cockpit cover

[BarryB]

I recently purchased a 2004 260 Sundancer. One of the options it came with was the canvas camper package. Although it is nice to have in the winter, it will be a big hassle removing and reinstalling in the warmer months. I thought it would be nice to have the canvas cockpit cover but when I inquired about the price, the dealer told me $733.00. That seems a bit high. Can anyone provide me with some input. Thanks.

 

[yachtjim]

That sounds like an accurate price when buying it as an option from Sea Ray. You can probably save a few hundred by having a local canvas shop make one for you. It will be the same quality if not better than the Sea Ray cover.

 

[Guest]

thanks for the reply.
I'll ask around locally.

 

[YOLO]

STOPPPPPPPPPPP

I don't want to give away to many secrets...........but
this place has got what you want and at a bargin...
Lots of Searay remnant stuff - unfortunatly not for my 340

http://www.greatlakesskipper.com/

Happy shopping

 

[banksf]

Cockpit Covers

The cover was made by Great Lakes Boat Top.

http://www.greatlakesboattop.com

Banks
Fredericksburg, va

 

[Kevin Smith]

I have the same issue with the camper canvas on my boat and have recently started using the cockpit cover instead.

The price the dealer gave you sounds okay, but shop around locally, but make sure they have a very good reputatoin, use a very good quality material (like Sunbrella or better) and use good hardware.

Kevin Smith
Richmond VA
1991 250/270 Weekender, 454CI, 330 HP, Bravo II

 

[sebagoman007]

I just bought one for my 2000 260DA from Great Lakes Boat Tops (OEM for my camper canvas) Original Toast Sunbrella, including all snaps, poles and shipping it ran me the best part of $500. The snaps still need to be installed, so your total outlay will probably end up in the vicinity of your dealer's quote. (unless you do the instal yourself)

Hope this helps.

Bill

 

[sbw1]

Cockpit covers are not as expensive as they first seem. Another way of looking at this decision is to consider how much life they add to your other canvas. It's not unusual to get 10-12 years out of your cruising canvas if you slip the boat with just a cover. A good cover was usually the first piece of canvas I bought. The cost saved me from replacing the expensive stuff.

 

[Alex D]

I recently purchased a 2004 260 Sundancer. One of the options it came with was the canvas camper package. Although it is nice to have in the winter, it will be a big hassle removing and reinstalling in the warmer months. I thought it would be nice to have the canvas cockpit cover but when I inquired about the price, the dealer told me $733.00. That seems a bit high. Can anyone provide me with some input. Thanks.

That is very reasonable! As a stock OEM option they are around $900 at least.

 

[JeffM]

I bought my cover from Great Lakes and installed the snaps myself. I was very happy with both the cover and the service from Great Lakes. IIRC the price was just about $500. One thing though: I think they limit the model years they will make canvas for (to something like 2 years old or older?). I presume that's dictated by their contract with Sea Ray, but am only guessing there.

Jeff

 

[JOHN R.316]

Have the cockpit cover made to go over windshield.
I had mine made of heavy fabric (Forgot the name) so I use it for my winter cover.

 

[Dave S]

For those of you installing your own cover, remember that Sea Ray's web site has a whole section with downloadable pdf files for installation and care of canvas. http://www.searay.com/canvas_installation.asp?type=boats&tab=6

 

[JeffM]

Have the cockpit cover made to go over windshield.
I had mine made of heavy fabric (Forgot the name) so I use it for my winter cover.

The one I got from Great Lakes does cover the windshield. Actually, that's the part of the installation that bothered me the most -- drilling holes for the male ends of the snaps around the base of the windshield. I checked the positioning and spacing of the snaps on another 260 in our marina, installed the male ends first around the windshield, and then lined up and installed the ones on the canvas. You'll need a snap installation tool. I borrowed one from the mechanic at our marina, but if you need to buy one I think they're around $30. I sealed the holes with 5200 before screwing the snaps into the boat.

Our cover has worked great and, as SBW says it has saved our isenglass. Only downside is that when it rains and you have to put the isenglass up in a hurry, lack of practice makes it something of a chinese firedrill! :lol:

Jeff

 

[RT 240SD]

I'll echo great lakes... my dealer and custom canvas shop both quoted around $2000 for bow and cockpit covers installed. I think I got them shipped w/ all poles etc for approx $675. Took about 5 hours of work to put all the snap studs in the hull, but that's what about $250 an hour, which is pretty close to my billing rate so I figure I'm ahead after taxes. :wink:

That and I got the boat to myself while I did the work.

Just remember, drill small pilot, countersink the gel, 5200. I use a marker to mark the exact position of the hole in the boat. Also get an awl for weaving a spot through the canvas for the snap post (weave, don't punch).

My only complaint w/ Great Lakes Boat top is the center posts on the snaps that I was shipped were a little too long so when crushed back w/ the snap tool, I had to also use the hammer and cup method to get them fully seated.

Hope it goes well.