Camper top for 340DA

[Radiorick]

I'm not sure where to post this so here goes . . . We have a newly acquired 2001 340DA. I talked with Great lakes Boattops about replacement visors and a camper back. They were quite reasonable on the visor set but told me that "Sea Ray did not pattern a camper for this model"

Has anyone had one made? I assume it would have to be made locally since a frame and attachments would be required as well as the canvas.

We're in the Cleveland area . . . any ideas - suggestions?

 

[Hampton]

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15728&highlight=Camper

 

[Hampton]

Moved here from 320 thread so I can find it in the future:

On my 340, it was about $7500, but I got Makrolon in front and Strataglass in the back, had screens made for three of the windows, and other nice additions.

Take your time and get involved. Tell them exactly what you expect. Where do you want the supports relative to the walk-around/cockpit? On the inner edge? middle? Outside? Do you want purely vertical curtains for maximum room or a shape that matches the lines of the boat/arch. Do you expect to be able to sit upright on the back seat without your hair brushing the glass? Do you want one large aft top or a bimini and an extension? (You probably will not take the top down.)

Get UV resistant, large, plastic zippers.
Get UV resistant thread.
Pay for Strataglass. Consider Makrolon up front.
Have them make the front, center piece so it swings open and snaps to the arch (if they're doing that much).
Do no let them make the piece behind the arch with a 90 degree angle at the top, back. It needs to be about 110 degrees so that the vertical line leans with the line of the boat, not opposite.
Make sure the first, whole piece behind the arch rolls up to access the walk-arounds. Have them sew straps at the tops the right size and placement to roll it up and wrap it, and snap it up.
Make sure they put at least a 3" flap over the zippers at the tops of the curtains. Have a way to snap them down over the zippers.
Don't let them leave holes that you can see out of at zipper junctions - have a flap made.
Don't use standard snaps, but the ones with poles screwed into the deck.
Have them sew plastic liners under the female 1/2 of the snap to protect the material.
Think carefully about what kind of material you use on the top piece.
Inspect the framework for placement, shape, and overall design before wrapping it in $4500 of material and labor. Have them change whatever you don't like before it's complete, not a year later like me.
Have them design the panel over the transom door to match the door's width, then mirrow that on the other side. The middle section covers the rest.
Don't let them put a vertical support beam in one spot, and then a vertical seam a couple of inches to the side - they should overlap.
Have your guy make soft, fuzzy pole covers to protect your windows.

That's all I care to write right now.

EDIT: Open the engine hatch to show them the limiitations at the back sides.

 

[gmathes]

We have a camper for our 2007 340 DA and love it.

I agree with John: open your engine compartment and let the canvas guy see how the boat looks with it up. On ours, we have to take the stainless steel supports loose before we raise the engine hatch. U-shaped cutouts up front and on the sides, screens in the sides make it even better.

Gordon and Linda Mathes
Chill Factor 2007 340 DA
Sneads Ferry, NC

 

[Searay Chuck]

I have the frame work with tan canvas still on it off of my 2000 340 sundancer. I didn't want to use it and have since sold the boat but still have this if your interested. It will fit your boat as this came from Sea Ray installed. Drop me a line if your intersted. I'm in Buffalo so would be well worth your ride north if you want it.

 

[Radiorick]

I would be interested . . . my problem is that we're getting ready to move back to Florida for the winter. Do you have any info about it? If it's still around in May I would gladly take the drive up to Buffalo to have a look. Any idea as to what you would have to have for it?

Thanks, Rick

 

[Radiorick]

Thank for the reply. Do you have any bigger pictures than the one in your signature?

 

[Searay Chuck]

I haven't advertised or even tried to sell it. If you still want it in the spring when you come back up north give me a call and if I still have it it's yours.
Chuck
716-316-3410

 

[Radiorick]

I'm getting ready to have a camper built. Any more thoughts or advice since you wrote the above?

Thanks,

 

[rcknecht]

I might want to try a Taylor made Fast Back... No frame is required for the fast back....