Canopys that don't look like a tent??

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wipe_out

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Since it seems out canopy is past its sell by date I thought I would do some digging and see if there was anything new and cool in the world of canopys.. I am trying to find something that has some shape or line to it rather than looking like a very square tent perched on the back of the boat..

Also looking at the more rigid "hard top" options and OMG do these people need a lesson in design and aesthetics.. Some literally look like a big table mounted over the boat.. Look absolutely terrible IMO..

So are there any "cool" canopy ideas that you have seen?
 
wipe_out said:
Since it seems out canopy is past its sell by date I thought I would do some digging and see if there was anything new and cool in the world of canopys.. I am trying to find something that has some shape or line to it rather than looking like a very square tent perched on the back of the boat..

Also looking at the more rigid "hard top" options and OMG do these people need a lesson in design and aesthetics.. Some literally look like a big table mounted over the boat.. Look absolutely terrible IMO..

So are there any "cool" canopy ideas that you have seen?
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"Canopies" and "cool" are mutually exclusive terms, unless by "cool" you mean freezing cold with rain dripping through.

Some boats do use flexible poles to give a rounded canopy (like a dome tent), Sealine S48 (or is it 43), and the new F/L Targa 50 as examples. There's a Targa 50 here which also has a Taupe coloured canopy matching the accent paint on the boat. It still looks like a tent, but it's definitely a step up from the usual angular dark blue canopy.
 
"Some* literally look like a big table mounted over the boat.. Look absolutely terrible IMO.."
(*think you mean All)


Now you know why flybridge owners are always laughing uncontrollably as you pass by....................
There but for the Grace of God (and good taste) etc
Corse that only leaves "hardtopowners" who are totally incapable of making the break from macho cramped bang bang machines to something actually usable here in UK. :)
 
oldgit said:
Hard top sports boats ...all of the inconvience/lack of visibility/cramped space of a tent boat and none of the virtues of a flybridge.
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Virtues of a fly bridge? Cold, wet and windswept? Now really discerning boaters go for the aft cabin/raised helm concept :-)

To answer the original question it is entirely possible to have a good looking canopy. As mentioned some boats (Sealine S41/42/43/48) use flexible poles to produce a rounded back but it is also possible to get gentler curves with traditional stainless poles. You need the right canopy maker who can work with you on a design and produce something that fits nice and tightly. We did this on our Targa and whilst it wasn't perfect we achieved a good shape that also gave mo usable space in the cockpit.
 
You can design it to whatever shape you like but you really need a good canopy maker to make any canopy look right.

No boat looks great with the canopies on, but of course the advantage of an open boat is that come summer (will we have one this year?) you can take the hoods off and hey presto sleek boat.

Canopies are a necessary evil. And despite what flybridge owners like to think they still have covers to refit at the end of the day :D
 
Was just down at the marina and saw a canopy that looked "OK".. Forgot to get a photo though.. Will get one over the weekend..

Glad its not just me that thinks the canopys need something to make them look better.. The flexible pole idea could be interesting so might look into that.. Anyone have photos of examples?
 
wipe_out said:
Was just down at the marina and saw a canopy that looked "OK".. Forgot to get a photo though.. Will get one over the weekend..

Glad its not just me that thinks the canopys need something to make them look better.. The flexible pole idea could be interesting so might look into that.. Anyone have photos of examples?
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I have been trying to get one of these made for my regal as per the picture but struggling to get anyone to take the job on. I think all canopy makers like the simple jobs!
 

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Alchemy2665 said:
I have been trying to get one of these made for my regal as per the picture but struggling to get anyone to take the job on. I think all canopy makers like the simple jobs!
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Hi Alchemy, these things are all individual so there is no right or wrong in matters of taste, but I have to say I find that the canopy in the pic makes the boat look hideous!
 
RIN said:
Hi Alchemy, these things are all individual so there is no right or wrong in matters of taste, but I have to say I find that the canopy in the pic makes the boat look hideous!
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I have to agree that it isn't that pretty but it's better than a lot I have seen and the design of my current canopy means you can't sit in the back seat and makes it totally wasted space.

With the weather as it is canopies are a nightmare, maybe I'll sell the boat and buy a merry fisher with heating!!!
 
Alchemy2665's example may not be the prettiest but at least its an attempt to do something different..

I sense that I am about to embark on a "make a cool canopy" mission.. :)

The problem will be finding someone brave to take on making it.. Might have to learn to sow canvas and pvc too.. ;)
 
wipe_out said:
Alchemy2665's example may not be the prettiest but at least its an attempt to do something different..

I sense that I am about to embark on a "make a cool canopy" mission.. :)

The problem will be finding someone brave to take on making it.. Might have to learn to sow canvas and pvc too.. ;)
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I look forward to pinching your design! Never know this time next year you could have invented the next big thing in canopies! Did you see the one on the Riva that mbm reviewed last year, electric job that's like a car hood, opens and closes at press of button....one like that will do please!
 
Alchemy2665 said:
I have to agree that it isn't that pretty but it's better than a lot I have seen and the design of my current canopy means you can't sit in the back seat and makes it totally wasted space.

With the weather as it is canopies are a nightmare, maybe I'll sell the boat and buy a merry fisher with heating!!!
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Any decent canopy maker should be able to modify the design of your original canopy by adding extra bars so that you can use the rear seating. It isnt a difficult or expensive job. There are plenty of boats (usually US ones) in our marina that have had similar modifications to make the whole of their cockpit useable.
 
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