41PC canvas


B

boathound

New member
I'm considering options regarding replacing the Bimini and camper canvas on my 41 and I'm looking for opinions and any experiences... First off, I think the factory canvas is pretty poor on a few counts. Granted now that it's 10 years old it would be ready for replacement anyway. Ok, so the fit is pi&$ poor, very slack side and aft sections that fly off under way and ridiculous sliding clips for snaps on the windshield frame which blow off from wind pressure under way as well.

So if I replace the Bimini and isinglass I will rivet the male snaps to windshield frame so the whole mess doesn't fly off when I'm moving, usually in the rain as it did a couple of days ago. The other basic design complaint I have which seems common to the earlier 34 and 31 PCs as well, the leading edge of the Bimini is higher than the trailing edge, even at rest. Add five degrees of up angle when the boat is at speed and the whole Bimini acts like a parachute, flapping and billowing around. My idea to cure this, is to lengthen the rear bow and support so the rear of the Bimini is a couple of inches higher than stock, effectively lowering the angle of attack.

My other serious consideration is to get a custom hard top made, by Atlantic towers to fit underneath the original radar arch.

Any thoughts??
 
I'd say don't waste your money, that boat was not designed for a hard top. There are plenty of Formula's for sale with hardtops if you want one. Besides, aftermarket hard tops never look good IMO. Just have some canvas people quote you on a complete custom job, tell them you are picky and you want it perfect, then you will get the best of the best.
 
I would say your best bet would be to go to American Canvas in Mamaroneck, tell them just what you want and have them build it. They are excellent and if you have them use EZ2CY or Strato-glas you will have a super camper back. Tell them I sent you so I can get a referral discount next time I use them! ;D
 
Thanks guys. Going to the Norwalk boat show tomorrow to make a final decision on the hard top. To your point 37 Mn, most likely will not go that route. The radar arch has a little too much flexibility side to side to suspend a hard top without a whole lot of re engineering. As far as buying another boat, well...this one is paid for and it's nothing fancy but we love it..
 
Ok I made a decision. Seafarer canvas is doing the replacement. I'm doing all new heavy duty stainless frames, incorporating the radar arch as one of the frames like the newer boats. Still on the fence about whether to use EZ2cy on the front windows, but will make that decision in the next couple of days. Going with the two tone Sunbrella, navy on the outside and linen on the inside. Will post pics. When it is done.

Btw the canvas must have known it was getting replaced, more or less every seam let loose yester day while under way andvthe Bimini shredded itself!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top