11 meter hard top

[Jimmy]

Did a bit of searching, but having a hard time finding 11 meter boats with hard tops. My canvas is/and has leaked when it rains, and really want to put a hard top on it. I am quite able to make one, and am already making the plans to do so. Just want to see others out there that already have them to see shapes, types, accessories attached etc. The one Im planning on building will be light weight, 1/4” plywood with dense foam enclosed in framework. Then epoxied glass, inside and out, faired, painted, and clear coat. Underside will include channels for light electrical for internal lighting etc. target weight is less than 150 lbs. planning on leaving radar, antennas on radar arch. This one will NOT be walked on, but will put nonskid in paint except around edges. Not interested on total gloss look, just edges. Top Sides will also have SS grab rails. Top will also go over top or radar arch for rear support. Inside support will be 1” SS tubing.

Has anyone added one, or have one on an 11 meter?
Pictures?
Suggestions?

[RWS]

See if you can chat up FORUM member Roger DeVore.

His Aeneas 11 meter express has a beautiful semi hardtop

Its a really nice aluminum frame with some kind of NOT CANVAS product stretched across it

Lets see if these old photos will show up here...…

RWS

[bocadakota]

On purchase of boat it already had the pipe weld frame for top with hypalon fabric roof. After several years it wore out. Designed and build roof out of expanded PVC board. At that time 1/2 4x8 sheets were $80 dollars. I believe we used 5 sheets to do both the cockpit roof and aft radar extension. After assembly painted with awl grip paint and drilled holes along edge to use rope to attach to frame, same as hypalon. Strong enough to walk on, extremely durable and very lightweight (no top heavy weight to deal with in rough seas. Roof was designed to mimic forward deck area matching the AC ducting and side sweeps. Never had any leaks, was always cool in the heat and lasted till Hurricane Irma took the roof off in practically one piece, never found it. But damages to the boat from the storm along with the complete roof gone, it was totaled. Cost to rebuild everything was twice the value of the boat. Was heart breaking to see and did not have the funds to be able to restore to it's old glory even with the insurance money.

[Jimmy]

Ugh, sorry to hear that it was totaled. I am not familiar with the PVC material. It Strong enough to walk on it, I assume strong enough to attach light hardware. Ill do some investigaing into the PVC board as an option. Nice looking boat. Sorry to see it go

[Jimmy]

Well, got it finally done. Made the hard top for the 11 meter. 11 feet by 12 feet. Wood frame, 1/4” plywood top, 2” foam board, and west epoxy with two 7 oz layers of glass. Used 2” pvc for the radius edges, and lots of sanding. 4 coats of interlux white, and non skid for most of the top. This will not be walked on, but did mount my radar dome on top with a 10” extension. Inside headliner is plush naugahyde with LED lighting

Took 6 of us to put it on, and supported it with 1“ SS tubing .065 wall with gussets for stiffness.

Glad it is on, Boat is much dryer, and much cooler.

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[RWS]

WHAT A BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED RESULT !

Will you put rod holders on the underside as with Aeneas? (pictured above)

Please post more photos - have you considered moving the factory masthead light aft to the arch?

Now you have the ability to channel air throughout the cockpit for a cool ride, and can still batten her down with canvas as needed.

I copied that concept when I re-did my bimini/canvas - the flow thru air is an enormous advantage, plus I can fold the entire assembly back for clear sky as appropriate.

11 Meter Express with the hardtop - In my opinion and from my time aboard one, likely the most versatile and BEST possible boat imaginable for my local area.

The only items to improve her would be a transom door, diesel power & genset.

BEST !

RWS

[prowlersfish]

Very nice job . I did a similar Top on my F30 with plywood and west , work well . But you did a better job and looks much better too.

[Jimmy]

Thanks RWS, I am very happy with it. The canvas guy will be finishing up the windows in a few weeks, yes, the air flow is awesome. I put the aft light combo on the 10” Radar extension. Not putting rod holders underneath. We store them in the aft locker, I’ll post inside headliner photos next time out. The whole thing weighed about 200-220 lbs so not too bad. You are spot on ... need a transom door, but not taking the sawzall to that anytime soon...

Love the boat.

[Jimmy]

One picture of the headliner, minus the LED lights, thus the hanging wires. Need to re-cover the radar arch naugahyde as it is a bit dingy from age, so will recover to match the new inside. Then time for cool summer boating. Huge difference in inside temp on sunny days....

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[WayWeGo]

Awesome job - shade and insulation!