Kamikaze,
I also have a Sailrite LSZ machine. It's a beast going through multiply layers. I'm probably going to be stepping up to a full industrial machine soon. Maybe a Sailrite 111. I keep getting more and more inquiries regarding repairs etc. I actually enjoy doing the work however it's time consuming to make things look good.

I think a dark navy blue would look great for your enclosure.Off set the blue with white binding and white zippers! If you decide to do a white or off white you might consider a vinyl material like Stamoid. It would make cleaning it so much easier. I would imagine a Sunbrella in a light color would be very tough to keep clean esp if you like to fish. I just did a top for my V with a tan/beige. I used black zippers and binding. I really like the way it came out.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...psznlvjusc.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...pstr3vkook.jpg



Got fancy and made zipper blind to keep out water spray.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...psxgj8ppiu.jpg

Used this old binding I had laying around for the edges.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...psjqxykayb.jpg


We use Naxa tv's on our Bertram. They are 12 volt with built in DVD players. The reception is pretty good with one of those paper thin stick on antenna's.
We've had good luck with them. I would imagine you could use a foldable mount that would secure it to the hardtop out of the way when running.
Link below....this tv doesn't have the dvd player

http://www.amazon.com/Electronics-NT.../dp/B00DU2ENUI

Inaforty

That's some nice work! What gauge clear vinyl were you using? I have had good luck using the 40 gauge clear rolled vinyl from rochfordsupply.com and it holds up quite well over time.


http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/T...nyl/index.html


I agree with your concerns on using white sunbrella and I will look into Stamoid. Thanks. Iwas actually looking at the Naxa tv you listed. Good to know your happy with it. How the picture look?


Kamikaze

wow, you guys have some skills, i can't sew a button on. i like the zippers on the bimini bows.

i've got a bimini w/ front windshield and side curtains, best thing i ever bought for the boat. they need to be redone after 20 years.

Kamikaze,
The stuff I used on the V is rolled 30 gauge. I like the rolled stuff for the V or a 20 to 26 boat. I also like the pressed stuff like Crystal Clear. I have used the press stuff for projects on larger boats. I need to do 3 panels on the Bertram this winter. I will use either 30 or 40 gauge crystal clear.

The Naxa is ok. The reviews for Naxa said it wasn't very good if viewed from an angle but that's not really a problem even on our Bertram. I think for a 12 volt TV it's not a bad unit. It is great when we are on a mooring/anchor not having to run the gen set to watch TV either in the evening or in the am while having coffee.
Karen did the research on the Naxa. She said that the truckers are big fans of the Naxa for holding up for on the road use.

Phat,
The sewing and patterning is all practice and getting to know the tricks of the trade. I'm a long way from perfect but getting better with each project. I tried putting zippers on the bimini bows on a whim. The 23' Wellcraft top needed some repair so I gave it a try. It's just easier to remove the top to clean it or make repairs. I keep the 23' Wellcraft on a mooring with a whirlybird that sometimes rubs against the canvas top.
Maybe I will find that I did something wrong but so far I don't see any ill affects of installing the zippers.

You are in FL so your top was made from quality material to last 20 years in FL sun. I use V92 debond thread around here but I would have to switch to a goretex type thread if (when) I move south. That thread is close to $100 for a pound!

I have sat on my top to spy mahi when trolling past pot markers. I think you'll be good standing up there on the troll as long as its flat and there are no big wakes...
I have done cannon balls jumping off the top:party:

Definitely put in some BIG zipper smiley windows on the side and I suggest a zipper windshield panel at the windshield door rather than a smiley.
My three sides stay on all the time and I don't have a rear enclosure.
When I bought the boat it had a bimini full enclosure. I couldn't stand it in the summer. The rear piece stayed like new in the dock box until the bimini was crap, then it all got thrown out.

The guy that built mine in 94 is still in business,he's on his 3rd wife, but that's another story. I still go by his shop with other little projects. He says he can't believe my top is still holding up . He says 7-10 years is average in Florida . I hardly ever take mine down, only when trailering out of town. I also store the boat under cover. I just put the curtains up and will leave them up until around Memorial Day . The top leaks through, so every year I spray a can of scotchguard on it to slow it down.

One day , hoping to join the hard top crew...

I have a top for ya!!!!

That grill is awesome!!!!:love:

Hey Inaforty. Saw this on Cl and instantly though of you. Don't know if this is a good deal or not, as I know nothing about these machines, but thought you might be interested.

https://longisland.craigslist.org/art/5343437999.html