Camper Canvas

[oumills]

I would really like to extend my boating season - especially given that the summer has been pretty much shot b/c of all the rain. :smt013 What's the 411 on getting the full canvas for my 240SD?

Do I go to Marine Max or a Sunbrella dealer? Any other suggestions? :huh: Thanks in advance.

 

[tphinney]

first step is to see if their are any local canvas shops that do this kind of work and get an estimate.

then go to your dealer and check on the factory price for the same canvas.

you may find that a local canvas shop can do a good job on a custom setup for less money than the factory.

 

[Larry&Leisa]

http://www.greatlakesboattops.com/

These folks do most of SeaRAys canvas and from what I hear ( and have read on here) do a great job at resonable prices. They will also be able to match canvas, zippers, etc .. But as tphinney said I'd check with the locals as well.

 

[oumills]

Good Advice. Thanks.

 

[RT 240SD]

When I was doing bow and cockpit for my 240SD, great lakes was approx 50% of the dealer and about 40% of custom... with me doing the snap placement w/ the great lakes option.

 

[Slrademacher]

2 yrs ago Great Lakes quoted about $1k for the camper top for my 2000 240 SD. They had the matching colors for the sunbrella tonneau covers I already had. You install the snaps onto the cover to match your existing snap locations.

 

[wish2fish]

2 yrs ago Great Lakes quoted about $1k for the camper top for my 2000 240 SD. They had the matching colors for the sunbrella tonneau covers I already had. You install the snaps onto the cover to match your existing snap locations.

do they sell just parts of the cover? I just want the isenglass front panels so if I get caught in the rain I can still drive?

 

[RiverRat]

2 yrs ago Great Lakes quoted about $1k for the camper top for my 2000 240 SD. They had the matching colors for the sunbrella tonneau covers I already had. You install the snaps onto the cover to match your existing snap locations.

do they sell just parts of the cover? I just want the isenglass front panels so if I get caught in the rain I can still drive?

You should be able to download the parts manual for your boat from the Sea Ray site. Then just look up the peices and color required. Call them with the part numbers, done deal! :smt001

 

[wish2fish]

RiverRat,
did you mean to call sea ray with the parts number or Great Lakes?

I contacted SeaRay and they want $400 just for the 2 pieces of Eisenglass. Aparently they are gold trimmed or something!

 

[RiverRat]

Either, these are the part numbers sea ray uses when ordering canvas from great lakes. So you can call the mfg. direct (great lakes boat top co.) using the same numbers your dealer does.

Only at a better price...

 

[Slrademacher]

I worked directly with Great Lakes.

 

[oumills]

Can confirm that Great Lakes is in fact MUCH less than SR. They can use the HIN number to make sure the colors match and will have it to you w/in 10 days. The only thing (and it's mentioned above) is you'll be responsible for putting the snaps on the canvas which I can't imagine is rocket science.

 

[Dave S]

Can confirm that Great Lakes is in fact MUCH less than SR. They can use the HIN number to make sure the colors match and will have it to you w/in 10 days. The only thing (and it's mentioned above) is you'll be responsible for putting the snaps on the canvas which I can't imagine is rocket science.

It's not rocket sceince but you need to be carefull of several things especially if you have to put snaps on the hull itself or you will crack the gelcoat. You will also need a special tool to put the snaps on the canvas. Sea Ray also has a "how to" document you can download on installing canvas. http://www.searay.com/canvas_installation.asp

But if it were me, I would consider using a canvas shop for the final installation. They have the know how and the tools and the cost shouldn't be to great.

 

[njmello]

I got a snap & grommet kit at Harbor Freight - had all styles of snaps, different sized grommets and a lock pliers with different slide on 'anvils' for each. Can't remember what I paid but it is a very nice set and I have used it many times. I'm no rocket scientist and other than needing the directions to figure out which 'anvils' (there's aboout 20 of them) to use with which snaps, have not had a problem replacing or adding snaps.