16ft hard top removal

Mburyhead · Joined: 19 Dec 2015 Posts: 2

Hello all,
I bought an older 16ft c-dory and I want to sand it down and paint the boat. I would like to remove the hard top and I was wondering if anyone ever removed there's?
I removed all the bolts but it seems like there is something pretty strong still holding it together....
Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 1:37 am Post subject: Re: 16ft hard top removal

Hello all,
I bought an older 16ft c-dory and I want to sand it down and paint the boat. I would like to remove the hard top and I was wondering if anyone ever removed there's? I've never seen one that had the cabin top removed. Ans.: It will have two definite affects on the boat: 1. It will expose the interior of the boat to the sun, wind, and weather and make the boat seem much cooler, especially in bad weather. (But you might like it in warm, but not HOT, weather.) 2. It will probably reduce the resale value of the boat to most potential buyers.

I removed all the bolts but it seems like there is something pretty strong still holding it together....Ans.: The top and bottom parts of the hull are glassed together with fiberglass panel overlaps, fiberglass tape, and resin. Separating the two halves may be somewhat difficult to do artfully, but is possible. Be sure you really want to do it and have a definite plan before you begin.

Another possible/probable outcome is that with the top removed, the boat will become less rigid structurally and twist and flex more in heavy weather. How much this may or will happen is questionable. It might require some form of structurally reinforcing the boat, which would be kind of backwards after the fact, if you will, like building a bridge back to the tree after you've sawed off the limb you're standing on.

How about leaving the majority of the cabin intact and cutting a large opening in the roof instead that would let the air and sun in without giving up most of the rigidity? The opening could then be fitted with a snap on canvas cover that would convert the cabin back to a closed unit. A line of various snap positions would permit the cover to be off, on, or partially open in a variety of degrees. ?

Good Luck!

Joe. Teeth

Mburyhead · Joined: 19 Dec 2015 Posts: 2

Wow Joe, thanks so much for your info! I read your first sentence and was already in my mind putting the bolts back in and forgetting that idea.
Really not that important that I take it off!

Thanks again!

Mike

South of Heaven · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:40 am Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:07 pm Post subject:

Another option, which I have done on a number of boats (but not C Dorys), is to put an opening hatch on the top. I have even put two hatches, one opening forward and one aft--so if you have spray from the front and still want the ventilation, you can open the aft opening hatch.

I agree 100% with Joe.