New canvas configuration

[osd9]

When I was at the AC boat show a couple week ago, I noticed that the 340DA on display had a new canvas configuration. Sort of like a hybrid hardtop. It was heavy duty aluminum frame off of the front and rear of the arch. No stanchions to the windshield or the hull sides. The canvas was stretched and tied around the frame. The Glass zippers to the frame and the top the normal way.

I liked the idea and wondered if anyone else saw this or had any opinions...

 

[jg300da]

It's called the soft top option and from what I hear it's very expensive. I don't see any benefits over the standard sun shades. maybe someone else can point out the benefits if any...

 

[skolbe]

It's nice for Rod Holders and the aft shade is a little bigger. It is expensive. One of the 320's we looked at had it. Never really gives you on option to run without a sun shade.

 

[PMvdb395DA]

Dom, it looked like this?

 

[DebtStar]

Soft Top

I ordered the soft top option on my 320. I like the look and the larger size. I'm also told the aft curtain hangs at less of an angle with this setup so the cockpit space is more useable with the curtain up.

Others have a different opinion. I guess it is personal preference. Ask again when the season starts (May up here) and I'll give you more feedback based on experience.

 

[Robski97]

Only other benefit i can see is no rattles from the stantions ...

Thats the one thing i hated.....( the rattle )

Rob

 

[Dave S]

The same option is available on the 260DA as well but it's way too expensive for what you get. The only real advantage I see is that there are no side supports necessary to hold it in place. The disadvantage is you can't fold the front portion up and put the bimini cover on it which is something you can do on the regular top. I suppose you can remove this new one but then you will have to store it somewhere.

 

[JeGagne340]

The new top option certainly has the advantage of no rattles but the frame's attachment points to the arch are not very aesthetic in my opinion. Snapped this pic of a 340 at a recent boat show in Raleigh NC.

 

[jg300da]

I agree it's unsightly. And again, what are the advantages??

 

[Robski97]

Holy cow thats ugly....

Its been out over year ... I havent seen a single boat with it. Even the NY boat show didnt have one....

Tells yea something right there.

Rob

 

[DebtStar]

Here is a different angle of the "soft top." Am I the only one who likes the look of this?

 

[JC3]

DebtStar, I like the look but not underneath. Its attachment to the arch would bother me I think. JC

 

[Robski97]

JC i was thinking the same thing ... thats too funny


Rob

 

[Stray Cat]

I like the look outside the cockpit, but wonder what it would be like running against a 20 to 30 mph head wind. It looks well braced though...but what do I know :smt021

 

[osd9]

Here is a different angle of the "soft top." Am I the only one who likes the look of this?

I was thinking I was the only who liked it......I'm glad I'm not alone....

 

[DebtStar]

Thanks OSD9. I ordered the soft top on my 2007 320da. All white with black canvas. As I someday see myself with a hardtop, I think the soft top looks good. No stanchions, no rattles, very sturdy and a larger shade area. Guess its a personal preference thing.

 

[KevinReston]

my friend has this on his 06 320da

I really like the clean lines and as a passenger on his boat I never really noticed the mounting hardware. With the 496's IO his boat flies and the top doesn't budge. I wish the 280da I just bought had it, especially as someone who prefers shade.

 

[DebtStar]

Re: my friend has this on his 06 320da

I really like the clean lines and as a passenger on his boat I never really noticed the mounting hardware. With the 496's IO his boat flies and the top doesn't budge. I wish the 280da I just bought had it, especially as someone who prefers shade.

Great to hear -- thanks!