Installing bridge cover 400DB

[Matt]

Im am about to install the bridge cover on my 2001 400 DB sedan bridge for the first time for winter storage. what I would like to know is do I need to remove the two barrel chairs for the cover to fit correctly?
I am storing the boat in the water this winter and will not be having it shrink wrapped so I have never installed the bridge cover before this is why I am asking.
To me it looks like the backs of the captain's and companion chairs are to high to stay on when the cover is installed.
If anyone has experience I would really like any tips you have for installation.

Matt

 

[rondds]

Matt
Does the cover have "reservoir tips" sewn in to go over the seats? If they don't and the seats cause the cover to push up, I'd remove the seats. I'd think those Mass. winters could leave a pretty heavy coating of snow and that could put a lot of weight on the seat backs. If you remove the seats, you could use the deck mounts that the seats slip into to build a support system for the cover.

 

[Fynder]

The bridge cover will fit over the helm chairs (in the lower position) and there are a couple of tent poles (look in the dinette storage) that fit into the "reservoir tips" to keep the proper slope for drainage. You may have to remove the bridge dinette table to make one of them stand properly. I have only ever used this cover for indoor heated storage and I doubt that it would stand up to snow load and wind for a long time, also the canvas against the seatbacks may produce some funky mould.
If you want to leave it for the winter outside, maybe you should build a frame and then shrink wrap the bridge only or bridge and cockpit. Just my 2 cents........

 

[rondds]

I was thinking the same thing but more along the lines of abrasion on the seat backs. At the very least I'd support the cover with a frame underneath. If the cover is supported solely by a couple of tent poles, when snow melts and gets wet, it will stretch the heck out of sunbrella.

 

[Matt]

Thanks for the information. I have not really looked at the bridge cover. it's still new in the package. I have to open it up and take a good look at it. as for the snow weight I am bit worried about that but I an going to reinforce things some and we have several Sea ray dancers that don't cover the boat and leave the canvas up over the winter without problems we also have some people that leave their binini and enclosure up all winter with no damage.
I did find the poles in the floor storage in the galley so I am good to go there.

Matt