replacing the sprayhood cloth with solid polycarbonate panels

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

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I have an ordinary cloth and frame sprayhood. Sooner or later the cloth with its plastic windows would have to be replaced with similar. Alternatively, I could replace the cloth with solid polycarbonate panels, cut to almost same shape and size as the cloth.

Naturally it would have to be at least two large pieces of polycarbonate; one big piece to form the forward near vertical windows and bend round slightly and another bigger panel to form the flat horizontal panel overhead. The whole thing would be fixed to the existing frame and being able to remove the panels and fold down the frame. Has anyone tried this?
 
I face replacing mine but I think polycarbonate would limit you to an amateurish box like structure,you need to be able to mould it & bend it around curves.
I rather like the idea of fibre glassing over the existing one before it falls to pieces but it's pretty daunting so I shall probably do without altogether.
 
Last I looked, there was a Macwester Wight doghouse mould for sale through the Macwester owner's Association. No idea of the quality, but it might be worth pursuing.
 
Or, you can purchase a bit of 4 mm ply, bend it the required shape, cover in plastic and lay fibreglass over it. The poly can be purchased conplete with a frame that is also glassed in.

Good luck and fair winds. :)
 
Polycarbonate can be quite flexible if thin sheets are used, but remarkably stiff as the thickness increases. I wonder how strong the panels would be if flexible enough? The other main problem is how to attach it to the frame and seal between the panels, otherwise it would leak like a sieve and offer little protection. Incidentally, a flat top section would be weak and allow water to puddle, so it needs to be designed with some curvature. It might be possible to bolt or rivet fastening straps to attach to the frame and a strip of fabric on poppers to seal the join. Remember, though, that the panels will have to be stored aboard - maybe under a mattress. Polycarbonate does scratch easily, so I would expect it to suffer whilst stowed away.

Rob.
 
Built the template first from thin ply.

Held solid with thin wood strips, flat windscreen to keep the cost down.

Lived with the template on the boat for a while to see if it obstructed lines etc.

Took template to welding shops for quotes.

Accepted lowest quote.

(Pads were formed at the base of the template and in the aluminium version theses held the assembly down to the deck.)
 
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC said:
I have an ordinary cloth and frame sprayhood. Sooner or later the cloth with its plastic windows would have to be replaced with similar. Alternatively, I could replace the cloth with solid polycarbonate panels, cut to almost same shape and size as the cloth.

Naturally it would have to be at least two large pieces of polycarbonate; one big piece to form the forward near vertical windows and bend round slightly and another bigger panel to form the flat horizontal panel overhead. The whole thing would be fixed to the existing frame and being able to remove the panels and fold down the frame. Has anyone tried this?
Click to expand...

This seems to be a great Idea.
You can bend Polycarbonate by using a heat gut the sort one would use for paint stripping at home.

Easy to do when you know how it is done then the roof could even be made in One piece out of Glass fibre and the two can be make to clip together.
The roof and the Poly and fitted to the cabin roof What the fittings would be like i have no idea Yet..
 
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