1989 340 Express Cruiser Camper Enclosure replacement advice

[Florida Mike]

So, I'm right on the edge of what we are considering "classic" Not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but I am looking for some advice, direction, options or comic relief for a little research that I am coming up with nothing.
I have an 89 340 Express Cruiser and I want/need to replace the camper enclosure. It was at the end of its lifespan and the last two storms just put her out of her misery.
I have the frame up and its in great shape so what I'm looking to replace is the material only. I have the old cover in case I need it for a template. What I am really hoping is that there is a resource for a direct fit replacement. Not sure if other years have an acceptable / interchangeable fit? Is there any place someone can recommend or do I have to take it to a local shop and have a new one fabricated from scratch?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mauler34Rod]

Check these guys out.
https://greatlakesboattop.com/
I am not sure if they can do your year, make and model but give them a call. I had mine made locally but have heard others say good things about GLBT.

 

[Florida Mike]

Thank you so much for the reply. They are on my short list - I hope they have a solution.

 

[JHornsby3]

My 1992 300DA top came from GLBT. When the boat was sold new, that was the factory Sea Ray manufacturer. While they might be able to get you a top made, I'm sure they are still playing catch up. Local might be your best bet if time is of the essence. I think GLBT has a cut off date of 1993 for patterns.

 

[KevinC]

Check these guys out.
https://greatlakesboattop.com/
I am not sure if they can do your year, make and model but give them a call. I had mine made locally but have heard others say good things about GLBT.

Great Lakes provides factory replacement canvas for many of the Sea Rays. We are distributors for them and have sold to many members + we offer CSR members a discount.

Unfortunately GLBT only has templates going back to 1993 and for most boat in the 340/370 class or smaller.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

My 1992 300DA top came from GLBT. When the boat was sold new, that was the factory Sea Ray manufacturer. While they might be able to get you a top made, I'm sure they are still playing catch up. Local might be your best bet if time is of the essence. I think GLBT has a cut off date of 1993 for patterns.

That is correct with a couple of exceptions where the same exact part number may have been used on an earlier boat.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

Thank you so much for the reply. They are on my short list - I hope they have a solution.

Unfortunately you will most likely be looking for a local shop to handle this.

-Kevin

 

[Skybolt]

On my 340 (pic from 10 yrs ago) I ended up doing a custom canvas because of what @KevinC mentioned. I decided to remove the back frame and have the back fully supported by the frame only attached to the arch. If you look closely the support is from the top of the arch with frame holding the bow up. No vertical supports.

 

[Florida Mike]

That is a very clean and sleek look.

 

[JHornsby3]

That is correct with a couple of exceptions where the same exact part number may have been used on an earlier boat.

-Kevin

They were really surprised I still had the original canvas on my boat. I gave them the part number from the original tag. They were kind enough to tell me they still could make me parts and sent a hand full of zipper pulls and seam sealer for free. For myself, I dont want to deal with local shops after my experience.

 

[DougLas]

 

[DougLas]

Had the same extension from the radar bar. turned the front into a Bimini top by rearranging the tubing. Also mounted the Sunbrella to the radar bar with slide in for canvas and zippers to zip canvas to slid in pieces

 

[DougLas]

 

[DougLas]

You can see the slid in track by the speaker. The speaker has been mounted with mounting brackets since picture was taken.

 

[Florida Mike]

On my 340 (pic from 10 yrs ago) I ended up doing a custom canvas because of what @KevinC mentioned. I decided to remove the back frame and have the back fully supported by the frame only attached to the arch. If you look closely the support is from the top of the arch with frame holding the bow up. No vertical supports.

View attachment 137413

For the top support is it only attached to the arch and the canvas provides the support? Did you do this yourself?

 

[Skybolt]

For the top support is it only attached to the arch and the canvas provides the support? Did you do this yourself?

The frame goes around the outside of the canvas and is supported by returns to the arch. If you zoom in on that pic you can see them. The canvas is attached to the arch and yes I did that myself.