Starcraft Islander Hardtops and canvas

[Sc25175]

So I am thinking about buying an Islander with hardtop that would be a total rebuild. I would like to extend the cabin area to be more like a traditional pilot house type boat.

How durable would a canvas type top be. Would extend it about halfway back from the hardtop to the stern of the boat and would want to pretty much leave it in place full time.

Issues? trailering, wear and tear,, etc?

 

[drewpster]

Re: Starcraft Islander Hardtops and canvas

The permanent soft tops I have seen trailer and wear very well. I think the trick is to use tough sunbrella fabric and secure it very tightly. Most are lashed with rope through eyes to a sturdy t-top. You would need a stiff built structure to which you would lash the soft top. I have a ready made Bimini top on my runabout that is made to take up and down. It works underway but I would not trailer the boat down a highway with it up. It uses a somewhat flimsy frame. I think a heavy stiff frame is what is needed and tight lashings.