Camper enclosure

Wgilly

New Member
Mar 28, 2020
3
Boat Info
84 sundancer
Engines
350 mercruiser alph one
Hi all I have a 1984 26’sundancer and would like to get a full enclosure for it I have a Bimini top but really want to enclose the whole thing can anyone recommend a place that could get or make for me? Thanks
 
I'm not sure where you are located, but about the only thing that will work for you is to look around for local upholsterers or canvas makers that have some experience with making biminis (bending the poles). To make a camper enclosure, you'll need a second, rear bimini. You may be able to buy an off the shelf bimini for the rear one - but you'll have to clear that with the person doing the work.

Of course, you could use your existing bimini and just add the clear enclosures across the front and sides - then the typical thing would be to add an aft, slant back cover - ideally with a window and an access zipper.

If there are no zippers in the current bimini canvas (or they are old/no good or of an odd size), then new zippers would need to be installed and/or just replace the bimini material.
 
I'm not sure where you are located, but about the only thing that will work for you is to look around for local upholsterers or canvas makers that have some experience with making biminis (bending the poles). To make a camper enclosure, you'll need a second, rear bimini. You may be able to buy an off the shelf bimini for the rear one - but you'll have to clear that with the person doing the work.

Of course, you could use your existing bimini and just add the clear enclosures across the front and sides - then the typical thing would be to add an aft, slant back cover - ideally with a window and an access zipper.

If there are no zippers in the current bimini canvas (or they are old/no good or of an odd size), then new zippers would need to be installed and/or just replace the bimini material.
Thank you
 
Making a camper top is kind of like having a suit made by a tailor from scratch. It is a bit of an art. There are gifted artists and some, not so much. A friend of mine had a 43' Portofino who had a top made for cash from the "lowest bidder". Saved about $3000. Ever hear, "you get what you pay for" - YEP... In his case the new top looked like a sloppy bag and leaked like a sieve. The installer didn't do much to correct the problems either and the owner came to accept "it is what it is" and live with it. He sold the boat a couple of seasons after that. I can only assume, the sale price was indicative of the boat's "curb-side" appeal being less than stellar...

Moral of the Story?? Do you homework on any potential camper top maker. Ask for references and take a look at their work. Ask around at the marinas about the quality of their work. It's better to pay the right price once and be able to take pride in your boat having a great upgrade!

Just my 2 cents...
 
I'd say the above advice is spot on and worth a whole lot more than 2 cents! :)

But I will also add that it's understandable that we're dealing with a sub $15K boat and it's hard to justify the cost of a good camper enclosure when you could sell the boat, take the $5K to $7K that would spent on the camper, and buy a newer boat that already has the camper.

But... Wigly, as long as you enter into this knowing the pitfalls, as Jimmy mentioned, you can make it relatively functional for less money. 'Course, if it's just front/sides and slant back - that might be a good compromise.
 
Making a camper top is kind of like having a suit made by a tailor from scratch. It is a bit of an art. There are gifted artists and some, not so much. A friend of mine had a 43' Portofino who had a top made for cash from the "lowest bidder". Saved about $3000. Ever hear, "you get what you pay for" - YEP... In his case the new top looked like a sloppy bag and leaked like a sieve. The installer didn't do much to correct the problems either and the owner came to accept "it is what it is" and live with it. He sold the boat a couple of seasons after that. I can only assume, the sale price was indicative of the boat's "curb-side" appeal being less than stellar...

Moral of the Story?? Do you homework on any potential camper top maker. Ask for references and take a look at their work. Ask around at the marinas about the quality of their work. It's better to pay the right price once and be able to take pride in your boat having a great upgrade!

Just my 2 cents...
Thanks I agree completely
 

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