2015/16/17 R29S Cockpit Enclosures

E

ethanbarnett

Well-known member
Joined
May 11, 2015
Messages
208
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 S
Vessel Name
LIBERTY
Finally we closed on our new to us 2015 R29S and it is sitting in Stuart, Fl. Now the process of personalization begins and order #1 is a cockpit enclosure. For those that have had this work done in Florida recommendations and prices paid would be most helpful. Though sharing non-Florida information would also be helpful for the entire community. So far I am seeing bids with a huge spread and I am not sure what is fair for the types of materials that one should be using. Any insights into design, materials and costs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ethan
 
My suggestion when you have purchased a boat is use it a while and then see what may work for you. Once on the boat and cruising what you thought you needed isn't necessarily so.
 
Mike's advice is good and should be followed. However, if you're absolutely convinced/sure about needing a full cockpit enclosure here are a few things to think about...

1) Does the canopy top sag in a way to allow water to puddle ?
2) What thickness for the windows is suitable for you ? Thicker means more effort to roll them up when needed.
3) Are there cutouts to allow access to fender lines and docking lines ?
4) If and when wanting to store the enclosure panels where will you be storing them ? Do you have the storage room ?
5) How easy is it to install and disassemble the panels ?
6) How are the enclosure panels attached to the sides of the gunnel ? Clips will rust and/or break. Small elastic bungie-like cords are better IMO.
7) Warranty from defects ?
8) Will installation be done on-site or will enclosure be shipped to you for installation ?
9) Sales tax implications when buying from out of state ?
10) Types of zippers connecting the panels ? Are they robust ? Are they metal ? Are they plastic ?
11) examine how the enclosure is attached to the gunnel sides and especially along the transom edge. If not secured properly then when rains start you may find water drips/leaks into the cockpit and more so in windy conditions.
 
All great suggestions, and baz your sage response was most illuminating and thought stirring. thanks.
 
With a full enclosure you will need to open up one or more panels to facilitate docking activities, such as fender deployment, dock line management and be able to jump from cockpit to dockside in a hurry if wind and current is against you.

For most people I know with full enclosures they have them installed all year round. The one big advantage for the full enclosure is for providing more useful living space when out on extended cruising and anchoring at nice locations etc.

I had a full enclosure for my R-21EC mainly because the cockpit is so LARGE and people wanting to sit in the cockpit along with small children and for my bossy Wire Hair Fox Terrier who simply would jump overboard at anything that moved and caught his attention. He's done that far to often and I'm typically in no mood to jump in after him at times. I tried 'training' him not to do it but that failed miserably I'm afraid.... it's just too much fun for him. :lol:
 
A full enclosure will make a big difference in how clean and dry your cockpit will be (assuming you will keep your boat in a marina). During the summer months, we keep the two smaller panels next to the cabin off to allow some airflow. You'll need at least one panel rolled up or off while underway to allow enough air in for the engine.

I'll second the suggestion of specifying bungee cord for attaching the panel bottoms to the boat. My top has two per panel and it is much easier to connect/disconnect. I would also advise against doing a self-install unless you have experience.

If you plan on keeping the top on, I would suggest looking at a fixed frame vs the folding bimini frame. That frame will be sturdier and have less bars in the way. King marine has some examples on their website.

One other thing to consider when ordering a top is to request the sides of the top to be even with gunnel, otherwise water from the top will hit the gunnel and splash everywhere (my top is a few inches short on both sides).
 
Good suggestions above.

Also suggest you pay a little extra for Tenara thread or equivalent. It is impervious to UV damage unlike the commonly used polyester which will degrade due to UV exposure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Installing a full enclosure for the new 2018 R-27 will be quite a challenge IMO. The reason being is the shape, protrusions and non-straight lines of the transom. The fold up/out grill presents a real challenge, especial if heat from the grill on the enclosure's material if not taking care of. It will be interesting to see a full enclose for this model boat at some time.

Personally, I'm not contemplating a full enclosure for our R-27/OB.
 
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