Re: Buy or Build a inboard engine cover? Where to find?
Thanks guys! So I just went ahead and got some plywood and stuff to build one. I am a carpenter so shouldn't be hard. I looked into making a fiberglass one but I feel like it just wont be sturdy to sit, stand, step on to get onto the platform. So here is my questions:
1) What should I do so far as venting it to let heat out?
2) Ive seen guys put heat shield in, but I feel like that will make it even hotter.
3) Does anyone have experience doing the vinyl on squares? How would you make the vinyl look good without it bunching up around the edges? Since it will be visible on 4 surfaces I want it to look good. I guess I could take that to a sewing shop and have them sew all the seams and fit it then I foam and staple it.
I don't think venting would be necessary.. does the boat have a blower fan somewhere down low to the bilge currently? That would be required for sure with the engine covered up.. I'd probably put some sort of heat/sound reflective material on the inside, it wouldn't effect the motor, but it will keep the engine heat from heating up the cover, if its being used as a sun pad or seat, and noise levels down while running... Just a thought.. if its built out of ply, you could always cover it (sides and front basically) with glass/resin and sand smooth then paint or gel to match the boat, with just a top 'pad' that was upholstered..
Either way, vinyl on square panels/pieces is actually not to hard to make look decent. Check out my resto thread, look a few pages back from the current rot and issues.. (argh...) I've redone the whole wrap around bench seat, but there were a lot of square/rectangle pieces the way I re designed it, and with pulling and folding tricks you can make it look pretty good. Small teak trim pieces also work well to hide seams..
Sewing shop can do a more 'asthetically pleasing' corner/stitching, but you will pay for that.. all just depends on your funds and urge to do it your self (or not) :lol:
