Canopy Query

[JayCbee]

Hello we have recently bought a Microplus 5021 explorer and we are looking for a canopy for her. Just a bit of general advice. I know the Microplus became as I understand it Shetland. Im scanning the Internet for a second hand canopy and wondered if the 501 explorer has a Shetland version - i.e. a canopy for the Shetland model would work for a 501 Explorer. If we have to buy new we will just would be great if I could grab a bargain for what is an older boat. We live in North Wales but will travel if anybody can recommend a canopy manufacturer that wont break the bank - looking with Poles for no more than £1000 new. As I say a good quality second hand one would be great. So whats the equivalent Shetland model for the Microplus 501 explorer if there is one.... thanks (attached a couple of generic pictures of the Microplus model with a canopy for guidance)

 

[BruceK]

Do you have the canopy poles? If not things become a bit more complex as it becomes harder to buy off shelf which some suppliers on the internet would be able to do from pattern. If not still worth trying but otherwise you'll need to get a local fabricator in. For that try Boatshed up Port Dinorwic way.

Never underestimate the benefits of a good quality canopy, it doesn't pay to have a sloppy job. Boatshed will do a good job

The Boatshed Sailmakers

 

[LBRodders]

Do you have the canopy poles? If not things become a bit more complex as it becomes harder to buy off shelf which some suppliers on the internet would be able to do from pattern. If not still worth trying but otherwise you'll need to get a local fabricator in. For that try Boatshed up Port Dinorwic way.

Never underestimate the benefits of a good quality canopy, it doesn't pay to have a sloppy job. Boatshed will do a good job

The Boatshed Sailmakers

Seconded, they did ours and did an amazing job.

 

[Kawasaki]

Finding a decent used one is nigh on impossible
Boatshed as mentioned will fabricate a new one and it will be good
It will cost though!
If you have one whatever state with the boat or can get a pattern from one
Brookes Tarpaulins in Penmaenmawr could help
There is an 'Independant' who lives in North Wales and He knows the job
Hard to 'book him' though
He's always really busy

 

[BruceK]

Your independant if I am guessing correctly did my canopy and I am speaking with heartfelt experience when I say he is shite and my canopy looks like the baggy arse of old man's trousers. I was so dissapointed in his work I refused to pay for anything but the materials, and for labour costs he was welcome to sue me or make good at his own expense as I wasn't paying for material twice. He boogered off and I also made sure he did not find new business locally again. I hate getting burnt.

 

[JayCbee]

Thanks all Ill look at Boatshed I'm trying to keep it under a thousand and had been quoted 1800 by a Company (not boatshed). Lets see what Boatshed come up with. May have to go to a Bimini if the cost is too much.

 

[Seastoke]

Thanks all Ill look at Boatshed I'm trying to keep it under a thousand and had been quoted 1800 by a Company (not boatshed). Lets see what Boatshed come up with. May have to go to a Bimini if the cost is too much.

boatshed in Pfelly now

 

[BruceK]

They will come out regardless. I'm having mine currently redone by them

 

[Kawasaki]

Your independant if I am guessing correctly did my canopy and I am speaking with heartfelt experience when I say he is shite and my canopy looks like the baggy arse of old man's trousers. I was so dissapointed in his work I refused to pay for anything but the materials, and for labour costs he was welcome to sue me or make good at his own expense as I wasn't paying for material twice. He boogered off and I also made sure he did not find new business locally again. I hate getting burnt.

Your guessing wrongly
The chap I am talking about moved to Anglesey last October to retire
I met him casually whilst teaching his son
One word/ thing lead to another
He did some work for a friend
More as a favour than anything
Word spread
He doesn’t need the work
He’s busy as anything
He was almost glad when ‘Lockdown’ arrived
Now He has a 6 month lead time
But his lad needs more training
Plus he has ‘teamed up’ with my lad
They are doing ( or were) motorcycle trials together
So if I push him
He’ll do stuff for me
If it’s a ‘rush job’ though
Forget it!

 

[BruceK]

When you said locally I presumed you meant Conwy not Anglesey. The local to Conwy one was the appy to the one in Deganwy before he retired. He really did make a complete and utter balls up of mine. Glueing instead of stitching. Bimini too small for frame. Of the six side panels only one fits flush, the others range from too small to too large while some are simply out of shape. It took him six months to complete his masterpiece. Boatshed will do it in 6 days and it will be done right.

 

[CreedS]

Hi JayCBee - just wondering how you got on with your canopy? I have recently bought a 501 and live near anglesey considering a canopy
thanks in advance
Steve

 

[R400]

Phone Jake at Ultimate Covers in Deganwy. He’s just done a fantastic job on my Formula for under 500 notes. He’s just installing a bending and forming jig for stainless tube. Can’t fault his work or his enthusiasm, used to work for boatshed.find him on the interweb

 

[simonfraser]

don't skimp on the materials, cloth, stitching, windows etc
that way it will last

 

[sailorman]

Hello we have recently bought a Microplus 5021 explorer and we are looking for a canopy for her. Just a bit of general advice. I know the Microplus became as I understand it Shetland. Im scanning the Internet for a second hand canopy and wondered if the 501 explorer has a Shetland version - i.e. a canopy for the Shetland model would work for a 501 Explorer. If we have to buy new we will just would be great if I could grab a bargain for what is an older boat. We live in North Wales but will travel if anybody can recommend a canopy manufacturer that wont break the bank - looking with Poles for no more than £1000 new. As I say a good quality second hand one would be great. So whats the equivalent Shetland model for the Microplus 501 explorer if there is one.... thanks (attached a couple of generic pictures of the Microplus model with a canopy for guidance)

Elite canvas covers.harwich and manningtree.call and chat with paul gray?

 

[bobtooke]

Try Nauticover to get one as factory then make up some poles to fit.
Nauticover, Cornwall price list for boat covers.