R-27 Cockpit Canvas Worth it?

S

ScottM84

New member
Joined
Oct 11, 2024
Messages
3
Fluid Motion Model
R-27 (Outboard)
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2729H425
Vessel Name
Samadhi
Hi everyone, new owner of a R-27. I’m thinking about purchasing the cockpit canvas cover from kingmarine, but not sure if it’s worth the cost. Wondering if anyone here has one and can provide some insight. I’m keeping the boat in an uncovered slip pretty much year round and mainly want it to keep the weather off the back of the boat when it’s not in use. Would love to connect with someone who has one. Thanks!
 
We love our cockpit enclosure, it expands our useable space. We spend most of our time in the cockpit, rain or shine. We would not have a boat without one. I’m not sure it is worth it to just keep the weather off.
 
I was going to contact them to inquire about the cost. Do you mind sharing how much it is? I don’t think we need it for now as we plan to trailer and keep it inside for at least for now.
 
We had a custom enclosure made by an east coast canvas worker when we purchased our new 2023 R27 this spring: love it. We paid $8500. Would highly recommend!
 
We had a R25SC for 6 years without cockpit canvas after decades of dealing with it on Sea Ray cruisers. Four years ago we traded up to a R29S and had full cockpit canvas enclosure made. We typically use the boat in time frames from one week to one month at a time and store it indoors when we are not using it. We have used the full enclosure only a few days in the last four years. Biggest drawback with it is that when it is not being used it takes up valuable storage space. When up, it adversely impacts dock access. If we had it to do over again, we would not have spent the money for any portion except the extended top which goes back to the rear of the cockpit and is helpful and desired to provide shade on hot sunny days. We have that convertible top up all the time. We boat in the fresh water of the Great Lakes, primarily in the summer months, so your use might be different. You can always order it at a later date if you find you might want it after you experience how you use the boat.
 
My 27 had a full enclosure when I purchased it. I really like it. It is nice and warm on these sunny fall days, keeps rain and weather out of cockpit. I had some screen panels made to replace the plastic clear panels for the warmer weather. The clear panels are easy to get out of the way, unzip side zippers and either roll up or what I usually do is unzip sides all the way and flip the panel so it is laying on top of the enclosure. It lays flat and horizontal top zip holds it in place. For the fishermen out there it may be a pain to have, for occasional fishing I think you could work around it.
 
Had one made 2 years ago and would definitely do again. Cockpit becomes dog/man cave while the galley is in use.
 
JZimmer said:
I was going to contact them to inquire about the cost. Do you mind sharing how much it is? I don’t think we need it for now as we plan to trailer and keep it inside for at least for now.
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For the Seattle area they quoted me at 3850 +tax and there’s about a 3 month waitlist
 
Also on Great Lakes and have full enclosure on R27. It’s great. Keeps cockpit clean all season. Always sit outside when at anchor in sun, rain and cool spring and fall days. Side and aft panels can be rolled up completely or clear screen rolled down exposing fly screens for buggy evenings.
 
ScottM84 said:
Hi everyone, new owner of a R-27. I’m thinking about purchasing the cockpit canvas cover from kingmarine, but not sure if it’s worth the cost. Wondering if anyone here has one and can provide some insight. I’m keeping the boat in an uncovered slip pretty much year round and mainly want it to keep the weather off the back of the boat when it’s not in use. Would love to connect with someone who has one. Thanks!
Click to expand...
We have/had 3/4 canvas enclosures on both our former R-25 Classic and our current C-28.
We use the boat for 1-3 week cruising trips from mid-May to late September. About 15-20% of our cruising days see rain.
For us, expanding the usable space in the cockpit is a must. Rain protection and shade are the main benefits.
Can not imagine not having the canvas!
As others have said I’m not sure it makes sense if your intent is just to protect the cockpit when you are not using the boat!
 
New owner here as well! My boat comes with the full canvas conver, and I am debating if I should put it on while storing it uncovered on the dry during the winter here in PNW. It will be a shield from the rain but also potentially traps more moisture inside. If anyone has experience please let me know 😀
 
Chessie said:
View attachment 25081View attachment 25082View attachment 25083View attachment 25084Also on Great Lakes and have full enclosure on R27. It’s great. Keeps cockpit clean all season. Always sit outside when at anchor in sun, rain and cool spring and fall days. Side and aft panels can be rolled up completely or clear screen rolled down exposing fly screens for buggy evenings.
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Hi, can you share pictures of your R27 with the cockpit enclosure installed, please. Peter Lawson
 
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Here are a few pics of the enclosure we had made. To minimize a greenhouse effect, we mixed Sunbrella with roll-up windows that provide cross ventilation. As it can get warm inside when sunny, we reserve for cool and/or rainy weather.
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When we purchased our R27 it had a larger cockpit canvas already installed. I didn't know if I wanted it at first. Now I definitely would purchase the same canvas at any price. It makes the boat great to use in almost any weather. This winter we had an electric heater in the cockpit and sat out there and listen to the rain while being totally dry, it was a great experience. Having the extra living space is a game changer. The added shade is also nice.
I would not recommend it if you are planning on doing a lot of fishing, it definitely limits rod movement. Also, because it is wider than the stock one, getting out onto the gunwales is more difficult.
On a side note, I found a super comfortable aluminum folding chair with a high back that I have fallen in love with. They are a little big but two of them fit with enough workable space.
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venajeff said:
When we purchased our R27 it had a larger cockpit canvas already installed. I didn't know if I wanted it at first. Now I definitely would purchase the same canvas at any price. It makes the boat great to use in almost any weather. This winter we had an electric heater in the cockpit and sat out there and listen to the rain while being totally dry, it was a great experience. Having the extra living space is a game changer. The added shade is also nice.
I would not recommend it if you are planning on doing a lot of fishing, it definitely limits rod movement. Also, because it is wider than the stock one, getting out onto the gunwales is more difficult.
On a side note, I found a super comfortable aluminum folding chair with a high back that I have fallen in love with. They are a little big but two of them fit with enough workable space.
View attachment 24920View attachment 24921View attachment 24922
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Our R25 Classic came with full cockpit cover and side curtains. All curtains had screens with zip covers of Sunbrella. Very comfortable, very warm in cold/wet weather, and very dark when closed in. Changed rear panel to isinglass; much better. Almost always have top up. Cockpit cover is always on when trailering around town. I never trailer on the highway with any canvas on the boat. Usually only have side curtains on when docked.
If your priority is keeping it clean/dry when parked, I recommend the storage cover shown in the photo. Zipper which runs from swim platform door to top allows entry when cover is in place. This cover is only installed when it is parked or stored. No issues with moisture. Color is ideal for storage, and not too hot on sunny days. Extends the life of the cockpit camper cover, which costs a lot more and takes more work to keep clean (navy blue).
Storage cover cost just south of $2K two years ago.
 
Buying Our R 27 it had a bimini over the cockpit, summer time and we enjoyed having a couple of rocking chairs and using the space. Coldest day of the first winter and I was checking in the cave and found a bunch of fabric and investigating found a full set of side curtains. Installed them, lubed the zippers, they fit like a saddle on a sow, but by making short extentions with snaps on the end and able to close up and keep the weather out. We are Docked outside and use the boat year around, so in the summer we store the side curtains back wrapped in the fabric.
 
Chessie said:
Also on Great Lakes and have full enclosure on R27. It’s great. Keeps cockpit clean all season. Always sit outside when at anchor in sun, rain and cool spring and fall days. Side and aft panels can be rolled up completely or clear screen rolled down exposing fly screens for buggy evenings.
Click to expand...
Do you remember the name of the shop that did your canvas ?
 
We have the full cockpit cavas on our 2025 R27 OB and we love it. We had it made and installed by King Marine and they did a great job. During the summer our boat is on a mooring in the South Puget Sound and the cavas keeps the cockpit clean and protected from seagulls and otters. With the eisen glass pannels rolled up when we are boating it’s not confining and if the weather is bad the panel go down.
 
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