[Fish Hole]

Trying to save a few bucks and thought about making my own enclosure for my T-top. I have found quite a few places that sell the marine vinyl in sheets. I was thinking of giving this a try and wanted to know if anyone has done the same. I have a few ideas of what and how but just wanted to hear some other opinions.

 

[Captainbob]

I did

I made my own "enclosure" a couple of years ago for less than $100. Held up through some pretty severe Noreasters. For more information and pictures, go to:

http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157616&highlight=budget+enclosure

The pictures are on this forum:

http://carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=4255

Email me if you need any more information.

Good luck!

 

[cgmiller]

Hole,

I made an enclosure for my T-top last fall out of plexiglass sheets from Home Depot. I used it this year for the second season. I drilled holes and use zip ties to attach it to the poles and then caulk everything together with silicone caulk...cuts right off when I yank the boat so that I can out the cover on. It is not the prettiest, but does a good job blocking the wind and spray in the fall. I bought the thin stuff, which was about 50 bucks for a 30" x 4' piece. They had thicker stuff, but it was expensive and I did not know if my idea was going to work, so I got the thinner stuff and it has been just fine.

 

[barrell]

I made one for a 23 Pro Line a few years ago that looked good and held up great. I wish I still had a picture of it. I bought 1 inch stainless pipe and all the cast stainless fittings I needed for the frame. I built the frame and tightened the allen screws on the fittings. I then lifted the whole frame off the boat and had a guy show up with a portable welder and weld the cast fittings to the pipe. I then bolted the frame to the walkaround and cut a 1/4 black lexan sheet to fit on top. Bolted that to the top frame with thin stainless bolts and rubber and stainless fender washers.. I bowed it so the water ran to starbord and port by running a piece of black plastic down the center bar and bending the lexan down onto the port and starbord part of the frame. Lexan is some strong stuff, more money then plexiglass but way nicer and the black was like a sunglass lense.

 

[RickR]

Can any of you guys post pics of what you did. I to would like to have an enclosure and save money. Pictures could give me a better idea. Can you remove them if the weather is nice.

 

[hookdup]

When boat was nearing splash about 3 years ago, went and bought a sewing machine, and decided to teach myself....
Worked well for the past 3 years, mistakes were made and learned from..

 

[Captainbob]

Check you email

Can any of you guys post pics of what you did. I to would like to have an enclosure and save money. Pictures could give me a better idea. Can you remove them if the weather is nice.

I've sent the pictures I took when I first completed the project. Yes, with my system of snaps and 3-M Dual Lock, I can remove the curtains when the weather warms up and then reinstall in the fall when the chilly weather arrives.

 

[roctheboat aka pigpen]

i made my own , i don't have any good pictures , but i love it , and it cost less than 150. i used lexan plexi on the windshield it is a half inch thick and quarter inch on the sides.

 

[5bares]

Sewing machine?

Hookedup-what kind of sewing machine did you buy. I have been thinking of making something for my boat but I don't know what kind of machine to buy to sew the material

 

[RickR]

Thank you, got the e-mail and thanks to the others for posting pics. You think someone would sell wrap arounds that can fitted to different tops. Cheap!

 

[Dunk]

Hole,

I made an enclosure for my T-top last fall out of plexiglass sheets from Home Depot. I used it this year for the second season. I drilled holes and use zip ties to attach it to the poles and then caulk everything together with silicone caulk...cuts right off when I yank the boat so that I can out the cover on. It is not the prettiest, but does a good job blocking the wind and spray in the fall. I bought the thin stuff, which was about 50 bucks for a 30" x 4' piece. They had thicker stuff, but it was expensive and I did not know if my idea was going to work, so I got the thinner stuff and it has been just fine.

That plexiglass seems like good cheap idea, but keep in mind if something were to happen like the boat rolling over it will break. Trust me, I know a guy this happened too and a piece of it almost cut his ear off. I know it's far fetched, but in the water with broken still attached peices of it can make real mess of you..and you can't see it in the water.

 

[jrisapirate]

try www.sailrite.com

I made some replacement windows with mosquito netting to keep the greenheads out.. cheapest prices I've found

 

[bdubbs]

When boat was nearing splash about 3 years ago, went and bought a sewing machine, and decided to teach myself....
Worked well for the past 3 years, mistakes were made and learned from..

looks good. what kind of materials did you use??? im thinking about putting a top on my boat this year and wanna put some curtains on it but after the cost of the top im gonna be broke

 

[hookdup]

Went and bought an army surplus machine, abt 3 yrs ago, drove to PA. to pick it up, never the real artistic type, just sewed up what I wanted.
As such, worked for the past 3 years.
There is something to be said for having one made, and soon, i will upgrade to one of those.
In the interim, I was a great learning curve, maybe not the staightest of stiches, but kept everyone dry and comfy,
cept' maybe Peter in the t-storm that stayed over our heads for an hour last year........

 

[2fishes]

I replaced the bimini top on my boat 3 years ago with a hardtop. I used 1/8 thick scatch resistant lexan for the windshield and sliding side windows. Scratch resistant lexan costs more than regular lexan but the trade off is worth it, having a windshield wiper. Especially in spring and fall with wind and waves! The windshield and side windows are heald in place with type 316 stainless frames and hardware.