New Canvas Camper Top Advice

[kevintblack]

I have a 24 ft 1974 Thompson Voyager. I live in Buffalo, NY. I need to replace my canvas. I need a new Bimini cover and a replacement for my camper top that zips onto the back of the bimini. I'm guessing this will need to be a custom job using the old canvas as a template. The boat has an 8 ft beam, and the exposed deck is about 9-10 feet long.<br /><br />I was wondering if anyone has any experience with canvas work in the Buffalo area. Anyone have any good experiences? Any references?<br /><br />Also, what can I expect to pay for a job like this? I'm looking for a rough estimate before I speak to anyone. <br /><br />Thanks! Appreciate any help!

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

I'd Guess about a Grand or Two,...Three, Tops............<br /><br />Don't know any Upholstery Shops in Your area thou............

 

[KRS]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

It might pop-up quite tall, it might have zippers and windows... I don't know. The only good quote your going to get is from a repair shop.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

I know of a guy in the Alden area that does great work and specializes in boat tops, etc. I'm not sure what the protocol is on this site for referring but hopefully this is OK. His name is Doug Swingle, phone # 716-937-0013. I have used him for repairs and have been happy.I think you will be under a grand for this.

 

[trog100]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

u might not want to do this.. but u could go for a complete re-design u arnt limitted to a copy of your old one.. <br /><br />they come along.. make and fit the rails.. make patterns useing polythene sheet and a felt tip pen then go off and make it..<br /><br />one little tip.. make sure your plastic widows dont come into contact with the stainless steel rails.. they get that hot in sunlight that they brown and damage the plastic.. done right u have canvas strips where the rails are..<br /><br />i just paid 1200 quid for a complete from scratch lots of zippers and windows one in the UK.. so i would guess anything between 1500 and 2500 in the US depending how fancy it is would be about right..<br /><br />most folks seemed to think it was expensive and should have cost less.. i dont.. i just recon most folks dont realize just how much custom covers cost.. he he <br /><br />trog100<br /><br />ps.. a link to my custom camper for anyone thats interested..<br /><br /> http://www.cavecom.com/cave/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001037.html

 

[Solittle]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

I suggest the less plastic windows the better. They cloud and crack much faster than canvas.<br /><br />My dodger & bimini are 12 years old and still servicable. I have had the seams resewn a couple of times.

 

[kevintblack]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

Thanks for the input. I'm pulling my boat out in about 3 weeks, so I'll be shopping around for the work then. I was hoping to keep it at about $1000 or so. <br /><br />My current setup has a plastic coated material like you find in an automotive convertible top. It seems OK in the heat but it cracks in cold weather. I put a 3 inch crack in it last fall when I was rolling it up to be put away. I used a vinyl patch kit to fix it, but it's starting to look like it's been taken into battle. There are patches everywhere, and it leaks like a sieve around the zipper areas. Anyone else have this type of cover or is canvas the preferred material?<br /><br />Does anyone know if they can do this work strictly using the existing cover? I like the cover I have as far as fit and functionality and don't really want to change it. Do they need access to the boat?<br /><br />Thanks again for the input!

 

[trog100]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

canvas is the best.. if they can take your old canopy away and use it as a pattern they should not need access to the boat.. it should also work out the cheapest option.. <br /><br />trog100

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

Hey Trog,... I Like your new Canvas........... <br /><br />I Agree that most shops will use your old top to build a New 1,... For the Final Fitting,+ Installing the Fastners,......<br />You'll be Much Happier with the final product if you bring them the Boat.........<br /><br />You can't go wrong using Sunbrella fabric.......And Good Thread............

 

[rwidman]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

For a price reference, a camper top option on a new boat your size is about $1,400. That's an upgrade to the standard bimini top. I'd expect to pay $1,800 or more for a quality top. And there's no point in getting anything less than a quality top. <br /><br />To make sure it fits and the snaps are in the correct place, they should have access to the boat.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

You may want to investigate using Sunberella (?) cloth. It is UV resistant, completely waterproof and made for Marine applications such as yours. It has no odor like some canvas does and is lighter but stronger than canvas. It is a bit pricey but will last twice as long as other materials so it becomes a bargain at that point. I purchased a heavy duty sewing machine and am making my own top using the old top as a pattern. I aam having a ball and even with the cost of the machine I'm saving nearly $400.00.

 

[BillP]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

Sunbrella is breathable and somewhat waterproof when new but will eventually leak if water stands on it. It's a woven fabric with waterproofing. Good stuff but not 100% waterproof like vinyl. <br /><br />Be careful when using patterns from old covers and tops. The old stuff can shrink enough after being off the frame to be too small. Vinyl is the worst...I learned this the hard way on my first homemade top.

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Canvas Camper Top Advice

Sunbrella is breathable and somewhat waterproof when new but will eventually leak if water stands on it. It's a woven fabric with waterproofing. Good stuff but not 100% waterproof like vinyl.

I can't argue your point,....<br />Except to say,.. My old top was Sunbrella, Way past it's Prime,...... It Leaked like Cheesecloth,.. <br />Til I Rewaterproofed it with a spray on treatment,.......<br />After that,.. Just a Spray a Year,+ I was Dry as a Bone under it.............