Frameless R-21 Camper Back

[Ard]

After nearly a month in the canvas shop I finally have some photos to share. The challenge was to add additional living space to the spartan R-21 incorporating only the existing factory boom canopy for support. The area would need to be bug/wind/rain-proof, well ventilated, and the enclosure would need to consume as little space as possible when stowed.

I knew going into this that without a frame to stretch various panels to, that the end result would not be as taught and wrinkle free as the alternative. But as in most things, it was a balance of compromise of form and function. Here are some of the features:

frameless design

matching Sunbrella for structural areas

matching round port light windows in doors

no-see-um bug screen for windows

strategically placed camo causes entire boat to be totally undetectable to other boaters

rip-stop nylon rain/wind curtains zip up inside screen windows

unlike Sunbrella, nylon rain curtains allow for natural light inside

rain curtains fall into sewn-in Sunbrella pockets below screens for stowage

cockpit carpeting will now stay dry

any and all pieces may be used or not

I have a long list of other improvements I’m making in preparation for the 2014 boating season. Now that I have a photo gallery I’ll keep you all posted.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Ard,

I looked at your album of Camperback pics. VERY NICE!! Which canvas shop did your work?

I can't tell for sure which fasteners you used around the bottom; they don't look like standard snaps.

A camperback is on my list of improvements too.

/david

 

[Ard]

Thanks for the kind words, Dave. Paul's Canvas in Denver did the work. He gave the project some serious thought before he agreed to do the work. Providing protection from bugs is a more daunting task then for just rain. If rain gets in it will leave a wet spot. If a few Mosquitos get in they will have had a fiest on my sizable ears by morning. He used a fastening product I had never seen before to connect to the back of the pilot house. It was a adhesive backed plastic extrusion that accepted a bolt rope. Velcro was required under the pilot house eaves and at some zipper junctions. Snaps we're used in areas where the DOT Common Sense fasteners (Sailrite sells them) could dent your head but I felt more secure with those around the combings.

Although I had a general design concept, I did not have the knowledge or experience required to resolve the design details. He and I met several times throughout the process to discuss the creative process. I think he really enjoyed the challenge but with the amount of time it took it could not have been a very profitable venture.

I'm anxious to see how well it will retain heat. Chili Dog lives in a large unheated outbuilding. I have a lot if work to do on the electronics before spring so I'm hoping the small propane tent heater I have will provide a comfortable enough environment for winter work. We'll see.