Front, side, bow curtains

[step up here]

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

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by step up here

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

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

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by step up here

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

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/communit...ight=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...




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!

Originally Posted by 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...


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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by 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...




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.

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

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...