Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

[Mark42]

I wanted to make a hard top for my Niagara and a Navy top. Saw an opportunity to get the supplies for the Navy top cheap yesterday on e-bay. I ended up buying a used bimini top that is way too big for my boat. My plan was to buy one new that was too large, then cut it down and modify it to fit. When I saw this one on e-bay I couldn't resist and bought it.

<br /><br />Now I have to trim the bows in height and width, then trim the vinyl and sew in new draw string, pleats, etc so it fits the new bow shape. Plus trim the leading edge to match the shape of the windshield frame and install snaps. <br /><br />Without a sewing machine I have to do this all by hand. Maybe my sister or Mom will let me strain their machines on this heavy vinyl (Ice cubes chance...)<br /><br />Any suggestions on how many snaps are typically used on a navy top? Or spacing?<br /><br />Worried about stress on the windshield where the screws and bolts go through it. Could be a lot of stress pulling back on the windshield frame when up to speed (30mph max). Thinking of adding a reinforcing rod from the center of windshield frame down to the dash, British sports car style. A 6x6 inch (or what ever I can fit) piece of plywood underneath the dash should help spread the load from the rod.<br /><br />This top is meant to fit a 80" to 88" inch beam boat, and is 46" high, 6 foot long and has 4 bows, so I have a lot of material to play with. I was planning on a 3 bow top, but with 4 available, I will have to experiment.

 

[BillP]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Hand stitching may not be too bad if you can get by with making darts to take the slack out. Snap spacing on my old glasser is approx 6" on center. To keep stress down you many want to mount the snaps to the ws with through bolts and cap nuts. All other fasteners will stress the plexi if it gets loaded.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Mark, my boat had snaps every 12 cms across the windsheild. I have seen many bimini tops fixed to the dash via a cable. 1 end attached to the main support pole and the other attached to the dash. The rig has ezy clips for fast installation and removal. Because the gauge if wire is quite thin, it's barely noticable. The cables were installed right close into the sides of the windsheild.<br />cheers

 

[Barlow]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Hi Mark- not sure on the hand stitching other than get a few good thimbles.. got perty good at buttons but that there is a different monster.<br /><br />not too sure if you've thought about 'em yet but might consider using those vinyl/hard rubber grommet/sleeve things in the through holes that the snaps are mounted in .. <br /><br />poor explaination I know.. sorry.<br /><br />I'll peek around for a picture of what I'm thinking of since my vocabulary seems to be a bit challenged right now

 

[BillP]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Mark42,<br />You only need two bows (one at back and one in center)if the the front of the canvas is attaching to the windshield.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

BillP,<br /><br />I was trying to cover 5 to 6 feet of the boat (stem to stern direction) and I'm thinking that two bows might allow the material to flap at speed. So I had planned on three bows to keep the material tight and short between bows. But now that I have 4 bows I could to a 4 bow top just because I can!<br /><br />I think I'll stay with my original plan for 3 bows for now. Time to put the boat in the garage and the car outside.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Mark,<br /> Check out these links (previous posts here on iBoats)...<br /><br /> homemade bimini top <br /><br /> Re-sizing a Bimini Top

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Ed, <br /><br />Thanks for posting those links. Great info and the material suppliers have very competative prices for fabrics. I may just order all new material.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

I have an inexpensive sewing machine I use for boat stuff like vinyl and whatever. I installed a heavy duty needle and the machine has never balked, and I have ran multiple layers of marine vinyl through it with no problem. I would use a machine that you have access to instead of hand stitching, you'll get a better result. Good luck, sounds like a cool project.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Oh Man! I was just going through the Rochford supply website and I see that they have a two bow navy top frame kit for $49 and a 3 bow bimini frame kit for $69. DARN! I just spent $75 bucks for a used top basically just to get the frame! I could have ordered a nice new frame for about the same price. Why is it that you buy something then later find out you could have had what you really wanted if you only new where to look.<br /><br />I feel like a fool. <br /><br />At least I can still get material and hardware from them at good prices.<br /><br />GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

[Realgun]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Mark thats what i needed you to do find me the low price for the frame.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Finally got some time to work on the top. The supplies I ordered came in so I figure I better get moving. The supplies are 5 yards of top material in white, and all the hardware in white nylon. <br /><br />I took the top I bought apart and layed out the bows the way I needed them, then cut 10" off the end of each bow then reattached the legs. Rented a conduit bender to change the angle of the bends from the leg to the bow. They needed to be just a tad tighter, maybe 7 to 10* or so more radius. Bent all the legs then retured the bender. (A lot cheaper than buying one, only $10 rental for the day).<br /><br />After fitting together all the bows with jaw slides, the whole unit was set up on the boat. Had the kids hold the bows while I measured and looked it over. Then made a few cuts and ended up with the frame as you see it in these pictures. The frame is setting on the boat and the bows are tied together with regular brown masking tape. Tomorrow I'll make some templates for the cover out of a plastic drop cloth and tape it all together with packing tape to see how it will fit.<br /><br />Here you can see the original large frame and the size I cut them down to. The short pieces are what was cut off the center bow section. The bender is in the center.<br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />Here the frame is assembled, but the last cut on the "master" leg is not done, you can see it extending down past the gunnel. <br /><br />

<br /><br />The frame is 51" from floor to center of both front and rear bows. The center bow is a little higher. From windshield to rear bow is 58" and from gunnel to top of bow is about 24". There is ample room to get to the front seats if you bend down a bit. I have practiced this quite a few times before deciding that it will work for me and most adults. Will see about my parents who are in their 70's. Dad likes to sit up front and spread out the charts when we go exploring. Got the OK from my wife on the height for rear seats entry and amount of protection from the sun. The kids think its cool.<br /><br />I have both top and side mounts that work with or without a slide track. Not sure just yet if it will be top or side mounted, but I'll need at least a 2 foot long slide track to get the top all the back to the splashwell and out of the way.<br /><br />Kinda neat, isn't it? I think it's a fair compromise between low profile for good looks and height for ease of entry/exit.

 

[BillP]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

That looks good Mark42. One tip to make the frame more rigid is to make the bases 12"-18" (it isn't critical) wider than the mounts. Then pull them in with tension for mounting...they take up very easily. It makes less wobble for people to grab. Same when adjusting the straps, make them shorter and clip with heavy tension. The top will take on a better fit too.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Thanks for the tips BillP. I had to get a brown/grey colored thread because they didn't have white. At least is is the V92. Oh my, the compromises we must make in our lives....<br /><br />Also, I ended up ordering the Odyssey III material. I'm surprised at how "light" the material feels. In fact, it is so light that it appears translucent in direct sunlight. Even though it is light weight, it is very tough.<br /><br />I would not be the slightest bit surprised it my wife wanted me to add side curtians after finishing the top cover.

 

[bigbad4cyl]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

wow you had a 4 bow top ..and you cut it down to a 3 bow top ....i seen some stainless tubing on ebay for 20 bucks for 20 feet could of had stainless ....i would make a see through vinal panel that snapped to the windshield frame all around.......then left the 4 bow frame nice and tall so you could walk under it.....and had a zipper that would connect the two...<br /><br /><br />?+

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

This is the top that typically was offered for these little runabouts. I want the low sporty look, but need a little more headroom for the family. This top is just too low to be practical. <br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />I dont want a hight bimini top. It just won't look good for this style boat. Plus it could become a real danger or problem when the winds kick up. This is not a very big boat!<br /><br />I have plans for that 4th bow. May use it as a rear support for a full cover extension to erect when anchored. But lets face it, there is only so much room for stuff on a 14 ft boat!

 

[breton26]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Looks good Mark. I finally finished my floor, now I just have to put everything back together after it cures in about 3-4 days. By the way how do you get epoxy out of your hair.....don't ask.<br />Chris

 

[Mark42]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

Good to hear from you Chris! Glad to hear the boat is moving along. Got some pics of the floor repairs?

 

[tengals123]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

looking good Mark42, nice job so far.<br /><br />cheers

 

[gewf631]

Re: Project "Navy Top" 7/31 update... Done! Woo Hoo

So far, it looks really good!<br /><br />$10 rental for that tubing bender? You obviously don't live in an area where the electrical code requires thin-wall conduit (EMT)! I think the last one of these I purchased only ran me $15. They're nicknamed "hickey's", because one of the companies that make them is Lakin Hickey.