1988 300 Weekender camper top

[JoeVid]

Newby not sure if this is the correct forum. I would like a used camper top. I have the bows. Doesn't have to be good condition, just something for me to stand at the stern of boat in a rainstorm without getting wet. My weekender does have the rearward slanted arch with zippers attached, if that matters. I'm doing my best to keep cost down, to keep arguments down, if you know what I mean. Any info on who to contact would be appreciated. Thanks, Joe

 

[QT1]

Good luck my friend on finding a used camper top canvas. I just soldmy 88 weekender and someone had the nerve to ask if I would sell only the camper canvas.

 

[JoeVid]

Well, I also have the nerve, my friend. Many boats this age take the voyage to Davy Jones Locker, be it hull or powertrain issues, etc.. Many have good cabin, cockpit components that are marketable.

 

[QT1]

JoeVid, don't get me wrong, I have spent many hours conversing with 300 owners here and in person around Maryland and I truly loved my 300 Weekender. I found a good canvas shop that was off the beaten path and first did the front section from the arch to the windshield, then I saved up to complete the camper section from the arch back to the stern/transom. The person that bought my 300 basically got 5K worth of canvas.

 

[JoeVid]

We're good. I like the camper top you had on the 300. I noticed you had the isinglass above the windshield going to the canvas top. Was it always that way, or did the old canvas attach directly to the windshield? Just asking because I question the headroom and visibility while standing at the helm with the top up, having the canvas to windshield setup. I do like standing at the helm, hence the weekender, but I'm not real keen looking ahead through isinglass.
My old Amberjack had the isinglass attached to the windshield. Which way do you think is best?

 

[QT1]

We're good. I like the camper top you had on the 300. I noticed you had the isinglass above the windshield going to the canvas top. Was it always that way, or did the old canvas attach directly to the windshield? Just asking because I question the headroom and visibility while standing at the helm with the top up, having the canvas to windshield setup. I do like standing at the helm, hence the weekender, but I'm not real keen looking ahead through isinglass.
My old Amberjack had the isinglass attached to the windshield. Which way do you think is best?

Like my 90 Sundancer, the canvas was attached to the windshield which I did not like. I had the isinglass added, but had half moon zippers added if I wanted to roll the glass up. I also am keen to standing up, my best driving position. My isinglass is always clear. I will be changing the 350 to add the isinglass up front

 

[The Bill Collector]

I lucked out when I bought mine '89 300 Weekender... It came with pilot house, fastback & camper canvas.

 

[dwna1a]

I love my 300WE, her PO is a member here. He had a well maintained set of canvas for the old girl, but the best thing is she has a hardtop.

Joe you may want to try Michagan Canvas. They have most of the templates for the boat. You will want to find a local shop to help you

 

[JoeVid]

Like my 90 Sundancer, the canvas was attached to the windshield which I did not like. I had the isinglass added, but had half moon zippers added if I wanted to roll the glass up. I also am keen to standing up, my best driving position. My isinglass is always clear. I will be changing the 350 to add the isinglass up front

Understood. I'm around 6' and hunching over to see were you're headed is uncomfortable. I want to relax at the helm. Isinglass is clear, but somewhat distorted. How about flip up lexan upper windshields? Just a thought...lol.

 

[JoeVid]

Oh, I forgot to ask, would you recommend attaching to the arch, or going over or under. Just so you know, I already have the zipper inserts for attaching to the arch, but I thought there might be a problem with water intrusion.

 

[Dave - M]

I just got new canvas made for my 270 this fall. I needed everything, including the frame. I could've gotten a little more headroom by attaching to the arch, but I was worried about leakage too, both into the cockpit and into the arch itself. So I had mine made under. It still gives me standing room under the rear camper and I'm 6'. I have two little isenglass windows sewn into the rear camper, under the arch, to allow light in from the arch lights.

I like to drive standing up, but its not really that comfortable in this boat and impossible with the top up without scrunching and crouching. Irregardless, I have isenglass between the bimini and the windshield. Lets in more light and can be easily unzipped for ventilation. This summer I want to experiment with some kind of booster seat that will raise me above actually sitting but will still let me fit under the bimini.

One other thing that convinced me to go under the arch : since the arch is mounted outside the boat, as opposed to flush, there has to be a transition from the arch to the windshield frame for the side curtains as well as in the rear for those curtains. I looked at some photos of some boats with the tops arch-mounted and I just didnt care for the way the side curtains looked

 

[boatman37]

I had a 1986 250DA before this boat and ad all new canvas made, including all new hardware. A local shop did everything using Sunbrella. I had them raise the front to add the isinglass above the windshield too. Total bill was about $2000. Estimates I got from 2 other shops were around $4400. The shop was owned and ran by mennonites so not sure if that is why they were cheaper or what but the work was top notch. My mother and step-father just had them make a full enclosure for their 21' pontoon and their bill was about $2000 (they used the existing biminis).

As far as the arch, I would think it would be easier to replace in pieces (and keep costs down) if you attach to the arch. You already have the hardware attached to the arch. I would guess the shop I use could make a new front section with isinglass above the windshield for under $1000. Then later on you could have the rear section made.

 

[JoeVid]

I just got new canvas made for my 270 this fall. I needed everything, including the frame. I could've gotten a little more headroom by attaching to the arch, but I was worried about leakage too, both into the cockpit and into the arch itself. So I had mine made under. It still gives me standing room under the rear camper and I'm 6'. I have two little isenglass windows sewn into the rear camper, under the arch, to allow light in from the arch lights.

I like to drive standing up, but its not really that comfortable in this boat and impossible with the top up without scrunching and crouching. Irregardless, I have isenglass between the bimini and the windshield. Lets in more light and can be easily unzipped for ventilation. This summer I want to experiment with some kind of booster seat that will raise me above actually sitting but will still let me fit under the bimini.

One other thing that convinced me to go under the arch : since the arch is mounted outside the boat, as opposed to flush, there has to be a transition from the arch to the windshield frame for the side curtains as well as in the rear for those curtains. I looked at some photos of some boats with the tops arch-mounted and I just didnt care for the way the side curtains looked

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of isinglass below the arch lights!

 

[JoeVid]

I had a 1986 250DA before this boat and ad all new canvas made, including all new hardware. A local shop did everything using Sunbrella. I had them raise the front to add the isinglass above the windshield too. Total bill was about $2000. Estimates I got from 2 other shops were around $4400. The shop was owned and ran by mennonites so not sure if that is why they were cheaper or what but the work was top notch. My mother and step-father just had them make a full enclosure for their 21' pontoon and their bill was about $2000 (they used the existing biminis).

As far as the arch, I would think it would be easier to replace in pieces (and keep costs down) if you attach to the arch. You already have the hardware attached to the arch. I would guess the shop I use could make a new front section with isinglass above the windshield for under $1000. Then later on you could have the rear section made.

I've seen over, under, and attached. I like the looks of the attached. Wish I could find someone selling a used one, but I might go the route you did. Cost is an issue for me (and wife!) so I have to be prudent. I'm just looking for something to keep everyone comfortable in the cockpit on a rainy or cool night. The cabin gets too cramped even for four people after a while.

 

[JoeVid]

I like the Mennonite approach. Quality work for less. I wouldn't like dragging this boat around to canvas shops for appraisals. Pulling this vessel twice a year is enough for me. I need a good shop not to far from Akron Ohio that I might be able to contact via email.
Do Mennonites use computers? I'd rather email pics of my boat and have them give me a rough estimate. If we can agree on a price, then I would transport. Anyone with a good tip please hit me up. Thanks

 

[boatman37]

They are probably about 1 hour east of Akron. They are in Conneautville, PA. Not sure about computers but they do have phones.

Conneautville Canvas (they might have changed the name to Erb's or something)
1-814-587-2755

 

[JoeVid]

They are probably about 1 hour east of Akron. They are in Conneautville, PA. Not sure about computers but they do have phones.

Conneautville Canvas (they might have changed the name to Erb's or something)
1-814-587-2755

I remember the area from visiting Conneaut Lake Park years ago. I will give them a call. Thanks!

 

[boatman37]

Let me know how it goes. My mother and step-father just had a full enclosure made for their pontoon and we are going to have them make a new cockpit cover this spring.

 

[boatman37]

Went to Conneautville Canvas this morning for a quote (now called Erb's Canvas). For a new cockpit cover just like the one on the boat in my sig pic it is $475. It is a vinyl material with a waterproof backing that never needs treated. I forget what the material is called. For all new Sunbrella canvas including both biminis and all side and rear curtains with screen in the rear section windows and with the waterproof liner on the bottom side of the biminis so it never needs treated the total is ~$2700 (total out the door with the cockpit cover). That's also including removing those 2 straps at the back of the rear bimini and replacing those with stainless poles. Also includes new boots for the front and rear biminis as we are changing to all black canvas. All of the hardware is good so no hardware will be replaced.

 

[JoeVid]

Decided to attach to the arch, like it was originally. Very satisfied with the results.