Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

[jrmarsh]

Okay, before someone says "Hey idiot, you can find bimini tops here on the site" I just want you to know that I already know that. So, I have a 1963 Glastron Gulfstream V194 and want to either buy, or make a hard or soft top for it. Obviously, it's kind of a hard thing to find. I do have a soft top but it's in very poor condition. I just want a small portion of the boat where I can get out of the elements and I want it to look good. I'm thinking about trying to build one but am not sure if it's a good idea.

Any ideas or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
James

 

[ziggy]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

i've no idea how to make a hard top, but i sure do like mine that's oem. + it's a sliding hardtop too.

a couple of pics, maybe ya can copy the idea over to your boat??

as to how to make one. mark42 did up his boat real nice. http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,386,00.html a home made hard top.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

find a local upulstry shop and see if they can make you one using your existing frame.

 

[island mike]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

Try honeycomb,
Its a lot of work but worth it..
Good luck.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

I'm thinking about trying to build one but am not sure if it's a good idea.

You know how to sew? Have an industrial sewing machine? If not, I would suggest a marine upholstery shop. I know how to sew and have an industrial machine and I had someone else do the last one. Its a lot of work and more than you would first guess.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

I had a custom canvas shop build one for my Ranger Fisherman. I specified SS support members as I didn't want any problems at the speeds I planned to run with it up, and that was a mistake. SS tubing is much much heavier than alum and for most applications alum works just fine. I know you have your old members, but just in case you changed your mind.

HTH,

Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

i've no idea how to make a hard top, but i sure do like mine that's oem. + it's a sliding hardtop too.

a couple of pics, maybe ya can copy the idea over to your boat??

as to how to make one. mark42 did up his boat real nice. http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,386,00.html a home made hard top.

Back in the '65 time frame I saw one of those on the Gulf Coast. Seems the mfgr was using his head with the design... The slide out of the way function solved a lot of problems. I really liked the idea.

Mark

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

View attachment 119291 my old 1957 LoneStar ElDorado

 

[rivermouse]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

I also needed a little removable top for my boat and wanted it to look good, be sturdy and CHEAP to make,,Here is what I came up with....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

Ayuh,.... Pretty Cool,....


This is what I came up with,...
Junk conduit, hospital bed parts, 'n some railroad crossin' pieces...

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo303/Bond-o/Boat%20pictures/f15464.jpg

 

[rivermouse]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

Bondo..It looks good . Mine can slide back to shade the back seat or forward to cover the front seat. Only mod I need is to make it lift up for easy access to the front when I first get in. The first time I used it I got hit by a strong storm with 60 mph winds and the thing stayed in place nice and tight.

 

[red.donzi]

Re: Want to find or build a top for my boat, any ideas?

Ziggy, that looks great!