Canopy ideas.

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I have just been looking through some old posts where critisism had been made over sports boats with 'tent covers'!! Why has no-one come up with the idea to use solid screens in the front upper panels (same as soft top car rear windows).

The panels could be made in 2/3 peices to suit the shape of the main screen. I know that the system would not fold away the same as the main hood, but at least you could stand up and see out!! Sorry if Im a bit PBO, but bored silly at work, and constantly thinking of ways to solve problem etc!!!

Has anyone seen this done anywhere?

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I do agree with you that you cant see thru plastic windows but solid panels would'nt be foldable and they'd be a bugger to store and if there was any spray you would'nt be able to see thru them anyway 'coz you wont have wipers.
I think boat builders should pay more attention to the main windscreen in that it should be plenty big enough to see through when seated or standing and the wipers should be up to the job

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...and you wouldn't believe the trouble I'm having trying to find a maker that can make me a camper canopy - full stop.

I don't really want to buy an original (Windy 8800) cos they're really expensive!! So...if you come across any good ideas or know of any canopy makers, then please let me know. Cheers.

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
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Mine came from Saundersfoot Automarine
www.samhoods.co.uk
10 Pennant Avenue, Saundersfoot, Pembs, SA69 9JP, Wales, UK
Tel (01834) 812115

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I've got a novel idea that solves these sort of problems and also keeps the heat in.../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn
 
Hi,

I know you are in Porthmadog, so try JKA in Pwllheli...is usually v helpful, more of a sialmaker in the main, but will make boat covers. Not the cheapest, but good quality, so may work out cheaprer in the long run as it wont need replacing...

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Hi Dave

I have used a chap a few times and he is the dogs. Not sure if he covers your area but I know he gets around and is definetly worth a call. Does loads of work up Windermere for the main dealers.

Chris (The canvas man) 01132635599

Ian




<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !
 
I can also recommend Canvasman, he has done full canopies for both of my boats and they were excellent

<hr width=100% size=1>Do you think a Fleming 55 would look out of place on Windermere?
 
Fantastic - this ones starting to sound good.

I have no existing canopies to pattern from and the boat isn't trailable - will he still be able to help if he can get aboard?? Also, I would need the poles, 'cos there ain't any!

I take it he travels??

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He is based i n Leeds and is happy to go to Windermere so I don't think North Wales would be a problem.

Although he has modified poles for me I am not sure if he can help with a full set but a quick call will determine this

Martyn

<hr width=100% size=1>Do you think a Fleming 55 would look out of place on Windermere?
 
the problem

I agree this is a problem, but i do not think the designers a being at all remiss in failing to produce a beautiful solution - so far.

Removable panels would likely look a bit clunky, and also need to be able to take a wave without coming adrift and whacking people hard underneath. A wave whacking them isn't so bad and also isn't so much the responsibilty of the designer. Panels also need to be replaceable fairly quickly and easily from inside the boat if conditions turn rough - most zips can do that.

Most boats seem to get around this as the front flexy top part of the screen rolls away and zipped back out.

There's a balancing act between providing enuf protection against waves - but the higher that fixed part of the screen , the less the "wind in your hair" feeling achieved on a sunny day when a bit of wind is very welcome and the worse the looks of the boat and would look awful (qv Birchwood commander urgh) if they took the screeen all the way to and above standing head height.

On bigger boats there's more height space to play with whilst stil keeping good proportions - smaller boats need the headroom created by taking the canopy higher

A better-looking but still-not-great solution on the princes P65 - mandatory seated position to get a decent view thru the screen. But far too dull for anyone who previously owned a V50, say.

On ours, i have got lecky seats, and clever bits to raise your head height nearer to windscreen level. BUT the lecy seat has stuck at the highest position, dammit, so that was another partially-successful attempt.

agree with Deleted User - the wipers are invariably crap.





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Dave
Poles are no problem to this guy.
He has made me full canopies from scratch including the poles. As Martyn says he is happy to go to Windermere so he may allready do work in your area. As long as he will go to Wales and can get onboard your sorted. Good luck and let me know how you get on.

Ian



<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !
 
Thanks to both of you. I have spoken to Chris and the first step is for me to get some rough dimensions and pictures over to him, and then he can give an approx price. It'll be the new year now before we really crack on.

As good fortune would have it, I have moved my boat to the inner harbour and its very accessible.

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<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>
 
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