Advise needed - 21ec Enclosure Options

[TylerFromEverett]

Hello, friends:

We are getting ready to move forward with King Marine Canvas to make a cockpit enclosure for our 21ec. There are two options that were suggested.

1) fold away bimini w/ extension that included zip in panels.
2) a welded ridged frame that stays put with zip in panels.

What have other owners decided on and why? How do you like your decision?

Thanks all!

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Welded fixed panel with 2 inch main “roll bar” mounted over the rod holders works for me. The 21ec will roll and moving around you will appreciate the strength of a fixed frame that will support your weight. Also there are none of those bars going at every angle. I have 6 vertical supports, two welded to the stern rail, the starboard one make a great hand hold when climbing the swim ladder. The main posts over the rod holders. The size is massive and is a great hand hold when moving from the bench seat, and affords a conduit for the led lights mounted on it over the table and for the solar panel mounted to the tube that is attached to it on the sides. See my photo album. The last two are just aft of the step on each side giving support when entering the boat from a dock. All the frame supports are canted outward so the canvas hangs away from the posts. The canvas attaches to snaps that replace all the screws that hold the stainless steel rub strip. There are three panels on each side and one on the stern. When cruising only the two front panels by the step and the rear panel get rolled up.
Hope that helps

 

[cstpt]

Solid frame creates a clean look and large windows. There are photos of the build in my album.

 

[TylerFromEverett]

Solid frame creates a clean look and large windows. There are photos of the build in my album.

Do you fish? Does the enclosure make it difficult to fish? What is the stand up height inside the cockpit with the enclosure?

Thanks!

 

[MassTug]

Hey Tyler - My 21 has the soft folding top with the zip in panels and I find it to be great. I can have the back open on sunny days or for fishing and then when it rains I can have some cover. The fixed top may limit your options on nice days or having guests on board who want to sit out in the nicer weather. The soft top folds up easy for trailering while you may have to dissasemble a fixed top which may be an issue if you haul your boat a lot. The soft top has less protection for sure unless you get the side panels but it still makes the cockpit usable in the rain. I tend not the use the top much since I can spend time in the cabin if it is raining outside. I think its how you use your boat - if you have a boat docked on a lake for the summer the fixed top makes sense but if you trailer to lots of different places you may enjoy the ease with which you can break down quickly. - Jonathan

littleredtug.com

 

[bob daily]

Tyler, I have a soft top for my boat but don't use it along with the cushions and floor mats. I keep them in the shop. I find that the top does get in the way when fishing, trying to land that big one!
I use thick rubber mats cut to size for replacements for the carpet and cushions, a lot easier to clean and dry. I use the motor box for a work station and have a PFD cushion fwd for sitting, I use the snaps on the motor box to secure every thing down, most hardware stores sell snaps and webbing and is easy to modify to your liking. I do doll the boat up with carpet, cushions and top when taking guests out for a boat ride. Bob

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I don’t fish, only cruise. Head room is 6 foot 7 inches.

 

[Snug21]

Tyler, we’re in the same process now ourselves. We have had a fixed stainless frame fabricated and for us the deciding factor was the ability to securely carry a pair of sea kayaks (or roof storage pod) on top. We’re using Top Gun fabric for the roof which is a little stiffer and will stay in place even during towing, and Sunbrella/StrataGlass in several zippered panels around the sides. We’re on the coast of Maine so know that a more “permanent” structure will increase our comfort/space and extend our season. I’ll try to post a picture or two, but feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss further. Good luck!