Back Deck Canopy

mickeydd · Post by **mickeydd** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:53 am

Hey all, I'm looking to the experts on this one.

I have a 78 F32, I'm looking to try putting myself a stainless tubing framing for a canopy out back . I have seen some F32 with this & most of them I dont admire. I dont want alott of railing all over the place.

So my question is has any of you fine gents tackle a project like this before. If you have how did you run the railing?

Tks Mickey

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 11:33 am

We've been working on a design for a partial cockpit cover for our F32 (as well as a 36 Hatteras) much as you describe. We plan to make it so it folds up/down easily, and can be removed with 4 quick-release pins. We'll use 1" OD 316L stainless tubing and Sunbrella canvas.

Here is an example on a 47 Riviera:

We've also been asked to make a full cockpit cover for a 36 Hatteras, which would simply be removed and folded to stow in the front V-berth while fishing, then deployed at the dock after fishing for some much needed shade.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 12:11 pm

Before I repainted my 32 I had this awning made for the boat.
I sat at the helm and had the guys bring it back as far as they could but still allow me to see the transom. I think it cost around 400 dollars.

It worked very well, it kept the salon cooler, I could keep the door open when it rained, and you could move the chairs under it to stay out of the sun.

The one thing I would have done differently is put a brace on the sides to hold the awning down. I didn't do this the first time because I really didn't want to drill holes in the window frames. The other problem with the braces was they would be in the way of the boarding area. Very little but enough to concern me.

I put 7 photos of the awning in the link below, I hope that helps-

http://picasaweb.google.com/missybtwo/F32AftDeckAwning#

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 12:20 pm

Very nice job on that back awning/canopy! Looks great.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 2:00 pm

Very similar to our planned "San Juan" ... except we plan to have some bracing underneath in the middle to give it more of a convex shape, and will be attached with quick disconnects to removed for offshore fishing.

We're not sure we'll even have it go around the ladder, as it provides little shade and makes it difficult to hand gear/rods up and down.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 2:30 pm

rossjo wrote: We're not sure we'll even have it go around the ladder, as it provides little shade and makes it difficult to hand gear/rods up and down.

I didn't want to go around the ladder either but when we set the frame up with out the ladder it looked funny, kinda like lopsided. So to make it "look" correct we shortened the other side the same amount as the ladder, then it looked right, but the awning became to small for any kind of coverage. On mine, the whole thing can come off in about 5 minutes.
I unzip the canvas and then pull the quick disconnects on the frame work and down it comes. If I did it again I would also put a hinge in the main frame so it can fold and be stored in the v berth

mickeydd · Post by **mickeydd** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 4:11 pm

Tks guys, yea looks great you did a great job.

I just want to go out a little further, just about 3 or 4 feet. I've seen some that they have taken them right out to the transom. Doesnt look good in my books.

Mickey

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 4:33 pm

I took these pics at the rendezvous in St. Micahels the summer before last.

Member's boats, to give you another view.

Here's Thelast322

Here's High Voltage

mickeydd · Post by **mickeydd** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 4:57 pm

Oh great shots Jamie........ Just what I'm looking for.

The blue one is extually what I'm look to do..... I have the canvas just need the tubing.

Tks again Jamie, big help
Mickey

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 5:06 pm

No problem, Butch did a really nice job on her. I'm sure he'll chime in soon and offer any help with your plan.

wowzer52 · Post by **wowzer52** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 12:58 pm

This is not a very good pic of the hardware on mine but I did the same thing only different, if that makes sense. I added the back brace for stormy conditions and night time, 2 pins to put the bar in place. I take it out for fishing or normal use. My side entry is not cluttered and the wrap around has the zippered bridge ladder opening with velcro flaps over the zippers for rain. There is another bar in the middle for a spine for water run-off. This is not a cheap way to go as it is custom bent and fitted to the boat and all of the canvas is fitted to the wrap-around but the whole thing comes of in minutes. I'll try to get better and more detailed pics of the hardware.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:10 pm

Good looking stuff and some great photos of Trojans.

mickeydd · Post by **mickeydd** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:38 pm

Tks Wow's, I'd appreaciate any info you could give me. Like your radar arch as well, thats my next project, maybe next year if the admiral allows it.........lol

I agree as well, nice looking Tro's
Mickey

wowzer52 · Post by **wowzer52** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:19 am

I built this radar arch in my driveway after planning and measuring for a month. Alot of waste basket throws before the final drawing.