New Top, Choice Of Fabric

pk · #1 06-01-2005, 11:42 PM

Hey there guys, I am going to make one more plunge into the wallet this year & get a new top made for my 88. I am looking at a style similar to Franco's; clear and/or smoked vinyl off the windshield up to standing height & then the standard bimini with side curtains. I will make provisions for the back curtain and pick that up next year. My question is what is the material of choice in terms of durability & performance? The old top was vinyl and aside from not being tall enough, it has shrunk to the point of yanking out snaps when I put it up. Thanks. Hope to get progress pics posted this weekend.

chumbucket · #2 06-02-2005, 01:19 AM

Get one made of Sunbrella material.

#3 06-02-2005, 08:03 PM

Sunbrella is the material of choice

pk · #4 06-03-2005, 07:58 PM

Thanks guys. I finally talked with the gent who may do the work and he uses sunbrella for most of his tops. Not sure what to expect price wise, but I will know more in the morning. Thanks again, good fishing this weekend!

cliffpaul2 · #5 06-06-2005, 02:40 AM

I always wondered why boat tops are made with cloth. I have an all weather gear bag from Cabelas that you can drench with a hose and nothing inside gets wet. I don't know what it is, but why not make tops from that material? It's heavier than canvas, but it would stay dry all day in the rain and spray and could be wiped down for storage in a couple of minutes instead of days. Just a thought...

chumbucket · #6 06-06-2005, 08:53 AM

cliffpaul2, you just described Sunbrella. ;)

jaysea · #7 06-06-2005, 11:01 AM

also get i think a 30 mill plastic on the windows ykk #10 zippers