QUESTIONS, when building an enclosed hardtop cabin to replace canvas...

[chriscraft254]

Re: QUESTIONS, when building an enclosed hardtop cabin to replace canvas...

Really got my design juices flowing when you posted here. I have considered closing mine in since I got her, let the design phase begin. :facepalm:

 

[centerline]

Re: QUESTIONS, when building an enclosed hardtop cabin to replace canvas...

I have a couple of work projects i need to finish up before I start on the boat, but the first thing i will do is remove the upper windshield, the helm, and the interior cushions. then next im going to apply a nice thick coat of paint remover to the entire exposed surface of the boat, inside and out, and after the paint softens I will use a hot pressure washer to strip it of its artificial uglyness that some fool painted on it....

after i get it down to a clean base i can start fitting plywood panels to it in the shape I want..... a CAD 3-D program would be a big benefit to this project, but cardboard, felt markers and scissors is all the technology i have for the design phase here...

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: QUESTIONS, when building an enclosed hardtop cabin to replace canvas...

Be careful what stripper you use on the boat, you can destroy the fiberglass. I'm assuming this boat is fiberglass right?

 

[Teamster]

Re: QUESTIONS, when building an enclosed hardtop cabin to replace canvas...

I have to tag along and watch this,......................

 

[centerline]

Re: QUESTIONS, when building an enclosed hardtop cabin to replace canvas...

Be careful what stripper you use on the boat, you can destroy the fiberglass. I'm assuming this boat is fiberglass right?

the boat is fiberglass. I have sucessfully used jasco and tuff strip before without any problems. they are not the envirment friendly type, but they remove paint good.
i am not sure what would happen if you left it on too long other than drying out, but i dont intend to let it stay on for longer than it needs to work. a bit of softening in the paint and a hot pressure washer will take care of the rest.

they use paint stripper of one type or another in strip shops for removing paint from body panels, fiberglass and steel panels... some parts they dip and others they spray it on, then steam it all off with the paint.

if anyone has had any bad luck with a paint stripper dissolving fiberglass, i would be interested to know the brand of the stripper, because it will be some of the good powerful stuff that I could use from time to time...