R21 Solid top

[bjp447]

I have seen some solid tops covering R21, and I am curious if anyone
has any first hand knowledge of how they were made including the supports.
I am just tired of every time after a good rain having to empty the bilge because the
pump only works when it wants to, I think it is a battery thing, I often don't use the
boat for weeks on end. Once I start it the pump works fine. I suspect starting every 2 minutes
runs down the amps on the batteries and it won't start the pump.
I figure covering the boat will stop the problem, plus I gain some room by being able to put sides
on if I want. Any suggestions are appreciated.
I am going to replace the pump with one with a separate switch to see if that helps now that I have
the R21 in my driveway for the winter

 

[ron cowan]

Check album Ron Cowan and if interest in this type message me or call (256) 318-4608 and I shall give you info. on how I did it.
Ron

 

[bjp447]

Ron
Thanks, I will give you a call, when is a good time to call?
Your top is exactly what I am thinking of, looks like it is easy (easy being relative)
to remove. if necessary. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Leaving the back open seems a good idea for the sun, but what about keeping the rain off?
The bilge pump thing is my big issue. I have the pump where it starts every few minutes checking
for water, and just seems to run down the battery to the point where it won't start even though
there is plenty of amps to start the engine. This is my first season with the boat so I have to work the kinks out.
Bruce

 

[RProffer]

When I ordered my R21-EC, the Admiral insisted we get camper canvas (the sides). At the time, RT only offered camper canvas for a surrey top, not for a bimini top. They said they could do it for a bimini top, but they would have to modify to top to extend beyond the rear bench so the canvas could fall straight down. It appears Ron's hard top does not go aft far enough for the side canvas. Something to consider.

Something else to consider. My boat does NOT have snaps on the bottom around the gunnel for the canvas. It has little posts protruding down from the gunnel, and there is bungee going around the bottom of the canvas that slips over the posts. Works great. I hate snaps on canvas.

 

[ron cowan]

My wife wanted the seat uncovered so she could get the sun. In fact I had a choice on both width and length. After I had the top made I purchased stainless bow rail and fittings to mount the top. The cell phone is with me all the time so call any time if it is not a time I can talk I can call you back. Ron

 

[RProffer]

The two times we put the camper canvas up due to rain were both during rendezvous'. If our bimini top did not go beyond the aft seat, then we would not have been able to sit in the cockpit while it was raining. The aft canvas would have cut across the seat rather than falling behind it.

Also, we, at times, have opened the aft canvas to allow ventilation in the cockpit. If the bimini top did not cover the aft seat, the the seat would have been rained upon.