Canvas Replacement - lostfactorypatterns.com

[hakunamatata]

Hi all,

I have begun the task of receiving quotes to replace the canvas on my new to me 2002 410 Sundancer. We are/wer looking to either leave as is or change to a camper back set up. I have received quotes anywhere from 6100 for complete replacement of current set-up with the slant bacl to almost 10k for the whole camper canvas set-up. I knew it was going to be costly, but didn't realize that much, and when looking at their hourly labor charge, half the union trades I know don't get that. Anyways, I have been letting my fingers continue to do the walking and contacted a few on-line places and this one got back to me with a price that was considerably less for replacement of my current set-up as is with no camper back, and was just curious if anyone in this forum has used them in the past? I know the old addage goes you get what you pay for and if it is too good to be true, it probably is, but just figured I would check and see if anyone has experience with them.

thanks,

Erik

 

[fwebster]

Sea Ray did not offer camper tops for these boats so there are no factory patterns for camper tops.

I have added extended canvas tops to Sea Rays., a 390EC and a 450DA. We used the same local canvas shop for both tops, and every replacement. My experience is that any decent canvas/upholstery shop can copy the vinyl seating, but there is no cookie cutter approach to a custom camper top. If you can find one who builds a top via long distance, you won't be nearly as satisfied with the work as one that is designed with your input and fabricated just for your boat/needs. Simple things like the placement of the stainless supporting members are either an obstacle or a huge benefit to accessing the side deck and even getting on the boat from the dock. Another issue is the clear panels around the camper top..buy a cheap top from an onlie source and you probably get extruded vinyl (eisinglass that will last 3 years) orbe involved in the design and you can insist on 34 or 40 ga. Strataglass that has a 10 or so year useful life, but it weighs significantly more so some engineering is needed to place the supporting stainless in the correct locations but that do not impede vision or entry/exit. My advice is to find a local guy you can work with then negotiate.

 

[hakunamatata]

Thanks Frank for your input on the camper canvas. I just had them quote me on replacing the canvas as-is, not the camper canvas as I know how extensive a build this would be and couldn't imagine this coming remotely close to being done correctly via an internet purchase. I am still skeptical on what they quoted me for the as-is and will probably just bite the bullet and have a local shop do it. At least then I know I wont have any regrets other then the gouge in my checking account. I figured it was worth a shot to see if anyone out here in the forums had any experience with them before I moved on.

 

[CliffA]

get the extended camper top if at all possible.....it makes soooooooo much difference in the usable cockpit space when the top is installed......

if you must stay with the original slant back aft curtain you should at least see about enlarging the rear window to aid in visibility while backing into a slip or dock....

cliff

 

[The Bill Collector]

Our boat came with fastback canvas that when zipped down eliminated the back seat of the cockpit area and greatly reduced our field of vision... I loved the look, but for pratical purposes we added the camper canvas and when I'm off the boat looking back it, it is just not quite as sexy, but when on the boat I love the additional room it gives us.... We got blackout vanvas to velcro up at night (or day) if we want to have a little more privacy.

 

[Blkbird]

Try calling Jan's Canvas @ 404-925-5397. I believe she did a 410 right next to me, as well as my 450. At the very least she should have a pattern for a 410.

 

[Blkbird]

 

[hakunamatata]

Thanks all for posting the pics as the camper canvas does look great and do agree that there is plenty more living space having it versus the fastback. We are still on the fence as to which option is the the better one for how we use the boat. Christopher, I will give her a call and see what she has to say as you never know especially if she just did a 410. I have called probably 6 places in the area of which 2 have quoted me the work, so will wait and see what/if the others come back and go from there. I appreciate all the feedback and pics so keep them coming

 

[JVM225]

If I were having canvas work done I would have a local shop do it so you can add any little features you think may make life easier for you. Good canvas guys usually have some great ideas too.
Although I don't really like the look of a camper back on these boats they do greatly improve the living space in the cockpit. The boat I just bought came with a portable one that was made for a few years by TaylorMade. As much as I don't care for the look of it, I'll probably use it a few times a season just because it provides so much more space in the chillier months at the beginning and end of our season.

 

[fwebster]

If you don't like the "station wagon" look, here is an option:









The color of the canvas is linen tweed..........we got caught in a shower just as we were docking the boat so the canvas is wet and looks darker than it is. The back edge of the top extends almost to the back of the aft seat. The advantage is that we tried to preserve some of the factory profile, which I think is one of the best looking boat designs Sea Ray has given us; the down side is that a 6' tall person cannot sit on the aft seat when the curtains are in place. Adding an extended top will limit your access to the side decks.To aid in access and to shortened the reach to grab rail on the arch for safety's sake, we positioned the side supports where they provide an added hand hold or grab bar as you climb onto the side deck.

 

[CaptRonn]

The prices these shops are charging are ridiculous. I contacted some local shops about adding the camper back to my 400 and the quotes were between 2500 to 5000 ( I already have the frame).

So I got a sewing machine, bought the material from Sailrite, watched the videos on YouTube and went for it. Just finished my Bimini spending $280 on material and about 20 hours labor. Next I will begin the side curtains and I'm estimating the materials to come in about $800 for that project using strata glass 30g.

I've never used a sewing machine before, so I just took scrap material and practiced, took some other sunbrella I had and made a tote bag. When I felt comfortable I started on the Bimini. Sailrite has a huge amount of videos showing how to do everything as well as a forum, and the people working there are very helpful.

For the Bimini an expert should be able to do that job in about 12 to 14 hours. So with the material (and they buy wholesale) you quickly see they build in a huge profit. The cheapest quote I got on just the Bimini was $1500.

 

[Quint4]

Here is a slightly different perspective, as some of you know I have a Marine canvas business and stay very busy with it. I started the business four years ago after taking a basic canvas making class so I could make my own.

I really enjoyed it and found out I was quite good at it, so I took more advanced classes and the business really just kind of started itself (most of my friends are boaters). I have found it to be hard, tedious work.

It is a skilled trade and some craftsmen are better than others. Most jobs are a one of a kind, custom piece. I pay about $1000 a year for business insurance and have several thousand in equipment. Also income taxes take a good bite.

Pricing has always been tough for me. I have underbid sooo many jobs that turned in to 40-50 hour of frustrating work. I have come to realize my skill and time are valuable. Marine mechanics get $100 an hour all day long.

I do enjoy canvas work but I have to make a profit. Not just a few hundred bucks a job. If I am going to climb all over a boat for hours and risk personal injury I need paid.

Bottom line is what the market will bear. I am not trying to be a smart ass but everything in this world is expensive and my time and skills are valuable......(although I got into the business because I got a $4800 bid from Gioa Sails to replace my canvas LOL).

Another thing to consider is this business is very market sensitive. Prices vary widely between South Carolina and The Chesapeake Bay area.

Best advise I can give is make sure you see work the shop has done before hiring them. Talk to boating friends and find out who does good work and is honest.

P.S. insist on teflon thread.

 

[AMFM3]

When we bought our 95 in 2012, the canvas was original. We knew we had to replace it.

Original was slope lope back and, frankly, we thought it took away a significant amount of useable space. We lost the whole bench in the stern when battened up. It was also claustrophobic and dark. When our canvas guy came over to the boat we discussed the best way to create something that would allow that space to be useable.

Basically we we replace the 2 roof pieces and windshield and then added the camper from the rear roof piece back. He used the structure that was there and added a new frame at the stern for the camper. We have now had it in use for 4 1/2 seasons and couldn't be happier.

Yes it's a bit "station wagon" looking. But, we use the boat and this makes it even more useable. It was worth every penny spent which was quite a lot of pennies! No regrets and the custom work lasts.

Go for th custom. Writing the check may hurt, but the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Mark