What to do with the roof

cdory25 · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 3:53 pm Post subject: What to do with the roof

I'm fairly new to CD. Curious about the roof on a 25. I've read you're not supposed to walk around up there or it might cause the windows to leak. Problem is I can't keep the girls off the roof. They claim it's the only place to sunbathe! I even see the roof depress about an inch as they walk around up there. Is there a roof rack available for these boat? Anybody have any advise?

Thanks!

DaveS · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject:

I've actually stood on the roof of our 22' at 190#. Probably not the best idea but I was working on the shop door motor above the boat, but I stood lightly Rolling Eyes

....my windows don't leak and the roof looks fine. Certainly, didn't do any "jumping jacks" while I was up there. (Don't know about the 25'). Distributing their weight over a wider area than their two feet would most likely be fine. Perhaps over the years construction may have varied a bit as well. So no guarantees.

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:29 pm Post subject:

I would guess that if they are sunbathing, you are probably on the water. Unless it's very calm, it's kinda dangerous to stand up. Falling in the water probably wouldn't hurt them but if they fell on the bow or into the cockpit they could break a bone.

If it's like the TomCat, the roof is cored and extremely strong. My roof (on a TC255) was about an inch thick, Fiberglass in and out and a thick core. I think the 22 is solid fiberglass but still ~3/8 - 1/2" thick. I'd think the 25 is thicker. They won't do any harm to the boat by being up there unless they are very large folks and jump up and down. Just be careful, "slippery when wet" or with suntan lotion on!!

Oh, and it's not a "roof". Houses have roofs, boats have cabin tops!! Laughing

Charlie

localboy · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:33 pm Post subject:

I've walked up there and I'm 190 lbs. I've never seen an issue.

thataway · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 10:38 pm Post subject:

The roofs on different models are made differently. The roof on my C Dory 25 deflected significantly. I have seen some stress cracks on c Dory 25 roofs. If there is deflection, I would not stand on the roof, you may distribute the weight better by sitting, but be sure it is not causing deflection.

starcrafttom · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:28 pm Post subject:

At 220lbs I walk on the roof of my 22 and 27 all the time. Need to to load the dinghy. Susan and I have both been up there at the same time, no issues. I even had my son and three friends up there using the top as a divlng board

breausaw · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 3:28 am Post subject: Re: What to do with the roof

If I lived in Florida I probably couldn’t keep me son off the roof, he’d be jumping off into the water whenever we were on the hook; don’t see any safety concerns. Sunbathing on the roof in PWS Alaska, that’s a dangerous idea, jumping off the roof into the water,,, no freaking way.

Peter_BDA · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:23 am Post subject:

Having put a solar in vent in the top of C Dory I know exactly how thick the roof was-NOT VERY! 1/4" if that..........

I will admit to hanging out top side with a glass of wine on a full moon or a sunny day though....carefully. There was some roof flex......

P

jennykatz · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:54 am Post subject: cc-23

On the cc-23 we have non-skid throughout most of the roof .I don't know how thick it is but Will-c knows, look through his album I think he cut his roof to put in A/C

cdory25 · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:17 am Post subject:

Thanks for the input. I seem to have started some sort of debate. When people are up there, I definatly have seen roof flex. Just wondered if it would/could cause permanate damage and if anybody has seen cabin top platform of some kind for the 25?? BTW the same size Rossbourogh has a second helm topsides as a $2500 option.

localboy · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:29 am Post subject:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album1192&id=C_Dory_upgrades_2010_004&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Pic gives you an idea of thickness, at least on the lower portion. Cored w/ balsa.

C-Pup16 in Los Angeles

~raises boat's center of gravity
~boat wakes will roll boat more and the roof will get it the worst
~falling off when sleeping or groggy risks hitting one's head ~ concussion
~hitting water when unconscious is not good
~ better to rig a hammock... install gunwale fishing rod holders on opposite sides of cockpit and slide hammock support poles into each.
~ Alternative is to construct a board that spans cockpit width and put a yoga mat on top for sun bathing. Add a trim on the edge to prevent rolling off in sleep. Use it as a buffet table in the evening. You can store the boards on the roof.

Risk management is all about thinking about what might go wrong and remembering Murphy's Law.

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:54 pm Post subject:

cdory25 · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject:

Interesting...Guess I'll have to invent something!

UncleRichie · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:34 pm Post subject:

Do you have room inside for some bows/ribs my 22's roof is not strong enough to walk on but I don't have enough headroom to put anything in.
Richard