R31 With Custom Hardtop

T

ttlmac

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 29, 2010
Messages
46
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Vessel Name
Indian Summer II
This year I traded my 2010 R25 Classic for a 2014 R31 Sedan and took delivery in June. I had a custom hardtop made by the dealer (Winter Island Yacht Yard), and it just completed installation. I think it came out really nice, just don't ask how much it cost. New photos are posted under Indian Summer II of Scituate if anyone's interested.

Tom
 
Hi Tom, a really great looking job!! I think this should be a factory option. There are quite a few of us that never remove the bimini and wish it were more weather tight.

Thanks for sharing.

 
Tom: Awesome looking hardtop... PM me the cost figure if you would. I really like the wood look on the underside, and it looks like you also have 2 or 3 lights in the center strip. Curious to know if this hardtop will support a person walking on top of it ? I also like the way the top expands from the cabin width to the full width of the cockpit, along with some grab handles and gel coloring to match the rest of the boat... very nicely done.
 
Thank you guys. I wanted this based on my experience with the R25, as I always had the bimini on. I did ask if the factory was interested in making this an option when I ordered the boat, but I think they were so busy they didn't want any new complications. I hope they reconsider in the future. I had a lot of discussions with Winter Island Yacht Yard on the details-- having the shape follow the hull, the colors, handrails, and the teak/holly ceiling. Peter Haywood knew what I was looking for, which was most importantly that it would look like it was done by the factory and match their level of quality and finish. One other criteria was that it be strong enough to support an inflatable or a couple people standing on it. Next year I hope to get an inflatable, and will be looking for suggestions on a davit system to get it on the roof. Also, the lights on the center strip are the same that are provided on the small overhang that comes standard on the boat.

Tom
 
Tom can you let everyone know if the Winter Island folks have any plans to market the tops as an add on or kit? Curious if the price might go down some now that you have broken ground with the design, mold etc. As a Ranger Tug dealer it looks like they had an advantage of matching it to the boat. In your opinion, could this ever be a ship it and install it kit or was there too much that needs to be done by professionals?
 
How much weight does that add up top?
I wonder what it does to the roll period.
 
I know that Winter Island Yacht Yard would be interested in making more of these for the R31, and I think they could do it for other size tugs also. Their contact is info@wiyy.net, or you could call Peter or Diane Haywood at 978-745-3797.

Regarding the weight and stability, they estimated that the top weighs 300 lbs. For the R31 Command Bridge, you can have several adults on top, so that case would have more weight higher up than the sedan with the hardtop. I haven't noticed any difference in stability or handling, and was in pretty rough water this past weekend.
 
No. It's not for sale at any price!
 
Hi Tom,

Thanks for sending the photo and information! Of course the cost would be high, as it was for David and Maureen Baker when they added a permanent top to Karma, but it would be very useful!

I would love to have an integrated solid top for a couple of reasons, including that I never take the top off. In the NW, I seldom see that anyone removes it. In San Diego in the winter, I appreciate the protection from the sun, and still have ample opportunity for fresh air.

Great idea, design, and product in my opinion!

Thanks!
 
ttlmac":ww3uxk62 said:
No. It's not for sale at any price!
Click to expand...

Just thought you may have let Peter use it as a model for the show. I would have loved to have seen it up close and personal.
 
I'm going to do a Photoshop virtual job for adding a hardtop to our R-25 in a similar vein to what Tom has done for his R-31. I think it would be an awesome upgrade for the R-25 as well. When I get it done I'll post it here for everyone to drool over. :lol:

Tom: I hope you don't mind me stealing your hardtop design as a Photoshop mockup for our R-25... 🙂
 
Baz, OK with me, I don't consider it my design. I started by looking at what Maureen and David Baker did on Karma. I emailed Jeff and Andrew about the interest in this, maybe they'll reconsider making it a factory option.
 
What a great idea! I like it a lot! :lol:
 
Hi Tom,
I was at WIYY the day they finished securing and dressing the top but had not put up the teak and holly ceiling and it was still very impressive. I think that you and some friends can go up there and enjoy the view with no problem.
Enjoy,
John on Sallison
 
I love this! Would love to do something like this on our 31. Looks great!
Thanks for photo.
 
ttlmac":2epbbocy said:
This year I traded my 2010 R25 Classic for a 2014 R31 Sedan and took delivery in June. I had a custom hardtop made by the dealer (Winter Island Yacht Yard), and it just completed installation. I think it came out really nice, just don't ask how much it cost. New photos are posted under Indian Summer II of Scituate if anyone's interested.

Tom
Click to expand...

Great design, great workmanship, and great idea! I'd really like to discuss it with you, if you'd consider calling me. 334-237-2828
 
very nice. wonder how it would work on 31CB?
 
I have always wanted a top like that and still do.
 
What an awesome looking top! Nicely done. Instead of going with my canvas/screen/plastic enclosures I would have signed up in a heartbeat for something like this if they made one for our CW.
 
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