1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender - OEM canvas related question.

Bob St John

New Member
Nov 30, 2022
29
Boat Info
1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender (7.4L with Bravo 3)
Engines
7.4L with Bravo 3
Folks,

I've got a 1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender.

I'm replacing all the canvas covering on the boat. I got lucky and found the OEM canvas manufacturer for the boat ... Great Lakes Boat Tops. They are the OEM boat top manufacturer for Sea Ray and many other boat brands. Give them the boat's hull ID, and they will provide all parts of the OEM canvas (for, I believe, a reasonable price). I got my OEM replacement canvas from Great Lakes Boat Tops last week and I am pleased with it.

However, there is a problem with my boat ... I suspect that one of the two previous owners of the boat altered the stainless steel structure (probably to gain headroom) and had custom canvas made for the custom stainless steel structure. Needless to say, the new OEM canvas does not fit the custom stainless steel structure.

I think the best resolution may be to alter the "legs" of the custom stainless steel structure to original OEM lengths, but I haven't yet found those dimensions online.

Does anyone know those dimensions, or how/where to find them online?

Thanks,

Bob St John
 
As you now know, back in the day, it was more of a "convertible" top than a "bimini". As such, it attached directly to the windshield with no clear vinyl in between. With this style top, you're not able to stand under it.

It's going to get quite complicated to alter the new bimini to fit the old style canvas. It's going to entail more than just cutting the legs down. Much more. You'd be better off to see if you can get the original bimini frame. I'm not sure if you can, but the person that would know is KevinC here on this forum - reach out to him.

I have a feeling you're in a bit of a catch 22 here with what to do. Poles are not made to fit canvas... canvas is made to fit poles.

I know you just put money into this new canvas, but for the long haul, you are probably better off having a local upholsterer make new canvas to fit your existing bimini.
 
Thanks Lazy Daze ...

I know that Great Lakes Boat Tops built my OEM canvas based on Sea Ray specifications (without the actual boat in their possession), and I'll bet that some other company built the OEM stainless steel framework based on Sea Ray specifications (also without the actual boat in their possession).

All I want is to find the OEM stainless steel framework specifications, and, in particular, the "leg length" specifications.

The new OEM canvas from Great Lakes Boat Tops is already on the stainless steel framework that was on the boat, and it fits well except for that the top to bottom length is too short.

If I shorten the "legs" of the stainless steel framework, all will be good. The only question is how much I should shorten the legs, then I'll be able to shorten the legs to that length.

Thanks,

Bob St John
 
Thanks Lazy Daze ...

I know that Great Lakes Boat Tops built my OEM canvas based on Sea Ray specifications (without the actual boat in their possession), and I'll bet that some other company built the OEM stainless steel framework based on Sea Ray specifications (also without the actual boat in their possession).

All I want is to find the OEM stainless steel framework specifications, and, in particular, the "leg length" specifications.

The new OEM canvas from Great Lakes Boat Tops is already on the stainless steel framework that was on the boat, and it fits well except for that the top to bottom length is too short.

If I shorten the "legs" of the stainless steel framework, all will be good. The only question is how much I should shorten the legs, then I'll be able to shorten the legs to that length.

Thanks,

Bob St John
Did you ask GLBT about the framework?
 
Mitch,

Yes, I emailed GBLT yesterday, after I discovered the problem. I explained the problem essentially as I described it in this thread and asked for their thoughts on resolution.

I haven't heard back from them yet, but, in my brief experience with them, I anticipate they will respond in the near future.

Thanks,

Bob St John
 
@Bob St John:

Since you already purchased your canvas from GLBT they may be willing to get you the leg lengths. I would explain to them that the canvas does not fit properly and that you want to verify the framing to be original.

If you eventually need to get the framing contact me and we can get you pricing. We are distributors for GLBT and can also offer you the CSR discount. Framesets from GLBT do require the use of a freight carrier since they are shipped in one piece so the shipping will be a little expensive.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I will be happy to try to help.

-Kevin
 
Kevin,

Great to know ...

Thanks,

Bob St John
 
Folks,

I've got a 1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender.

I'm replacing all the canvas covering on the boat. I got lucky and found the OEM canvas manufacturer for the boat ... Great Lakes Boat Tops. They are the OEM boat top manufacturer for Sea Ray and many other boat brands. Give them the boat's hull ID, and they will provide all parts of the OEM canvas (for, I believe, a reasonable price). I got my OEM replacement canvas from Great Lakes Boat Tops last week and I am pleased with it.

However, there is a problem with my boat ... I suspect that one of the two previous owners of the boat altered the stainless steel structure (probably to gain headroom) and had custom canvas made for the custom stainless steel structure. Needless to say, the new OEM canvas does not fit the custom stainless steel structure.

I think the best resolution may be to alter the "legs" of the custom stainless steel structure to original OEM lengths, but I haven't yet found those dimensions online.

Does anyone know those dimensions, or how/where to find them online?

Thanks,

Bob St John

My OEM canvas on the frame for the same boat is hanging in my garage. Want all measurements?
 
Folks,

I've got a 1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender.

I'm replacing all the canvas covering on the boat. I got lucky and found the OEM canvas manufacturer for the boat ... Great Lakes Boat Tops. They are the OEM boat top manufacturer for Sea Ray and many other boat brands. Give them the boat's hull ID, and they will provide all parts of the OEM canvas (for, I believe, a reasonable price). I got my OEM replacement canvas from Great Lakes Boat Tops last week and I am pleased with it.

However, there is a problem with my boat ... I suspect that one of the two previous owners of the boat altered the stainless steel structure (probably to gain headroom) and had custom canvas made for the custom stainless steel structure. Needless to say, the new OEM canvas does not fit the custom stainless steel structure.

I think the best resolution may be to alter the "legs" of the custom stainless steel structure to original OEM lengths, but I haven't yet found those dimensions online.

Does anyone know those dimensions, or how/where to find them online?

Thanks,

Bob St John

These are taken with the canvas on, so not 100% dead on, but from the top of the rail to the center of the eye for the main hoop, then eye to eye for the short legs.

Forward leg that attaches to the windshield - 35"
Short leg that attaches to back pf windshield - 21.5" collapsed, 27.5" extended.

Camper canvas main hoop - 50.5"
Short leg to transom - 27" collapsed, 33" extended.

Hope this helps.
 
Joe,

Oh, wow! Not yet 100% sure exactly what your measurements mean, but I will figure that out tomorrow morning.

Please see the attached picture:

#1 - I think of this as the approximately 36" long straight support leg. How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?
#2 - I think of at the "main" support for the canvas structure. It goes through a "sleeve" towards the back of the Convertible Top. How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?
#3 - I think of this as a secondary support of the canvass structure. It goes through a "sleeve" near the middle of the Convertible Top. How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?
#4 - I also think of this as a secondary support of the canvass structure. It goes through the same "sleeve" as #3 (although that is not the case in the picture). How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?

Thanks so much Joe!

Bob St John
 

Attachments

  • 1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender - canvas problem picture (port side).pdf
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Maybe this will help a bit, handwritting on a phone isnt perfect, but i tried to color code it. I can drop the canvas and open it up for any measurements/pictures you may need tomorrow after work as well.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20230221_193147_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20230221_193147_Gallery.jpg
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Joe,

Oh, wow! Not yet 100% sure exactly what your measurements mean, but I will figure that out tomorrow morning.

Please see the attached picture:

#1 - I think of this as the approximately 36" long straight support leg. How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?
#2 - I think of at the "main" support for the canvas structure. It goes through a "sleeve" towards the back of the Convertible Top. How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?
#3 - I think of this as a secondary support of the canvass structure. It goes through a "sleeve" near the middle of the Convertible Top. How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?
#4 - I also think of this as a secondary support of the canvass structure. It goes through the same "sleeve" as #3 (although that is not the case in the picture). How long is this "leg" in your OEM canvas configuration?

Thanks so much Joe!

Bob St John

I see your attachment now. I'll drop it tomorrow, open it up, and replu wirh the measurements and pics.
 
I just want to make a point here that @Joe Zumpf 's boat is a 1990 250 Weekender and @Bob St John 's boat is a 1993 Weekender.

While the two may look the same it is impossible to say that what worked on a 1990 250WE will be the same as a 1993 270WE. This is even true for newer Sea Rays of the same year. There are some models with 3 production phases in the same year which means there was some change to the templates and design.

Personally I would wait to get the specs from GLBT to be sure either way. @Bob St John: For the time being I would try calling GLBT as I know they are extremely short staffed and taking longer to respond to emails.

-Kevin
 
I just want to make a point here that @Joe Zumpf 's boat is a 1990 250 Weekender and @Bob St John 's boat is a 1993 Weekender.

While the two may look the same it is impossible to say that what worked on a 1990 250WE will be the same as a 1993 270WE. This is even true for newer Sea Rays of the same year. There are some models with 3 production phases in the same year which means there was some change to the templates and design.

Personally I would wait to get the specs from GLBT to be sure either way. @Bob St John: For the time being I would try calling GLBT as I know they are extremely short staffed and taking longer to respond to emails.

-Kevin

They are the exact same boat. In 92 Sea Ray changed how they advertise their boats, and added a couple feet to the brochure and the sticker on the side. If you parked them side by side and took off the decals, the only way to differentiate the 250 from the 270 is the HIN.

Edit - GLBT confirmed for me last year when I was ordering a new cockpit cover that the patterns and snap positions were identical between the 250 and 270 for that cover. I supposed the camper could be different still, but the three I looked at before I bought this one were all the same.
 
They are the exact same boat. In 92 Sea Ray changed how they advertise their boats, and added a couple feet to the brochure and the sticker on the side. If you parked them side by side and took off the decals, the only way to differentiate the 250 from the 270 is the HIN.

Edit - GLBT confirmed for me last year when I was ordering a new cockpit cover that the patterns and snap positions were identical between the 250 and 270 for that cover. I supposed the camper could be different still, but the three I looked at before I bought this one were all the same.

Joe,

Looking at the pictures of yours and Bob's the framing assembly looks to be setup differently. I noticed a different placement of the slide jaws at the top - which if I am not mistaken were riveted in place at the factory. It also looks like he has an additional bow/support (labeled #4).

Based on your comments I did a little research and it does look like the 90/250 and 93/270 used the same frame sets from the factory. This is based on looking up the frame kits with Sea Ray part numbers for the two models/years and they look to be the same. However I always rely on GBLT over SRs as that was not always updated.

If this is the case then there may have been some modifications made to Bob's.

-Kevin
 
It does look like his is modified, but, looking at the pieces, he may be able to get it to factory spec pretty easily to accept his fresh canvas. Below is a snip from 1992.
 

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  • Screenshot_20230221_201334_OneDrive.jpg
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Folks,

An interim update ...

First - KevinC and Joe Zumph, thanks so much for your input and guidance above, it has helped me to quickly get additional detail to resolve the problem.

Joe Zumph offers a screenshot (above) from a Sea Ray specifications document for a 1992 Sea Ray Weekender. I now have the equivalent document for my precise boat (1993 27' Sea Ray Weekender). The image in my boat-specific document exactly matches the image in Joe Zumph's screenshot (for a 1992 Sea Ray Weekender) ... part numbers and all.

Based on KevinC's guidance, I spoke to GLBT customer service. They acknowledged the email I sent them 2 days ago, but simply have not had time to respond to it. They understand exactly what I need, will do some research on it, and will email me the results of their research.

Thanks,

Bob St John
 
Glad it helped. I'll pause on dropping the canvas and opening it all up, but if you do decide to go that route to get your canvas to work, just let me know and I'll get every measurement you could need.

On another note, id love to see a pic of your weekender with the radar arch on it. It's something I want to add to mine, but haven't settled on a design yet.
 
Joe Zumph (and others, if interested),

Sure ... attached are several pictures of the boat over the years showing the radar arch, and just 'cause I'm showing off, a picture of new gauges I had installed 7 or 8 years ago.

I get frequent positive comments about the configuration with the arch.

This boat was a salt water/oceangoing boat (in NJ) until about 5 years ago, so radar was kind of important. It is now a freshwater boat (on a large lake in VA), so radar is less important. While in NJ, the radar was updated to Garmin and it integrates with a Garmin GPS.

Thanks,

Bob St John
 

Attachments

  • Side view #2.jpg
    Side view #2.jpg
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  • New Gauges.jpg
    New Gauges.jpg
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  • Side view.jpg
    Side view.jpg
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  • Cockpit.jpg
    Cockpit.jpg
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