Why Camper Canvas is costly

[JediJD]

Perhaps it is my Scottish heritage, but I try to be careful with a dollar ("Only Mate" and daughters chime in 'miserly skinflint' but don't listen to them). Accordingly, I was aghast when I spec'd our 380 with a camper canvas and was quoted originally +$5k. Although I ultimately got it down to a little over $4k for a cantilevered rear camper canvas (kudo's to all the previous postings on the subject...huge help and deeply appreciated :smt038 ) I was still grumbling that I was being shorn like a yearling sheep. After visiting the dock today, and watching Tom Reed hand craft the superstructure, on the dock in a 20 degree or so windchill, I suddenly didn't feel nearly as sheared.

A little tough to tell, but the factory rear bimini is removed and a surround frame is supported by a cardboard tube off the transom.

Tom and his assistant are hand bending stainless steel frame members and intermediate supports.

Although I assumed incorrectly there was a standard pattern, in fact, the frame was hand bent to match the curve of the rear of the boat and the lines of the gunwales.

Straps run from the three point mount off the arch to the aft of the frame.

More pictures to follow during construction. Perhaps some others were better shoppers or negotiators, perhaps it was for show, and perhaps I should be wearing cotton, but the guys were busting it, and appeared to have a genuine eye for craftsmanlike detail. I will try and take better pictures. I honestly expected to arrive at the dock and have the guys pulling a kit out of a box from Giadia Sails or something similar...I had no idea.

 

[Scottzzzy]

That looks really cool. I had no idea that was how that was done, I would have guessed there was a standard kit!?

You will probably end up with something of better quality and durability! And made in the USA too! Cant wait to see the finished product!

 

[The Bill Collector]

Thank you for the post.... please keep us informed on the progress. I am considering adding "camper canvas" to our boat and have received 3 estimates ranging from $4k to $7k....