Front, side, bow curtains

[bgreene]

Pictures below.........

[bgreene]

Ok - it's done, ready for pick up, and looks real good.

New bimini, side curtains, front curtain with zip up center section and the all important bow slider cover.

Ready for cold fall Striper fishing on the Atlantic Ocean to keep us dry, warm and happy.
Oh and did I say keep the cuddy dry too - that's the plan. I usually fish till around December something weather and fish permitting so plenty of season left........good Lord willing.

[jasoncooperpcola]

:thre:

[bgreene]

I agree with that....... I plan to take the pics shortly - would prefer to take from the water but if high and dry ok.

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4907_zpsddad91c9.jpg

96' V21 with new bimini cover, sides, front curtains and bow slider cover

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4904_zps31d6cd68.jpg

Slider extends under windsheild

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4901-Copy_zpscfdd0d4f.jpg

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4894.jpg

Bow slider cover snaps off easily to stow below

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4905.jpg

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4896.jpg

[bgreene]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y384/bgreene7/IMG_4898.jpg

[Kracker Jack]

Nice looking set up BG!!!!

[draglink]

That is one CLEAN V!!! Looks GREAT!!

[RidgeRunner]

Great pictures of a fine specimen of V boat. That is beautiful.

[Cam]

That boat is way too clean to ever put into the water...Looks GREAT!!! I like that slider cover...need to see a closeup picture of that...

:nic::nice:

[Destroyer]

Good looking boat for sure BG... Sweet set up, :clap: What did the slider cover cost you if I can be so crass as to ask?

[smokeonthewater]

ought to keep ye a bit warmer this winter BEEGEE

[bgreene]

Thanks for all the complements guys, appreciated. Figure $ 250 for the bow cover produced by Dynamic Upholstery, Cherry Hill NJ - Sam at 856-317-1643.
We may make a small adjustment so if you're interested in one, stay in touch because I'm the 1st V bow cover Sam's done so far. He does a lot of custom boat canvas, along with car interiors - great guy - a real craftsman, everything overbuilt.

Clean - yeh it's clean now, but during / right after fishing it can look like a crime scene with bait, blood and such all over the deck. I usually Striper fish till they're gone some time in December.

Thanks again.

[Blue_Runner]

B - love it man. That slider cover is exactly what I've invisioned all these years. Curious to find out how well it works at keep it dry up front.

Enclosure looks great too. :beer:

[bgreene]

B - love it man. That slider cover is exactly what I've invisioned all these years. Curious to find out how well it works at keep it dry up front.

Enclosure looks great too. :beer:

I'll be able to provide solid feedback soon as I fish the ocean and get some water splashing around, thanks

[step up here]

Awesome Bennet
Are you going to tow with that enclosure up? :nice:

[bgreene]

Awesome Bennet
Are you going to tow with that enclosure up? :nice:

Depends on what you mean by towing - on the open road ? No way.
At the ramp, sure...........

[jasoncooperpcola]

What a nice setup, I am impressed! Clean boat too.

BGreene can you provide some speed decrease numbers with the enclosure up versus down? Thinking about the pilot house conversion again...

[Blue_Runner]

I tow short distances with my enclosure up.....extremely careful not to go over 45mph. Couple times I've caught myself forgetting and getting up to 50+ mph. Luckily realized it before it was too late!

[RWilson2526]

Beautiful setup BGreene.....good luck with it...who gets to put the first scratch in that crystal clear plastic???

Makes mine look like its a hundred years old.. Speaking of which has anyone had good success with the plastic polish they sell. I just bought a bottle but havent tried it yet.

[bgreene]

Beautiful setup BGreene.....good luck with it...who gets to put the first scratch in that crystal clear plastic???

Makes mine look like its a hundred years old.. Speaking of which has anyone had good success with the plastic polish they sell. I just bought a bottle but havent tried it yet.

I've had good success with prior boats using plain carnuba wax.....or just turtle wax.
Use very soft cloth such as undershirts to apply light coat and buff off. Crystal clear.
Avoid the specialty products - those indicate not to use on plastic or vinyl.
Thank you all for the thoughtful comments.

[smokeonthewater]

I've had good results with plast-X

[cfelton]

Great Top Bgreen! Plenty of height, plenty of clear area, really nice! Can you close in the back side? I'd like one just like it with a zip out door in the back. Got a quote of around 2000.00 with 3 bow and full enclosure. Just waiting for the right time to carry it to A Stitch Above in Smithfield Va.

[bgreene]

Great Top Bgreen! Plenty of height, plenty of clear area, really nice! Can you close in the back side? I'd like one just like it with a zip out door in the back. Got a quote of around 2000.00 with 3 bow and full enclosure. Just waiting for the right time to carry it to A Stitch Above in Smithfield Va.

Got the zippers to close up the back if ever wanted, but I didn't want to go that way..........

Three sides is all I need for how I fish - wind / spray / and rain blocker with plenty of room inside . Thanks

[jasoncooperpcola]

I think I can build a pilot house much less than $2000. BGreene is onto something with the bow slide cover though. I am still admiring his new enclosure.

[bgreene]

I think I can build a pilot house much less than $2000. BGreene is onto something with the bow slide cover though. I am still admiring his new enclosure.

Jason - fishing the ocean tomorrow and forecast 10-15 higher gusts later should be a good test for the cover slider. We made one adjustment - moved the cover snaps closer to the rubber flange edge to press additional contact to the boat. I hadn't tested it yet, so we did this just to make it as effective as possible. I'll report after Saturdays use. Thanks

[macojoe]

Looks Great!! Just make sure to keep them snaps lubed up!! They will suck when they start breaking from getting corroded!! Been there done that!!

I want to get a 3 sided for my boat, but they want so much dam money$$$ :bat:

[Cam]

I am surprised you did not add the tear drop opening on the front sections. That way you could leave the top up and would be able to still have fresh air come through.

[buckleyjr]

Wow, she Looks amazing! I've been thinking of doing the same to mine. Maybe this spring.

[bgreene]

I am surprised you did not add the tear drop opening on the front sections. That way you could leave the top up and would be able to still have fresh air come through.

Different options for different preferences.
I had mine done so the center front section zips, rolls up, and snaps when I want good air flow.

[bgreene]

Wow, she Looks amazing! I've been thinking of doing the same to mine. Maybe this spring.

Had it done at Dynamic Upholstery Cherry Hill, NJ because:
1. Sam keeps my boat inside his shop dry while doing all the work.
2. Does great work - always overbuilt.
3. Very fair pricing, and great customer attitude

If you decide to move forward, you might want to check him out.
Thanks for the complement .

[step up here]

Now all you need is a back drop and Mr. heater and you are set for winter fishing! I have been using Mr. heater for years, works great!:nice:

[bgreene]

Now all you need is a back drop and Mr. heater and you are set for winter fishing! I have been using Mr. heater for years, works great!:nice:

No back drop for me buddy - that's just too civilized.

Mr Heater ? That sounds interesting - I'll call you later this week so you can tell me about it.

Check out my fishing report - I talk about how rough it got out there.

[Blue_Runner]

X2 on the Mr. Heater. Works great inside an enclosure. 2 winters ago at VA beach we had 2 of em goin all day long while it was snowing and 30 degrees outside....

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0126081348.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0126081347a.jpg

[jasoncooperpcola]

Do you have a problem with the heaters shutting off when the boat rocks? All the heaters I have are designed to shut off past a certain degree of angle.

[Blue_Runner]

Funny you say that Jason. I almost mentioned that.

1) if you bump it with your foot or something it will cut off. 2) in rough seas it sometimes cuts off due to pounding. Not being a fan of getting pounded to death in the first place, it hasn't been a huge problem. Works fine trolling even when a little snotty.

Oh yeah and 3) if you take a huge wave over the bow and 5 gallons of saltwater lands on your Mr. Heater it will cut off.....and possibly not come back on for a little while. :haha:

[jasoncooperpcola]

Sounds cold hearted lol. Now.... why cant i find a Mr. Airconditioining? :haha:

[macojoe]

bgreene
Different options for different preferences.
I had mine done so the center front section zips, rolls up, and snaps when I want good air flow.

I agree on the front to open, I had a top that did not open once and man it can get hot in there even with the back not there!!
But I would love to enclose with a heater now in my old age!!LOL

[bgreene]

Bow cover re done, and I like the fit.

Rubber flange on the outer edge now presses down making full contact with the boat which was the intent.
We just moved the snaps closer to the edge to achieve it.

Should be good to go - an easily removable, durable, nice looking addition to cut mostly all the risk of water intrusion into the cuddy. The back end extends and closes under the center windshield, nice.

Now that I've done the design, and had it modified - you can get one for your V from Dynamic Upholstery too. I'm not selling it or collecting a fee to make a few bucks on V owners. I'm just pleased to pass on a little helpful engineering project to other V owners, same as you guys have done for me. Sam kept the pattern and will include the snaps so it's complete.

[bgreene]

Awesome Bennet
Are you going to tow with that enclosure up? :nice:

Step - I DID tow with the enclosure up and it was no problem - no sign of stressing the material or the frame. No signs of anything afterwards either. It's a pretty sturdy set up, snug and tight to begin with, plus all those zippers and snaps to keep it steady.

Anyway - figure it's got to be strong enough for a boat that could run up to 50mph ......so what's the difference between that and towing at the same speed. Not that my boat hits 50 mph, just saying as example. I towed watching it at 40, 50, 55, and 60 ........all stayed the same the whole way back.

So, bottom line............with much colder conditions, I plan to tow with the top up. This way I can avoid trying to handle cold set up time and effort. You know how it is to zip and snap those panels in the cold. ( and dark )

How much longer I fish - not sure - it may actually be over soon.

[Blue_Runner]

Mine holds up good up to 45 - 50 but I'd be afraid to see 60 especially if it was gusty out. My problem is I have to REMEMBER to only run 45 - 50 on the way to the ramp. With thoughts of stripers and sugar plumbs dancing in my head it can be difficult.

Airslot - old member here that had his enclosure blow off going down the road right after it was made.

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=5027&highlight=enclosure

[reelapeelin]

Back in 1999 when I 1st set up my '74 one of the 1st things I did was have a top w/4 sided enclosure made...wasn't a matter of adding winter to the season...we were fishing 12 months anyway...was a matter of makin' it more tolerable...the back enclosure contains the heat from the propane disc (about the same output as a Mr Heater)...w/out the back, there's no containment and you'll have to be about 6" from the heater to feel it...across the front, the center and both sides were made to roll up and strap up for open-air running when needed.

1 1/2 hrs down I-85 to the ramp...I never even considered leaving the top up for the 60-70 mph tow...I did stow all the snap on curtains inside the truck to keep them warm for easier attachment...

BTW..that top is still intact today and is available for sale...cut specifically for a '74, I wouldn't recommend for 80s or later models as there were some changes...COULD be altered, but again, I wouldn't recommend it...
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/reelapeelin/IMGP08812.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/reelapeelin/IMGP08772.jpg

Can't believe these the only pics I have...l don't have it, but Rick said he was looking for a new home for it last we talked...

[cliffpaul2]

Do you know exactly when the changes were made? I have a 1980 and would be interested in the cover if it doesn't have to be modified. Thanks!

Back in 1999 when I 1st set up my '74 one of the 1st things I did was have a top w/4 sided enclosure made...wasn't a matter of adding winter to the season...we were fishing 12 months anyway...was a matter of makin' it more tolerable...the back enclosure contains the heat from the propane disc (about the same output as a Mr Heater)...w/out the back, there's no containment and you'll have to be about 6" from the heater to feel it...across the front, the center and both sides were made to roll up and strap up for open-air running when needed.

1 1/2 hrs down I-85 to the ramp...I never even considered leaving the top up for the 60-70 mph tow...I did stow all the snap on curtains inside the truck to keep them warm for easier attachment...

BTW..that top is still intact today and is available for sale...cut specifically for a '74, I wouldn't recommend for 80s or later models as there were some changes...COULD be altered, but again, I wouldn't recommend it...


Can't believe these the only pics I have...l don't have it, but Rick said he was looking for a new home for it last we talked...

[reelapeelin]

Do you know exactly when the changes were made? I have a 1980 and would be interested in the cover if it doesn't have to be modified. Thanks!

I think your '80 was AFTER the change...easy way to tell; look at yours just aft of where the side windshield angles down to the top of the gunwale...I think on yours the fiberglass continues on the same angle like my '84...look at same place on pic of the '74...the fiberglass goes flat our from under the side windshield and the side curtains are cut to follow that contour...look closely at the pictures above aft of the side windows...

[rb437]

Back in 1999 when I 1st set up my '74 one of the 1st things I did was have a top w/4 sided enclosure made...wasn't a matter of adding winter to the season...we were fishing 12 months anyway...was a matter of makin' it more tolerable...the back enclosure contains the heat from the propane disc (about the same output as a Mr Heater)...w/out the back, there's no containment and you'll have to be about 6" from the heater to feel it...across the front, the center and both sides were made to roll up and strap up for open-air running when needed.

1 1/2 hrs down I-85 to the ramp...I never even considered leaving the top up for the 60-70 mph tow...I did stow all the snap on curtains inside the truck to keep them warm for easier attachment...

BTW..that top is still intact today and is available for sale...cut specifically for a '74, I wouldn't recommend for 80s or later models as there were some changes...COULD be altered, but again, I wouldn't recommend it...
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/reelapeelin/IMGP08812.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/reelapeelin/IMGP08772.jpg

Can't believe these the only pics I have...l don't have it, but Rick said he was looking for a new home for it last we talked...

I love this site. Just the other day I was wishing I had a picture of your old / my new bimini in action so I could post it and offer it up for sale. Next thing you know, there it is and your trying to sell it for me!

So anyone interested? PM me. the price will be right.

[cliffpaul2]

Perfect explanation of the difference between the 70's and 80's models! You're right, the fiberglass on my 1980 drops down to the gunnel an inch or so from where the windshield begins. Your top definitely wouldn't be a perfect fit for my boat. Thanks a lot for your help.

I think your '80 was AFTER the change...easy way to tell; look at yours just aft of where the side windshield angles down to the top of the gunwale...I think on yours the fiberglass continues on the same angle like my '84...look at same place on pic of the '74...the fiberglass goes flat our from under the side windshield and the side curtains are cut to follow that contour...look closely at the pictures above aft of the side windows...

[reelapeelin]

Perfect explanation of the difference between the 70's and 80's models! You're right, the fiberglass on my 1980 drops down to the gunnel an inch or so from where the windshield begins. Your top definitely wouldn't be a perfect fit for my boat. Thanks a lot for your help.

It COULD be done..a decent top shop could make snap-in panels that would make up the difference...and honestly one wouldn't even notice it visually...and I bet you'd get a pretty good price from Rick on that top, too...Blue Runner made one work off Francos V20....and BR's got a V21...so all things are possible...:party:

[Blue_Runner]

It ain't perfect.....but all I had to do was add snaps to the side curtains to match the contour of the rounded V21 side windshields and a few on the gunnels. Used it for 4 or 5 years like that.

I had it modified it last year b/c the snaps in the rear corners wanted to come unbuttoned. Basically I has a sleeve sewn in with about a 1' long piece of flat aluminum. Hole in the middel for a strap that goes around the aluminum and lets me cinch it down to an eyelet on the gunnel. The flat aluminum in the sleeve distributes the stress of the strap accross the whole dea....takes the pressure off the snaps and works beautifully. I engineered it myself and stood over the shoulder of the canvas man supervising as he did it. :beer:

Before I couldn't use it without the rear curtain....now that isn't a problem.

[Blue_Runner]

Since I do not have pictures to show what I am talking about (I know, I'm slack) I edited the following pic to show the top before the latest mod. The red circle is there to show where I had a hard time keeping the snaps snapped....the blue rectangle is the "sleeve" with the aluminum bar in it and the black rectangle is the strap that pulls down on the bar inside the sleeve and connects to the gunnel - releasing the pressure on the snaps. Sleeve is sewn into the inside....by the way...so none of it shows .


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/Top_zps6e30c762.jpg

[Jeb]

What a gorgeous boat. Nice work!

I have a very old canvas enclosure. The zippers are in really rough shape (missing teeth in key spots/ torn away from the canvas in some places.) I'm trying to figure out a way to rig it without huge cost. Wondering if I can use some super adhesive and velcro to get a few more years out of it.

[Striper80]

What a gorgeous boat. Nice work!

I have a very old canvas enclosure. The zippers are in really rough shape (missing teeth in key spots/ torn away from the canvas in some places.) I'm trying to figure out a way to rig it without huge cost. Wondering if I can use some super adhesive and velcro to get a few more years out of it.

I was able to get my zippers replaced by a local canvas shop for $75, so it may not be as expensive as you think.

[inaforty]

Jeb,
Send me a photo of what you need fixed/replaced.
I'm getting tight on time but might be able to replace those zippers.
The cost will depend on how much is involved in replacing the zippers.
I just finished doing a job on a rear drop panel for a 23' Steigcraft.
Here is a picture of a before and after the panel replacement.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u372/pingmarinecanvas/20160302_175625_zpsikjmlqfk.jpg (http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/pingmarinecanvas/media/20160302_175625_zpsikjmlqfk.jpg.html)

If you want you can send me pictures at [email protected]
The canvas work is a part time job that just seems to keep growing.

[Jeb]

Wow. Just saw this. Thanks. I'll post pics asap.

I was wondering about just using a twist fastener kit instead of a zipper system. Seems like it would be easy enough.

http://www.sussexmarinesupplies.com/images/turn%20button%20kit.jpg

[phatdaddy]

not proud of it, but this was my solution when my zippers cracked up a couple of years ago. tie wraps every 8-10 inches.

i put the curtains up at christmas and take them down memorial day. i was going to have new zippers installed, but guy at top shop said sunbrella was too thin.

the top is about 24 years old and the curtains about 22, so i got my moneys worth.


http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo214/gls216/NCM_0250_zpst3uavuxo.jpg (http://s377.photobucket.com/user/gls216/media/NCM_0250_zpst3uavuxo.jpg.html)

[inaforty]

Jeb,

You could use the twisty fasteners. You would have to mark them then cut the holes out with a razor knife. The punch tool to put the twisty rings in is $300 +. I don't have one but I wish I did as they come in handy. The punch tool is less $$ but still not worth purchasing if you don't have a need for it all the time.

[Jeb]

Nice! Great suggestions. I'm kind of impressed by the zip-tie method!