to do simple over-nighter trips with the kids. So next step is to go pick up some foam boards and start the fabrication. I will make the top easy to remove in one piece, just like the existing windshield. That will allow me to fit it back into the garage if I want to work on it inside.

Here are some photos I took. The wind started to kick up and threatened to tear my cardboard top off!

Congrats Mark, close to two years... man time flys. Way to stay with it!

 

[69starcraft]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Hey Mark

How about some pics of the INSIDE!

So far all I've seen is side views and what not

the pope mobile is too funny

seriously, snap some pics of the inside now that it's done


Dave

 

[oops!]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

awesome bud....just awesome

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Thanks guys!

Dave, the reason I havent posted pics of the inside is because the inside is not finished. Right now it just has a coat of white primer. After this vacation the interior will be covered with the light vinyl headliner with 1/4" foam. The foam back should hide some of the 1708 overlaps and be easy to clean. You just know kids will be touching the sides with wet salt water hands or baloney and mayo covered fingers so I want something easy to clean.

OMG, the amount of water these kids brought into the boat totally surprised me! A kid with a live vest, baggy swim trunks, and a water shirt easilly dumps a quart of water in the boat every time they come in. So glad I put in the recessed floor that is just glass on ply because the water runs off the edges into the bilge. But the remaining carpet got totally soaked. Its all coming out! Probably do a layer of CSM and ply resin on the floor and seat bases, then either gel coat or Deco Dot vinyl. But this wet carpet has got to go!!!!!

I still have to wire up the wiper motors and interior lights, and all around light so I brought supplies to do this. One thing that surprised me is that no matter how large a wave the boat hit, no water splashed on the windsheild! And even the side windows were dry after a day on the water.

Azlakes, its hard to believe it went from cardboard mockup to (almost) done in "just" two years. Thanks for posting that pic as a reminder of how far this project came. My brother was looking at the pics and said "I guess after using the cardboard top you decided to go with fiberglass after the first rain..." LOL!

Enjoy the 4th!

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Congrats on completing your project Mark! Every project you touch is a masterpiece, and fabulous to follow along with.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of the general appearance of that addition (no offense meant), but it sure is practical and I know exactly why you chose to build it.

Looking forward to your next project with anticipation.

/Chris

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

She looks awesome Mark

Congrats on a job well done!

Now, enjoy the water mate

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Congratulations my friend!

Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Pope boat thing it just way to funny! I about spit my coffee out when I saw that! Never seen the Pope car before....

Seriously though- Million times cooler than the Pope-mobile!

 

[redfury]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

It looks pretty nice on the water.

Actually, what it reminds me of is the imperial walkers the Ewoks fought in the Return of the Jedi

The lines are just too clean though, it needs something to help tie it in with the rest of the boat....some kind of graphic/accent/???

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Someone asked why there are no photos of the interior of the hard top. Here is why; its just primer right now.

From a distance, it just looks white.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Congrats on a job well done!

That has to be the biggest lil boat I have ever seen..Looks like she woud be right at home off the Oregon coast!

Fan frrekin tastic and the Pope Boat was a RIOT Bob!!!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Last few days were devoted to installing lighting inside the hard top and cuddy. Also added two power outlets for phone chargers, MP3 players, portable spot light chargers, etc.

Now I need to find the 12 v 931 bulb in a LED so the lights draw less amps. Also thinking about moving the battery from under the transom to farther forward, and add a second small battery for stereo, lights, etc.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

A few details...

Finally got to installing the gas springs to hold the windshield open. The windshield weighs about 12 lbs total, so I ordered a 20 lbs spring. After sitting open for about 3 or 4 minutes, it fell closed. [snip]

I know this is totally late, but nobody else piped up about this, so I figure I would. The mount point of you struts is why 20lb struts were not enough. Think of a see-saw lever and fulcrum. Since you mounted the strut near the pivot point, it has to actually lift (and hold) the equiv of much more weight. I know you have already fixed it, but I love sharing the physics of things. Physics just makes everything seem more wondrous to me. It isn't just a strut mounted to a window, the location makes it use xx% of the max capacity.. type stuff is cool to me

Awesome job on the finished product! And to think when I joined here the most up-to-date photo was a cardboard cutout. The wipers add a perfect touch to it. It is just well done at every turn, and to think it came entirely from your noodle and now exists. Superb!

Are you going to add a canopy to it for full-on weather coverage (and camping)?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

I know this is totally late, but nobody else piped up about this, so I figure I would. The mount point of you struts is why 20lb struts were not enough. Think of a see-saw lever and fulcrum. Since you mounted the strut near the pivot point, it has to actually lift (and hold) the equiv of much more weight. I know you have already fixed it, but I love sharing the physics of things. Physics just makes everything seem more wondrous to me. It isn't just a strut mounted to a window, the location makes it use xx% of the max capacity.. type stuff is cool to me

Awesome job on the finished product! And to think when I joined here the most up-to-date photo was a cardboard cutout. The wipers add a perfect touch to it. It is just well done at every turn, and to think it came entirely from your noodle and now exists. Superb!

Are you going to add a canopy to it for full-on weather coverage (and camping)?

Thanks for the comments! Its been a long time coming, and probably a never ending project boat as we all like to keep adding or changing things to our own liking.

Funny thing about the springs. I followed the manufacturers instructions for placement based on window weight, action (hold open, hold closed, no lift assist in first 20* of sweep, etc), length of spring chosen, and it was not enough. Close, but not safe.

Depending on the action desired, and space available to mount the spring, there are a number of ways to do it, even including extra leavers that can be added to make some funky hidden spring setups. But the bottom line is as you say. Ya just can't cheat physics.

Yep, next spring a camper back will be in the works. Just a simple snap on cover that goes from the rear roof line down to the splashwell. A zipper opening (probably just an L shape) where the swim step is will do for getting in and out. My sewing skills are not the best, but it should look acceptable. I'm thinking to make it 70% screen, 30% sunbrella type fabric.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Definitely go with the pope theme

Rename the boat pontifex maximus and call yourself the vatican navy

 

[drewpster]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

You could name it "The Pope Boat" or "Saint Bayliner" (no offence to my Catholic friends) Looks great! Now for my favorite part....Lighting.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Finished installing the lighting yesterday. Also added a pair of power outlets that still need to be wired up, and finish the "park" mode circuit for the wipers.

Will have some pics after I vacuum out all the mess I made.

Oh yeah, almost forgot! The marine speakers arrived and are installed. They sound great considering they are driven by a low watt OEM US Marine branded AM/FM cassette radio from 1984. The important thing is they fill in the eyesore where the original speakers were. They were missing the grills, frames rusted and rust stains running down the vinyl. Not any more!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

Will have some pics after I vacuum out all the mess I made.

I think I speak for all of us when I say that we're not worried about your mess

Just kidding, post 'em when you're ready. Just anxious to see that interior and the dash is all.

Those speakers sound good on the '84 cassette deck? That's awesome, I've got some tapes you can have if you are into late 80s-mid 90s metal and alternative rock

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "1600 Capri Hard Top" has begun!

My oldest upgraded the stereo in his car, and still has the original Chrysler AM/FM CD stereo radio. Might swap that in at a later date. Wonder how a car CD player handles playing CD's on chop? Its got front/rear speakers, so I could add the OEM front pair in the cuddy where they are protected from water. Just a thought.

I was looking at the headliner vinyl with the 1/4" foam backing that I saved a link to back in the planning stages of the project. The project plan listed the headliner from Sailrite as $19 a yard. Today I double check, the price is now $32 a yard! Darn, a over a 50% increase in price in a year!

Well, I can't afford $32 a yard vinyl. Too bad, because I was counting on the foam backing to hide the rough surface inside the hard top. But now, I need another plan.

Alternate plan for finishing the interior is plain upholstry vinyl in off white. The ceiling is smooth enough it can be glued directly to the glass. But the sides are not as smooth. So I picked up some 1/4" foam board, and I will glue the vinyl to the board, then glue or screw the foam board to the interior walls. It should look like the interiors of some cruisers I've been in with a panneled look.

Will have to check out Joann fabrics, and Walmart for some white or off white vinyl. I see light weight vinyl on the net for as little as $6 a yard for white.

Anyway, that's the plan to finish up.