Building a hardtop

[Delta Ron]

Yes, im going to build our own hardtop. I realize brandnew canvas, installed well and maintained may possibly provide a leak proof enclosure. But in my opinion, constanly having to get onto the top of the cockpit area to clean and apply whatever protectant that Sunbrella reccomends, is not attractive to me. I have a walking handicap, my balance is not the best. In this post Im hoping to hear suggestions of of items or issues i haven't thought of yet. Ill be starting in 2 weeks. Im ay use Coosa Board or some composite material. It will be 12' wide, 16' long. It will extend to the front of the windshield as a visor, go over the radar arch and extend to the swim deck. Im invisioning an upward slope from front to back. We are primarily in freshwater in the California delta, might occasionally stroll into the SF Bay. So im thinking this will be 6 full 4'x8' sheets, with exterior coated with a good exterior paint or such. I plan to add at least 3 full size solar panels for extended stays on the hook, to keep stereo going during the day, lights at night, and a few other things with minimal generator usage. Our boat is a 1990 350 EC.

 

[Golfman25]

You might have a heck of a time supporting the thing. Probably need some welded alum. rounds. You might want to do some searches for fishing boat with towers and such to give you some ideas. Good luck.

 

[Delta Ron]

You might have a heck of a time supporting the thing. Probably need some welded alum. rounds. You might want to do some searches for fishing boat with towers and such to give you some ideas. Good luck.

Its going to be really lightweight, i may add more poles just because i overbuild everything. I have searched around for towers and hard tops. Most everything is cookie-cutter. A lot of what you find out there are these hardtops for center console boats. Im sure there will be one or two out there that will do a custom build, covering thier cost and making a profit will go beyond my budget. I know im going to run into a challenge or two, relocating radar and other antennas. Thank you golfman25, any more ideas, please keep them coming

 

[dwna1a]

I will see if I have any photos of mine.

 

[JC3]

Sailing Atticus and Tula Endless Summer both (Youtube) built hardtops. Atticus was real nice. Take a look at how they did it. May get some ideas? GOD bless. JC

 

[Delta Ron]

I will see if I have any photos of mine.

Dwna1a that would be great, love to see it! Thank you

 

[Delta Ron]

Sailing Atticus and Tula Endless Summer both (Youtube) built hardtops. Atticus was real nice. Take a look at how they did it. May get some ideas? GOD bless. JC

JC3 i will go look now! Thats awesome, thank you!

 

[Gofirstclass]

I'd question building it with a front to back lean. I'm having a hard time envisioning it, and my biggest question is what would rain do when the boat is at rest. Would it run to the back and drip into the cockpit?

Maybe a better explanation of what you are thinking about would help this feeble old mind get the picture.

 

[dwna1a]

I do not know why they are upside down and I can't get them turned. Sorry

 

[Delta Ron]

The stern will be slightly higher than front at the windshield. Rain would run down towards the bow and drop close to the base of the windshield.

 

[Delta Ron]

View attachment 70939 View attachment 70940

I do not know why they are upside down and I can't get them turned. Sorry

Dwna1a, thanks for the pics. I tapped and held the pic, then chose view file and could see them right side up! Who built your hardtop?

 

[dwna1a]

I think it was a gentalman in Urbana Va. It is bowed in the center so the rain water runs off each side. I'm headed to the boat shortly if you need other pictures

 

[Delta Ron]

I think it was a gentalman in Urbana Va. It is bowed in the center so the rain water runs off each side. I'm headed to the boat shortly if you need other pictures

Thanks again, those pics are fine. Is that the original windshield? I noticed the wing windows!!

 

[dwna1a]

Yes. Everything is pretty much original. Those are older pics. There is a Battlewagon radar mount with a Quntom dome up there now

 

[Handsome Transom]

Nice looking hard top I would love to have one on my 268.but can't justify the outlay at the moment. Perhaps this winter I will attempt making one from fiberglass if the facility of time and money align with the right stars