Flybridge Enclosure Replacement

I bought my 55 convertible recently knowing the "eisenglass" enclosure was shot. The enclosure is there but has holes in it, badly stained, etc. I am trying to decide how to proceed on this. After running Lake Ponchatrain a couple weeks ago to flush my coolant I realized how much I need this on those cold rainy days. I have replaced this same type material on a pop up camper years ago. There was a place that had templates to many different campers, etc. I was able to trash my old ones and get new ones that fit perfectly for around $850. I lost the name of the company so don't know if they do boats or not. I know this price is a pipe dream in the marine world but I figure it would be cheaper to buy from someone who has the templates or could build based on my old ones vs a company than would have to come to my boat and custom make. Does anyone know of a company that has the templates? There is a local tarp company that has done some work on my catamaran eisenglass but mostly snap and zipper repair. They may be able to re-sew new vinyl into the existing canvas or reproduce but could cost me more than buying from someone who specializes in boats. That was the case on my camper. They were twice what the online place was as they didnt do this much. Also am considering taking the windshield off, doing away with the wipers, and running the enclosure down to the fiberglass. I have seen a few like this

Have you tried Sam’s yet. If you can’t find them in their catalog call Steve or Mike. They can direct you to someone who has or can build them good luck.

Unless you have a factory hard top, you will not find patterns. The old curtains should serve the purpose just be sure to allow for any shrinkage. Consider using acrylic for the front panels for better clarity. And sit down when you get the price quote.

Bobk

I will check with Sams. They don't have on catalog. I'm sure the price is going to make me re-think " needing" them

If the canvass part is ok a good canvass shop can just sew new glass into the old canvass. The easiest way is to sew in the new glass and then cut out the old so the glass holds the shape. We had this done and it was not to expensive. John

Find a local outfit to re-glass your current enclosure or have them copy what you have.
Even a direct copy might not fit your hardware so don't be worried about them coming to the boat to "fit" it.
You're going to need them for other stuff in the future so might as well start building a relationship.
Usually I say you get what you pay for, but my experience with canvas shops is you just need to find the right one that fits the quality you're looking for along with the price. Probably best to ask around locally for references.

7 panels on my 45 was over 8 grand. 3 on the front, 2 on each side, no stern. All had single U zips. Local guy would not use originals for patterns. Came out and made templates, and installed himself, so he could install snaps and other fasteners for a tight custom fit.

Good luck
Tim

Sent an email to Sams and a place I found online this am but no response yet from either. I have a local canvas shop that has done work for me on my power cat. Mostly fixing snaps or tears. I will take the old ones by there once I determine they are the proper ones (they were not installed so Im not 100% sure they even go with the boat). Will get a quote from them also and go from there. Thanks for all the replies

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Originally Posted by Fish Tales

7 panels on my 45 was over 8 grand. 3 on the front, 2 on each side, no stern. All had single U zips. Local guy would not use originals for patterns. Came out and made templates, and installed himself, so he could install snaps and other fasteners for a tight custom fit.

Good luck
Tim

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My wife did ours with stamoid and 40 mil strataglass. Cost me materials and a Sailrite sewing machine. A LOT less than $8000. Lol

How much are sewing lessons cause my wife cant lol....I think she is playing dumb like I do with the washing machine...She is pretty good at shooting fish though. I am taking a seat out of my camper to a lady that does repairs to car seats etc. I am going to bring this up with her as well. She may sew if I buy materials. I just want to make sure the old ones are for my boat before I have someone make anything off them

Brian, If your old enclosure fits well that's fine but remember that over the years it probably shrunk
some so be sure to allow for shrinkage when fabricating the new enclosure. BTW while the cost of a
sailrite sewing machine is not cheap (compared with regular home machines), it is a bargain if you
actually get to use it. Many years ago, I bought one and have yet to use it, probably because I'm too
lazy to learn how. If you don't count your labor, the cost of a machine AND the materials (also available
from Sailrite) still make it worthwhile to consider. You can use the machine to make all your soft goods
for the boat such as cushions, drapes etc.

Walt

Well you better start with soft goods if you want to try to do it there is a lot more to it than just being able to sew if you want a quality job and a nice fit. I have seen people DIY and it works but is it a Nice fit without sags, straight stitch lines etc :p No

I spent many hrs in a buddy's canvas shop I rebuilt a lot of my boat in that shop. I was always to busy to learn to sew because he did say he would teach me but why I had him to do it and his work was some of the best around and this winter I was going to have him do my Enclousure over since its been 16 years. Well then he gets sick and was gone 2 weeks later he passed in April so I am now wishing I learned more from him. I know a lot of the tricks and things to do but still not ready to tackle it as a DIY I am going to look this year for someone that can do it right because I did learn how to spot good work from him.
I sure do miss him :(

Dan,

I agree that there's a lot more to a good enclosure job than being able to use a sewing machine. If it
was easy everyone would do it. Sorry for your loss of a good friend. I feel your pain. A few years ago
I had a similar experience with a friend in the marine trades. We were supposed to get together at lunch
and he didn't show up. He lived alone and was found dead of a heart attack in his home.

The bridge on my 1982 series 1 MY is a soft enclosure and I usually have it replaced about every 6-8
years. I believe I am getting a good deal on it especially since I keep hearing prices that are much more
than I generally pay. Not only is the work absolutely first rate but they stand behind their work. There
are still a few honest hard working experts left in the marine trades. The secret is to find them.

Walt

I see me pulling the engines or doing major fiberglass work on something before I see me trying to sew enclosures lol. I did get a reply from Sams today. The do not carry the enclosures and recommend taking old ones to a canvas shop as others have suggested.

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Originally Posted by Briankinley2004

I see me pulling the engines or doing major fiberglass work on something before I see me trying to sew enclosures lol.

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I agree 100% and I did do all that and some more. Only thing I did not do myself was canvas, cushion and the 1/2 tower. Tower I could do if I really needed to but Vinny another friend did it and also does Top notch work I can't compete with him he has been welding since he was 12 years old he could stand on his head and still do a nice bead, his dad was also a welder so he learned young ;).

Walter Thanks and sorry to hear about your friend sucks when they go to fast and to soon.

I own a canvas shop. I don't pattern or use " templates " for anything. I always tell people I'm like a car mechic. 1/3 materials 2/3 labor. Stuff looks nice,fits right, and I warranty stuff for a long time, specially if I like ya. If a snap falls off or zipper blows out bring it to me. Will repair it for free.
Man don't have anyone try to pattern the stuff.
Ya get what you pay for.
Zak K.
Black Hat

Zak I understand all that however I am not aware of any canvas shops that come to your boat in the New Orleans or Grand Isle area. Maybe I would have to go to them but then looking at slip rent, transportation costs, etc plus my time. As a builder I could probably close in the bridge and install HVAC cheaper than I could do all that

I don't care if it's a $4mil new hatteras, I think the canvas enclosures all look cheezey. I can't believe somebody hasn't come up with a better system. The Hurley Hatts with the windows that open up are a nice setup.

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Originally Posted by krush

I don't care if it's a $4mil new hatteras, I think the canvas enclosures all look cheezey. I can't believe somebody hasn't come up with a better system. The Hurley Hatts with the windows that open up are a nice setup.

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Agreed..... That's why I did a hard enclosure for the aft decks on my present 48 MY and all my other
MY's. Unfortunately I never got around to doing the bridge and now it's too late.

Walt

Brian, did you buy your boat from Rolla? if so, call him, he recommended bill's canvas in mobile for my windshield cover. he will have their number. they come to new orleans to do work. tell him bigbill told you to call him

Bill, yes Rolla was the broker. I will check with him as well. He is very knowledgeable. Also if it’s going to be in the 8 Grand range I may enclose the sucker and put a roof top a/c unit. I know that would cost a lot if I hired someone but being a contractor I have a lot of resources sewing not being one of them 😭

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Briankinley2004

I bought my 55 convertible recently knowing the "eisenglass" enclosure was shot. The enclosure is there but has holes in it, badly stained, etc. I am trying to decide how to proceed on this. After running Lake Ponchatrain a couple weeks ago to flush my coolant I realized how much I need this on those cold rainy days. I have replaced this same type material on a pop up camper years ago. There was a place that had templates to many different campers, etc. I was able to trash my old ones and get new ones that fit perfectly for around $850. I lost the name of the company so don't know if they do boats or not. I know this price is a pipe dream in the marine world but I figure it would be cheaper to buy from someone who has the templates or could build based on my old ones vs a company than would have to come to my boat and custom make. Does anyone know of a company that has the templates? There is a local tarp company that has done some work on my catamaran eisenglass but mostly snap and zipper repair. They may be able to re-sew new vinyl into the existing canvas or reproduce but could cost me more than buying from someone who specializes in boats. That was the case on my camper. They were twice what the online place was as they didnt do this much. Also am considering taking the windshield off, doing away with the wipers, and running the enclosure down to the fiberglass. I have seen a few like this

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I’m sorry I miss read your post and thought you were looking for the hard panels. Any good canvas outfit can replace the eisenglass easily. It runs about 75.00 to 100.00 per panel up here. Good luck.

Those are prices I can live with.

Those are prices I can live with.