Cockpit cover question

[TBird]

I'm about to order a cockpit cover from Great Lakes to repace the eisenglass and aft cover that came with my boat. The people at Great Lakes said I need to sink new snaps into the deck so the canvas that covers the windows can be snapped onto the boat. I would much rather have the canvas somehow adhere to the bottom of the windows--does anyone have any ideas?? I was thinking that either I could somehow get snaps into the bottom channel of the window, create some sort of "slide" frame for the canvas, or use velcro. I really don't want to drill more holes into the deck.

 

[MeEscape]

I had mine custom made using the existing snaps; I don’t like holes in my boat, anywhere, $610.00 on the 300. It extends from the top of the windshield to the transom. If you are worried about sun on the dash leave a beach towel under the windshield, or as I do, one of my cotton spacers I wrap my eisenglass in when rolled.

 

[Quint4]

My cover has snaps in the deck at the base of the window. No big deal to add some snaps but I agree drilling holes in a '07 340 is a bit nerve-wracking. If you add snaps, cover fiberglass with masking tape prior to drilling pilot hole for snap to avoid cracking around hole edge. Seal snap threads with 3m 5200.

 

[Sua Sponte]

We just had all our canvas and support pipes redone this year.

The guy re-used each and every one of the original snaps...and replaced ones that needed it in the same hole that the original was seated in.

 

[TBird]

Thanks for the replies. I have a canvas guy coming by in the morning. I may end up with a cockpit canvas from the top of the windshield to the aft using the existing snaps--when I talked with him on the phone he said he would probably need to add snaps in the deck if I want the windshield covered.

 

[Jack F]

I wanted the window covered to protect the inside from the sun, so I had the canvas shop add the snaps around the base of the windshield.

 

[TBird]

Met with the canvas guy--no way to avoid snaps in the deck. He quoted me about the same price as I would pay direct from the OEM mfg, so I am hiring him. Will post pics if anyone's interested.

 

[Uplate]

Met with the canvas guy--no way to avoid snaps in the deck. He quoted me about the same price as I would pay direct from the OEM mfg, so I am hiring him. Will post pics if anyone's interested.

Mine also snaps at the base of all of the glass.

One thing I had done that I really like is the addition of a zipper and velcro flap that goes from the transom door to the cabin door.

Cannot tell you how many times I had it all buttoned up only to realize I had left something in the cabin. With the zipper you can get inside and unsnap nothing.

I paid about $850 from local canvas guy.

 

[TBird]

Mine also snaps at the base of all of the glass.

One thing I had done that I really like is the addition of a zipper and velcro flap that goes from the transom door to the cabin door.

Great tip--I am going to do the same. I'm looking at $1K.

 

[TBird]

Another question: the cockpit cover will leave the arch speakers exposed. Does anyone use some sort of cover for them?

 

[Quint4]

My cockpit speakers are marine rated polks. I siliconed the top half and left the bottom half 'as is' for drainage...no trouble yet, heading into year 3.

 

[Southpaw II]

Another alternative is to use a canvas cover for your dash. I have a snap on cover with 3 snaps that covers my dash. My cockpit cover extends from the top of my windshield to the transom. Additionally, I have a seperate cover for my windshield that I never use....it snaps along the top and bottom of the windshield, and if I use it, it wil snap between the top windshield snaps and the cockpit cover.