Brian98133
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2019
- Messages
- 213
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-242 C
- Vessel Name
- TUGether
I was wondering if anyone has looked into (or actually done) a custom hard top to replace the canvas over the cockpit?
I'm not a fan of the canvas, and thought a nicely made fiberglass hard top might be an option. I'm sure it won't be inexpensive, but hoping it would be under $10K. The 2 main things I would be concerned about are:
1) Will it make the cockpit area too 'dark'? For that reason, I might look into having a couple windows or some such installed. That's the only (for me) upside of the canvas is that it lets a little light through.
But more importantly:
2) Will it be too heavy for my little R23? With its slight beam, too much weight up that high might make it an uncomfortable ride and/or safety issue. I might take a couple 60# bags of sand and prop them up on the roof next to the solar panel and see what that does to stability.... :shock:
Then, it's the ole "who the heck makes stuff like this??" 😉
I'm not a fan of the canvas, and thought a nicely made fiberglass hard top might be an option. I'm sure it won't be inexpensive, but hoping it would be under $10K. The 2 main things I would be concerned about are:
1) Will it make the cockpit area too 'dark'? For that reason, I might look into having a couple windows or some such installed. That's the only (for me) upside of the canvas is that it lets a little light through.
But more importantly:
2) Will it be too heavy for my little R23? With its slight beam, too much weight up that high might make it an uncomfortable ride and/or safety issue. I might take a couple 60# bags of sand and prop them up on the roof next to the solar panel and see what that does to stability.... :shock:
Then, it's the ole "who the heck makes stuff like this??" 😉