Bridge Enclosure
- Thread starter ken emigh
- Start date
I have a 1988 Carver 3227 Convertible - Replaced the bridge enclosure (top,front, back, 2 sides), the aft deck awning, salon window shade (front, 2sides) and 4 fenders in 2005 for $4200. I used Seamark for bimini and awning and Sunbella for rest of canvas, 40mil Strataglass - clear 20/20, RIRI zippers, and Tenara thread.
A side note: We have identical boats(Crusader 350/270). How do you like your boat? Any problems? Engines run OK? How's your gas milege?
Paul
A side note: We have identical boats(Crusader 350/270). How do you like your boat? Any problems? Engines run OK? How's your gas milege?
Paul
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2007
- RO Number
- 25104
- Messages
- 162
My bridge enclosure on my 3227 was replaced last year just before I bought it. The invoice shows 2500.00
I just got my quote in for my 30' aft cabin. I had just the bridge quoted 3 sides .40 clear Goretex with smiley windows $1550.00. Another $700 to enclose the aft portion of the bridge. My decision is if I want the aft portion done now or wait until next year or possibly leave it open. Any thoughts on on leaving the aft open.
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
- RO Number
- 28240
- Messages
- 1,772
I think if you leave it open, you'll get alot of weather in there. mMy opinion is go for the $700 now and get it over with...plus all the eisen will match then ( as far as newness)
Thanks for the input
We will take your advice and get the aft enclosed at the same time. I talked with the shop and he will complete the 3 sides and then make a pattern to enclose the aft portion.
We are on his schedule to complete in Feb. Heck will not need it then.
thanks again
We will take your advice and get the aft enclosed at the same time. I talked with the shop and he will complete the 3 sides and then make a pattern to enclose the aft portion.
We are on his schedule to complete in Feb. Heck will not need it then.
thanks again
update on my enclosure here are the pics of the 3 sided enclousre
The aft will be completed in 3 weeks they have made the pattern I think it will look so stubby. I might re-think the aft part because they are only encloing the bridge. Money will be an issue. Any ideas on enclosing without doing the entire aft deck.
The aft will be completed in 3 weeks they have made the pattern I think it will look so stubby. I might re-think the aft part because they are only encloing the bridge. Money will be an issue. Any ideas on enclosing without doing the entire aft deck.
A winter project is that we bought a new commercial sewing machine and we are attempting to rebuild our own enclosures. We currently have about $1600 in the job, including the machine and materials.
After the enclosure, we'll be re-upholstering the bridge seating, and then I would like to put a rear bimini on, so the machine is paying for itself with the first project.
Here is the original port side enclosure.
Here is the one I made.
I've made a mistake or two, but that is to be expected since I have no sewing skills at all. I am learning the right way and wrong way to do things along the way. Currently we are working on the starboard side curtain.
The old glass is kind of brittle, and is hard to fold. In addition, the enclosure didn't quite fit, so the solution was to sew an extension on the velcro piece on the port canvas. I fixed that problem by lengthening the ears a bit.
I designed the new canvas a bit differently. The canvas "wedges" are where my aftermarket radar arch is, and this was one reason to replace the canvas. I could hardly get the simileys open with the radar arch. But now, the similey is completely in front of the arch.
Also, the front windows did not have smileys, but I am going to put some in.
I used Strataglas Crystal Clear 20/20 for the clear vinyl, Sunbrella for the Navy blue canvas parts, and Stamoid vinyl for the gasket seals around the simleys (there were none on the original).
I am also using heavy duty zippers for the simleys - much more stout than the original.
The zippers are on the enclosure I made, but I'll wait until installation to install the bottom "Common Sense" fasteners - its easier to align everything that way.
After the enclosure, we'll be re-upholstering the bridge seating, and then I would like to put a rear bimini on, so the machine is paying for itself with the first project.
Here is the original port side enclosure.
Here is the one I made.
I've made a mistake or two, but that is to be expected since I have no sewing skills at all. I am learning the right way and wrong way to do things along the way. Currently we are working on the starboard side curtain.
The old glass is kind of brittle, and is hard to fold. In addition, the enclosure didn't quite fit, so the solution was to sew an extension on the velcro piece on the port canvas. I fixed that problem by lengthening the ears a bit.
I designed the new canvas a bit differently. The canvas "wedges" are where my aftermarket radar arch is, and this was one reason to replace the canvas. I could hardly get the simileys open with the radar arch. But now, the similey is completely in front of the arch.
Also, the front windows did not have smileys, but I am going to put some in.
I used Strataglas Crystal Clear 20/20 for the clear vinyl, Sunbrella for the Navy blue canvas parts, and Stamoid vinyl for the gasket seals around the simleys (there were none on the original).
I am also using heavy duty zippers for the simleys - much more stout than the original.
The zippers are on the enclosure I made, but I'll wait until installation to install the bottom "Common Sense" fasteners - its easier to align everything that way.
AWBoater,
Nice to see another brave soul trying their hand at sewing. I did my first project on my 1987 Searay 25' Sundancer 3 years ago. I am in the process of ordering supplies for the bridge enclosure, bridge upholstery, and dinette seat and back cushions. So far around $1000. I am planning to split the large bimini on the 1982 33 Mariner. The original bimini uses 2 sets of frames with 1 large bimini. I like being able to keep shade just over the helm but not always over the whole bridge. A little extra work. I, also bought a machine, a Sailrite clone which has come in handy tailoring my 2 daughters' jeans. Daddy, can you make these flares int "skinny" jeans? Keep us posted on your progress and I'll try to get some before and afters posted.
Eddie Zuskin
Nice to see another brave soul trying their hand at sewing. I did my first project on my 1987 Searay 25' Sundancer 3 years ago. I am in the process of ordering supplies for the bridge enclosure, bridge upholstery, and dinette seat and back cushions. So far around $1000. I am planning to split the large bimini on the 1982 33 Mariner. The original bimini uses 2 sets of frames with 1 large bimini. I like being able to keep shade just over the helm but not always over the whole bridge. A little extra work. I, also bought a machine, a Sailrite clone which has come in handy tailoring my 2 daughters' jeans. Daddy, can you make these flares int "skinny" jeans? Keep us posted on your progress and I'll try to get some before and afters posted.
Eddie Zuskin
!!!We're about finished with the enclosure. I have two pieces at the rear to do yet - they are the simple pieces.
I have to say (while it won't go on the boat for about 6wks), the project has come out better than I imagined.
We have maybe $1K invested in the sewing machine with all of the attachments, it's a Sailrite LSZ-1; and we are up to maybe $1K in the materials. I was quoted $3K for a canvas shop to do it, so we still saved money. The canvas shop had a bimini and enclosure on display at our local boat show, and at the risk of boasting, I think I did a much better job. For instance, when they put in smileys, they simply sewed a zipper to the glas then cut the glas. For my project, I put facing then binding on the glas to make a waterproof (hopefully) gasket around the smiley.
If anyone is interested, I found an on-line place that sells Strataglas seconds (Crystal Clear 20/20) for 60% less than retail. They advertise 90% good glas, but to be honest, there were only two small (I mean, very small) imperfections, and if they would not have circled them with a sharpie, I would have never spotted them. And certainly, 6 months worth of wear, they would not be any worst than the rest of the material. And as luck would have it, I was able to cut one of them out.
I had to use three sheets of Strataglass, so I saved myself $180 by using the seconds.
The one thing I really messed up on was estimating the amount of material I needed. I bet I ordered materials 5 or 6 times. Part of it is probably waste by not cutting stuff correctly, and some is due to being ruined by not knowing what I was doing, but I feel much more confident now.
I'll post new pictures soon.
I have to say (while it won't go on the boat for about 6wks), the project has come out better than I imagined.
We have maybe $1K invested in the sewing machine with all of the attachments, it's a Sailrite LSZ-1; and we are up to maybe $1K in the materials. I was quoted $3K for a canvas shop to do it, so we still saved money. The canvas shop had a bimini and enclosure on display at our local boat show, and at the risk of boasting, I think I did a much better job. For instance, when they put in smileys, they simply sewed a zipper to the glas then cut the glas. For my project, I put facing then binding on the glas to make a waterproof (hopefully) gasket around the smiley.
If anyone is interested, I found an on-line place that sells Strataglas seconds (Crystal Clear 20/20) for 60% less than retail. They advertise 90% good glas, but to be honest, there were only two small (I mean, very small) imperfections, and if they would not have circled them with a sharpie, I would have never spotted them. And certainly, 6 months worth of wear, they would not be any worst than the rest of the material. And as luck would have it, I was able to cut one of them out.
I had to use three sheets of Strataglass, so I saved myself $180 by using the seconds.
The one thing I really messed up on was estimating the amount of material I needed. I bet I ordered materials 5 or 6 times. Part of it is probably waste by not cutting stuff correctly, and some is due to being ruined by not knowing what I was doing, but I feel much more confident now.
I'll post new pictures soon.