My wife and I decided to put a removeable canvas top on the sled so today we started it.
Since I retired in the summer and fall we thought it would be nice to get out of the sun?, wind and rain. We are going to do some trolling for Salmon, some Crabbing and even some Shrimping and figure it would be nice to not get the elements all over our heads.

This is gonna be a week or two project and we hope all will go well.

Here's the Willie before we started.


Step number 2 adding the supports 1st day.


fp

Ok step # 2 is next.

Got the top bimini on today with all the zippers for side windows, front windows and back drop. This is a very slow process for us learners.

Even drove down the freeway at 70 MPH and it didn't blow off. Yes, the car was attached....yiippie

fp

Freddy, you're starting to make me think you've spent too much time around those S. Oregon guides

Looks good so far. I'd be curious to know how much you save on the whole project versus buying one ready-made from Willies. Also,did you fabricate the frame yourself or have it done? If you did it on your own, I'd be curious to learn how you get precise measurements and bend the frame to low tolerances and a tight fit.

Eric, Good questions.

My son has the tools to bend the tubing.

He also has a shop at his house to sew and all the other stuff involved in the building of this.

It is very complicated, but with the right tools and his knowledge it is gonna work.

A pre-built top, or generic, from Willie or another boat dealer are not as nice as this. These materials are a much better grade. Higher quality canvas and window material. I don't think it would fit as well either. With no windshield it is a little tricky to fabricate to the bow area.

And the labor costs to me are within the family, so yes, I'm gonna save some bucks.

Even with do-it-yourself it is rather expensive.

I will continue updating as we progress.

I might even build one for the drift boat, but that will be down the line on my things to do.

Thank you,

fp

But Bob
the SC guides in OR have it all figured out!



why get wet when you don't have toooooooo.

TH,

Yes, yours is what inspired us to do the top like we are. First time we saw yours we had it in mind to do it. Our boat is 20'6" so it's a little shorter than yours.

But, ours is going to be a fold down model. We would like to have in down until the weather says "get the top up now, dummy".

We are also going to have the front windows/canvas extend all the way to the uni-rail up front.

We thought that we would do it like yours on the deck but changed to the front.

Thank you for the emails you sent me when we were in the thinking/designing state.

Hope to have it done next week. Look for the finished results...

Thank you TH,

fp

Update: Got both side windows in and are now starting the front windows with walkway to get to anchor drop.

Should have it in soon!!!

fp

I am planning to put a taller cover on my starcraft later this year and would like to talk to you about how you did yours and were to get all the material when Iam ready to start my project. is that ok? Tom

starcraft tom, You bet you can fire away questions.

We are almost done with the project and will post some update pictures soon.

My son is the brains behind this project and is just starting to learn how to do it. We said "Geez, you can start with our Willie boat."

He says "really? when can we start? So here we are ,almost done.

And, we couldn't have gotten a better price because he is in the learning stage. So, now is the time....

Hmmmmmm, maybe we could get him to pay us!!!!!!!!


fp

Both boats look great!!

fp
Looks great!
If your son needs more "practice" I have been wanting a cruise curtain for mine....

Looks Good! What kind of materials are you using? I'm considering a similar project on my '72 Seaswirl. My wife and I are both college students and don't have alot of money to throw at it.

My son David got the top project done today and we are so happy.

Took him 56 hours and next time he said he could cut it in half or close to that. What a lot of work...

We wanted as much window space as we could get and it turned better than we expected.

Think we can get out in the rain now!

fp




Now, if anybody needs some boat canvas work done now is the time to do it. He is available right away and would love to do another job.

fp

Wow fp, doesn't even look like the same boat! My friend is interested in doing his Hughscraft. Check your email I sent his phone number over. Can you have your son contact him to work it out?

Starcraft Tom,

Check your email.

Thank you,

Plugs-N-Bugs,

He can get the Seaswirl swirling for you.

We used Dixon Marine Fabric, higher thread count than SunBrella, tinted 030 windows and 7/8"aluminum tubing.

Thanks,

Maguana, Got it under control.

Thank you too,

Johnny Deep,

He can get ya cruzin' too!!!

Let me know if ya want to get it done and I'll have David get a hold of you.

And, Thanks to you tooo!

fp

I am interested, Check yer mail