New Canvas for old Sea Ray?

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Rick D

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Hello All.

I may be buying a 1990 310 SunDancer. It currently has no canvas bimini cover of any kind. I want something similar to a camper top to maximize space when moored and the traditional slant top when underway (can one convert to the other or are they two separate beasts?)

Where can I go to find a canvas like this? Custom shops?

Thanks.

--Rick
 
You can check with a local sea ray dealer and see if the patterns are still available = then you can purchase the top from Sea Ray. (really doubt that they are though).
After that your only recourse is to find a shop in your area that does that kind of work, boats, car interiors, convertible tops etc. Be SURE to get an estimate before you purchase the boat, you are talking about a chunk of change (5 or 6 thou$and) to have all new canvas made.
 
In my opinion, it is money well spent. I was able to double the amount of time I could comfortably spend on my boat by having the complete camper canvas. I'd suggest you not get a slant back, but go for the full squared off style. You get much more space for enjoying your boat during cooler and/or wet weather!
 
If your deal falls thru I have a 90 310 Sundancer Im looking to sell. Has a two hear old custom canvas, $5500 it cost.
 
http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/requestquote# They claim to have all SeaRay patterns from 1993 and up. I realize you're looking at 1990, but they might have some additional patterns still on hand. That'd be if you want a duplicate of factory original designs. I doubt they could help if you want something custom.
 
Go with a local canvas shop. Although you can buy a basic bimini cover with frame on line you will not get the front and side glass or the camper extension.

A local shop will be able to custom fit the canvas package.

Make sure the Isinglass (sp?) is high grade.
 
The Sundancer is no doubt a express style, and the interior is mostly taken witrh galley and dinette.
As such the cockpit is designed to be the default saloon. That works a lot better with a nice enclosure. I'm looking to do the same thing with my 87 DA.
quote:
Originally posted by Flutterby

In my opinion, it is money well spent. I was able to double the amount of time I could comfortably spend on my boat by having the complete camper canvas. I'd suggest you not get a slant back, but go for the full squared off style. You get much more space for enjoying your boat during cooler and/or wet weather!

Click to expand...
 
Thanks all for the info.
It looks like I will need to go the custom route... but what do I tell them? I want a camper top for a 1990 310 DA... are they going to know what I want? Someone out there must have a pattern for a camper top for the 310... but I can't find a single listing online.

Flutterby, how did you get yours made? Did you find a shop that had the pattern? Did you just provide dimensions and describe what you wanted?

Thanks,
--Rick
 
The local canvas shop should roughly know the model. They will also come down and measure the boat. Canvas shops do camper tops all the time, they will know exactly what you want. Dont forget, you can customize it all you want, with screens, zippers..
 
There are canvas shops all over. My favorite is in Midland Park NJ but I also use one in Marathon FL and Long Beach Island NJ.

They come to the boat, measure and go back to thier shop to do magic.

Bayliner owners often you Leta's somewhere out in Washington State because she has most of the Bayliner patterns. Maybe there's a SeaRay subcontractor that does the same thing.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Rick D

Flutterby, how did you get yours made? Did you find a shop that had the pattern? Did you just provide dimensions and describe what you wanted?
Click to expand...

BoatCrazy is right. Actually, my boat came from the factory with the complete camper canvas installed, and I was getting mine replaced with some added features. First, I checked around and talked to boaters who had excellent canvas jobs done. That gave me some ideas of who to ask for quotes as well as finding some good ideas to incorporate into mine.

They came to my boat to discuss what I wanted, took some rough measurements and provided a quote. After I authorized the go ahead, they came back to the boat and did a thorough set of measurements as well as removing the old canvas. they used that as their pattern.

Be as specific as you can about what you want; do not assume they will just know. And have them use the highest quality materials unless you plan to sell this boat in a couple of years.

Good luck and enjoy!
 
Why not go to some sites selling your year/model boat and look at their pictures. I'm sure that someone has the camper top that you're looking for. Download their photos and bring them with you when you describe what type of canvas top you want.

Be sure to get a few quotes and then go back to the guy you like and negotiate price. In this economy and with winter season coming on, they're a little hungry.

Lady C
 
As was said above, get a local shop to come out to your boat and design something. They should ask you questions, make suggestions, and listen to your input. If you find a highly recommended local shop, you should end up with better quality than "factory". Our enclosure was custom built in 2004, is up 365 day per year, and even survived all 80+ inches of snow last year we had in MD. One thing to ask for is "sleeves" where all the stainless supports go. It's never a good idea to have your vinyl (windows) touching stainless. If making it from scratch, sleeves work better than little nylon stand-offs.
 
I have a 93 330 dancer which is nearly identical in to your 90. In fact I'm sure there's no difference in the hull at all. Check with the dealership to see if they have what you are "looking" for. JMHO

--Steve
 
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