380 Canvas replacement

searaycruisn

searaycruisn

New Member
Nov 10, 2006
242
Old Saybrook, CT
Boat Info
2000 380 Sundancer
Engines
CAT 3126
I am starting to research the replacement of the canvas on my 2000 Sundancer 380. I called the local Sea Ray dealer today. OEM replacement canvas is $5,660 for canvas and replacement glass.

Spoke to a local boat canvas shop. He gave me a preliminary price of $4,000 installed. He said he would make the canvas, but would call to see if he can get the OEM canvas and install that.

Has anyone replaced their canvas with OEM canvas? Is it worth spending the extra money for OEM? Has anyone ordered replacement canvas from a reputable shop and installed it themselves?
 
Searaycruisin, over the past 30 years i have had a few sets of canvas made for me by reputable canvas shops and they have always done a good job for me. Ask the shop for references to some of their work, with all the Sea Rays out there they should be able to put you in touch with a few owners.
 
I always use a local custom canvas shop. You get to chose fabrics and get involved in the design if you choose. As a result, my tops last longer, work better and suit our needs bewtter than factory canvas.

For example, if you use a local guy you can opt for Strataglass instead of isinglass (last longer, does not distort optics, is scratch resistant), you can use heavier zippers with UV protection (teeth won't break off ), and you can chose flocked (waterproof) Sunbrella instead of regular Sunbrella or even use Stamoid if you choose.

This one isn't even a close call for me..........
 
fwebster said:
I always use a local custom canvas shop. You get to chose fabrics and get involved in the design if you choose. As a result, my tops last longer, work better and suit our needs bewtter than factory canvas.

For example, if you use a local guy you can opt for Strataglass instead of isinglass (last longer, does not distort optics, is scratch resistant), you can use heavier zippers with UV protection (teeth won't break off ), and you can chose flocked (waterproof) Sunbrella instead of regular Sunbrella or even use Stamoid if you choose.

This one isn't even a close call for me..........
Click to expand...

Absolutely right. The Sea Ray canvas is really the lowest common denominator. A good canvas guy can really enhance your boat with a better canvas design and better materials. Isinglass is crud. Strataglass or Barrett Enclosure, depending on the application, is far superior.
 
If it works for you you might consider adding a drop curtain to the original design. This is a very useful piece of canvas in your climate. You could also add a cockpit cover and use your canvas on week ends or when cruising. The cover will add years of high quality life to your replacement canvas.
 
Great question! I have the same boat and my bimini is shot. Everything else is OK. I tried to have a fabricator order the part and Sea Ray told her that they no longer stock the part.

I would be ok with ordering a factory part because fabricators in my area are booked half way through next summer.

Anyone know how this top might be ordered?

Anyone in the Northern Chesapeake can recommend a good cavas shop?
 
Here is a little bit of trivia I picked up regarding canvas for Sea Rays. Apparently boats made by the Phoenix plant (HINs beginning 'SERA') did not use Great Lakes Canvas. It was a 'sister' company that is no longer in business. As a result GL won't even quote on replacement.
 
I have some information that is a little different than the previous post. I had a '97 330DA that was from the Phoenix plant. The Phoenix HINs were "SERP". Great Lakes Boat Top Co. makes the canvas for boats up to the 340. I was able to get all of my canvas replaced by them. Maybe there is a model year before a certain time that they could not do it because they didn't have the pattern.
 
I don't mean to create controversy, but we currently own a boat that has been identified as a Phoenix boat by Sea Ray and Great Lakes canvas. It has a 'SERA' HIN. I was told by GLC that the canvas for our boat with the SERA HIN, had been made by another company and they (GLC) did not have the patterns and would not quote.

There is also a thread (sorry can't figure out how to hyperlink) 'former sea ray plant in Oxford...' started last August that contains a list of HIN codes showing 'A' as Phoenix and 'P' as a Florida location.
 
Searaycruisn

I had my camper back done by the canvas shop at Deep River Marina. That's just north of you. Evie does a great job. It's totally custom, and you decide how you want it and the material to use. The admiral drove him crazy with all the custom touches she wanted, and he accommodated her.

Dave
 
Henry, No controversy here. My 330DA was a '97 that's 5 years older than the one listed in your sig. Things change over time. That must be the case here.
 
Frank,
I don't post very often, but I do have great respect for your knowledge of SR boats and boats in general. I am now confused about the HIN nomenclature that has been brought into this thread. Sorry, Searaycrusin for a hijack of this thread.

I was given a copy of the internal stock sheet from the dealer. My HIN for my previous '97 330 was SERPxxxxKx97-330DA-05xx

I was told by my salesman that the boat was from the Phoenix plant. That's where the "P" came from. The "97" at the end of the HIN was the model year of the boat. The 330DA-05xx was the model and actual production unit number of the boat. All that looked correct to me. The SR manuals bag had 05xx written on many of the manuals. I guess I should have had a lot bigger boat. LOL

My current '97 370DA has a HIN of SERFxxxEx97. Which plant does "F" stand for? Do the "K" and "E" in the middle of the HINs mean anything? I am just trying to educate myself, so that I don't pass on wrong info. Thanks.
 
Eric, How are you making out $-wise and material wise with the canvas?............I also have the '00 380 da, in Westbrook and will need canvas in the near future. I also will use a local shop in the area. Have you had to change the cockpit carpet?
 
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