Advantages to aftermarket enclosure?

[HawkX66]

Are there advantages to going with a custom bimini and curtain enclosure over replacing with the factory setup? I'm ready to replace mine, but I know GLBT isn't accepting new orders right now.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Are you talking camper canvas like this?

 

[firecadet613]

Higher quality eisenglass or you can upgrade to strataglass. You could make some changes to where the screens are, e.t.c.

Custom also typically fits your boat better as its made to fit, not made off a template.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Up side, Customization and choice of materials quality/durability. Down side, custom means more money and right now anyway, probably a six month plus lead time to get into a reputable shop.

 

[MonacoMike]

I bought two sets of canvas from GLBT for a 270 Sundancer and both fit very nicely and were well worth the money. I would never pay the cost it takes for custom canvas for a boat that size.

Wait and order it in January when they offer their sales.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Carp is right. Front portion from windshield to aft canvas was 30yo and shredding. Searched this time last year. Found a great local shop by October, got on his books. He did job late January. Installed by March when weather started to break. Plan ahead.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Mike would normally agree if all new but if trying to match the front canvas to existing side curtains and the aft canvas you have to go custom. You would not believe how many shops turned me down, said nope cant match it up, before I found a local guy who said I’ll accept the challenge and rocked it perfect.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Never mind, he looking to add new camper, sorry, different thing.

 

[JimT]

Customization is the biggest benefit. My prior boat had screens. Hated them never used them. When I had my enclosure made for my current boat I saved a lot be eliminating the screens.

 

[HawkX66]

Thanks a lot gents. I appreciate the opinions. For now this is just for the bimini and curtains forward of the arch. A brand new aft curtain came with the boat. I also want a new mooring cover. I'm thinking it might be nice to have one made that goes over the arch instead of under it.
Interesting what you said about the screens Jim. Any reason in particular that you didn't like them? I'm just concerned we'll be sitting in a cove some nights and would want them. Bugs can be brutal in S.VA at times.
I'm leaning towards just getting the factory pieces. If I want a couple screens, I'm sure I can just have those made. KevinC has already quoted me and the prices aren't bad. He's always great to work with. I want them to fit well, but I'm not sweating a custom fit on this boat. It's our "starter". I suspect we'll be in a newer 340da or so in a couple of years.
This is what she looks like right now.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Thanks a lot gents. I appreciate the opinions. For now this is just for the bimini and curtains forward of the arch. A brand new aft curtain came with the boat. I also want a new mooring cover. I'm thinking it might be nice to have one made that goes over the arch instead of under it.
Interesting what you said about the screens Jim. Any reason in particular that you didn't like them? I'm just concerned we'll be sitting in a cove some nights and would want them. Bugs can be brutal in S.VA at times.
I'm leaning towards just getting the factory pieces. If I want a couple screens, I'm sure I can just have those made. KevinC has already quoted me and the prices aren't bad. He's always great to work with. I want them to fit well, but I'm not sweating a custom fit on this boat. It's our "starter". I suspect we'll be in a newer 340da or so in a couple of years.
This is what she looks like right now.

View attachment 110555

New canvas is like a new bathroom on a house. You will get the money back if sold when its still nearly new. I have passed on a lot of nice boats that needed all the canvas replaced. Because without good canvas the next to go is the cockpit upholstery and you really dont want to get into that.

 

[HawkX66]

New canvas is like a new bathroom on a house. You will get the money back if sold when its still nearly new. I have passed on a lot of nice boats that needed all the canvas replaced. Because without good canvas the next to go is the cockpit upholstery and you really dont want to get into that.

I'm reupholstering the cockpit as well probably next year. There really isn't all that much to reupholster. I think I might go with captains seats. At least for the main helm seat.