Camper top on a 225WE. Modifications ?

[TerjeG]

I have this 2003 225WE with a full Camper top (is this the correct name?). Here in Norway where I live we prefer to remove the whole top most of the times we use the boat, as the sun is not that strong. As we often sleep in the boats weekends in the boat we’ll need to put up again the top every night, and then down again next day.

However I am frustrated of how difficult it is to put all the parts back after use due to the lower rubber parts that should slide into the upper part of the windshield. Everything must be done from inside the boat, and it takes at least 15-20 minutes to put all parts back again after use. I have tried to use some silicon spray which may help a few days, but my main frustration is the design of the camper top with the rubber parts and all the work.

Has anyone done any modifications to this? I was thinking of asking a canvas shop to remove the rubber parts, add snaps on top of the windshield into the channel in the windshield frame and on the camper top.

 

[Lazy Daze]

You could transfer to snaps, sure. But if it's taking you that long to put it up, it might just be that you aren't doing it in the proper sequence. I've had a number of boats with the rubber parts (and friend's/family, too) and once you know the sequence it's about a 5-minute job. Another way to explain it is that I've also used boats with snaps and the time it takes to put it up is the same as it is with the rubber parts. Besides, the rubber parts give a better seal. Once you know how to do it, it really is quite simple.

What is your current sequence? Are you extending the rear legs of the front bimini?

Yes, "Camper top" is the correct term if you have two biminis.

 

[TerjeG]

I start from behind with the window part where the windshield starts, and always without having attached it to the zippers on top. Then I take the next forward one. So the same at the opposite side. The last one is always the one in front the middle. Do you recommend any lubricant to make it easier? It often snaps out again when I'm almost done, and then it's back to start again. Sorry about my bad English!

 

[Lazy Daze]

No worries about your English - it's very good and I if I'm correctly understanding what you're saying... the reason you're having issues is that you're doing it backwards.

-- Hang the front (3) pieces and the (2) fwd side pieces using the zippers. Start each zipper about 5".
-- Extend the rear legs of the fwd bimini.
-- "Snap" the front (3) pieces fully into their channel (the top of the rubber piece should be inserted first, then snap the lower edge of the rubber piece in).
-- I usually leave the center fwd piece for last as I can do that through the velcro opening easily enough.
-- Snap the rubber piece of each fwd side piece as far as you can go.
-- Finish zipping the zippers on the front pieces and as far as you can go on the sides.
-- Collapse the rear legs of the fwd bimini to tighten the front pieces and also now allow you to finish the fwd side pieces.
-- The aft side pieces and aft curtain are easy as they don't fit as tightly as the front and fwd sides.

Silicone spray is fine - vinyl/rubber seat conditioner is fine, too. It allows you to slide the pieces to get your final alignment around the center (opening) windshield.

Once you get this figure out, it is pretty easy. When I mentioned about "5 minutes" to do this, that really is all it takes.

 

[TerjeG]

Thanks a lot Lazy Dave! I'll try this next weekend. The only thing I didn't understand of what you're saying in bullet two is "Extend the rear legs of the fwd bimini.". Do you mean the rear part of the aluminium frame? Extending this; shouldn't this cause that the fwd part will be even harder to fit?

As you say; the aft parts of the top is no problem. They don't have the rubber issue, and are not that tight as the fwd parts.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The rear leg of the fwd bimini is adjustable. Find the little "button" and the two holes in the bimini leg and you'll see what I mean. The normal position is with the bimini leg as short as possible (collapsed position). When you extend the bimini leg, it lowers the front of the bimini, putting slack into the front canvas pieces, thereby making them easier to attach. Once you have the rubber in as far as you can go and the zippers zipped, collapse the rear bimini leg to tighten the front pieces.

Note... it's easier to do this if you put one hand on the horizontal section of the bimini frame (just inboard of the "bend") and pull down.

2nd note: I forgot one "bullet"... see the new "6th" bullet.

3rd note: You're welcome!

 

[TerjeG]

Thanks again. I have never thought of extending / collapsing the bimini legs to make things easier, but I remember the buttons and holes when you tell me this.