Camper back mounting to cabin

[Don and Brenda]

I am getting ready to have a camper back made, how is it connected to the cabin? I have seen a few pic that are just snapped directly to the fiberglass and others looks like there is something affixed to the cabin and then the canvas snaps to that piece. What is the best way?

[lloyds]

The King products have a zipper piece that is mounted across the top and snaps on the sides and back. Whatever you decide to do, pay particular attention to where the canvas joins the deck, and at all the corners. If it doesn't work correctly there will be leaks where water runs down the sides and under the canvas edges.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

[thataway]

The material which is screwed to the cabin top (and can also be screwed to the cabin sides) is called awning rail extrusion. This is available in both vinyl and aluminum--the vinyl is preferable for boating. This allows a fully water tight connection of the top and canvas. Agree that you want both a zipper on the welt which goes into the awning rail (also called a "bolt rope"--although an actual bolt rope is usually a bit heavier). There needs to be a double flap with velcro over the zipper.

It is far better if the top is free standing, thus the front few inches can be left open for ventilation in hot weather.


Here is a photo of the side using awning rail instead of snaps--and again it will give a more water tight connection:


Framework from the inside--and this shows the solid SS support fore and aft for the 1" diameter, thick wall SS pipe, rather than thinner wall tubing.

[Don and Brenda]

Thanks guys, Bob that is a real nice set up. I am going to model mine after the boat Foggy Dew with mesh on the outside and sunbrella privacy curtains on the inside. Most of my boating for the next 3 years will be Sacramento, Ca based and when I move it to the Washington house will switch to Eisenglass.

[hardee]

[Aurelia]

Don, Ours had a stuffed edge with a rounded fabric lip on the camper back side and used twist lock fasterners hard mounted on the cabin top and no separate panel or zippers. It was quick to remove or attach, very sturdy, and never leaked a drop.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Aurelia&id=Picture_198&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Greg

[Don and Brenda]

Thanks Greg, I looked closely at your camperback as you well know, I do like the twist lock, certainly would make it fast, sometimes those snaps are a real pain. Congrats on the sale, just wish it had been me. Hope it went to someone who can appreciate the work you put into it.

[Aurelia]

Don, if you need a closeup pic of the edge folded back or something just let me know, It will be in the driveway at least another week or so.

Greg

[416rigby]

Hi Don
We really like our camperback but to be honest we hardly ever use it...but it's a nice option to have when you want it. The attachment onto the roof is the bolt rope mentioned above and I like it a lot because it is quick and simple and nothing to corrode or break like snaps or similar fittings.

We have screens and eisenglass and drop curtains. When you set out to have this project done, try to think of everything you'll want so the design takes your desires into account. Feel free to shoot me a PM for more details if you like. If you ever get to the Port Angeles area, let me know and you can stop in and we'll throw it on so you can get an idea of what it's like.

Rick

[Don and Brenda]

PM sent to Rick,
Thanks Greg

I like the awning setup, very clean. I am going to get it priced out tomorrow if I can get my ride setup to the canvas maker, still 4 weeks before the doc will let me drive again after surgery