Full Canvas or Not

[IdleUp]

Getting pretty serious about a new 21ec and though I would get you thoughts on the full canvas or just binimi - it seems that during the winter the ful canvas might be a bit chilly?

[El and Bill]

Our boat has green trim, so our full canvas is dark green. On cold winter days the full canvas, closed up tight, is a solar heater in the bright sun. We often heat the boat by leaving everything buttoned up, turn our stern to the sun, leave the cabin door open, and warm up the 'house.'

We have had thirty degree mornings for the past few weeks -- oooh, so nice to have the Wallas purring and then the sun shining and warming the canvas enclosed cockpit (our Grandkids, when they were aboard with us in Yellowstone, called the cockpit their "back bedroom" and loved the warmth of early morning.

[Alyssa Jean]

You don't say where you are, but up here on the left coast having the cockpit enclosed gives me another "warm" space that is 4-5 times the floor space in the cabin and not exposed to the elements. I wouldn't be without it and it gives me a year around boat.

[thataway]

For the Ranger 21, I would consider having an aluminum framework made and then a lace on top made for the full aft area. This will look better than a couple of Bimini type of tops, allow better access--and even allow kayak or inflatable rack on top. Then you can put on good side curtains. For the PNW, I would say that the top and full canvas is essential. It gives you lots of usable room

We strongly agree with Bill. We had a canvas enclosure on our Cal 46 over the center cockpit--and in sunny days, it was "T" shirt weather, when the temp outside was in the low 50's. We had a "red dot" engine waste heat unit which would heat the canvas enclosure very well.

[Doryman]

[JamesTXSD]

While you haven't heard from any 21EC owners, yet, I would think that boat would greatly benefit from the cockpit enclosure with that smallish cabin. On our CD-25, the full enclosure gives us almost twice the floor space while cruising. Think it would be chilly with the enclosure - imagine that cockpit on a chilly windy day without! I thought our enclosure was a bit pricey when we were optioning out the boat... nahh, it's priceless in use.

[Capn Jack]

OK,
It's time for us "Baby Boats" to have a say What are the canvas configurations that have been used on the 16'? My boat came with a "Slant Back" mooring cover and it is very awkward running with it on I've been considering having it re-made with side and back windows as I want to keep the canvas to a minimum. Anyone out there come up with something that works and is out of the way? Jack

[TomRay]

[Sea Angel]

Here in Va. Beach I have a full camper back for the CD25, Sea Angel,
smart investment.

Though I have both the "glass" and screen panels, I only use the side
panels when we cruise overnite. I use the "glass" on the aft section, in
front of the HONDAs and the screens on the sides. On Smith Mountain Lake you may very well want at least the screens for the 'bugs'. Even
the screens will keep some rain out.

The EC21 is a different beast when comes to windage so I can't address
that with any first hand knowledge. The CD25 on the otherhand is a regular 'sail' that spins around the OBs with her shallow draft, the canvas
makes it worst,... nothing to do with the original question.. Go for the
canvas... all will thank you for it on those hot Virginia days in the hills.

Art

[Frob]

I do not have the the full enclosure on my 21 but had a slant - back cover made for it mostly to keep the back clean when stored on the trailer, we remove it when underway and leave it in the truck.

Storage is tight and I would have to guess the factory one has roll up sides , if you wanted to remove the top and sides good luck finding a place to store it while underway, we made a mount for a patio umbrella by the motor box it angles for the best shade at anchor and even that folded takes some storage space.

The factory one looks good but is expensive and while the green house effect would be nice on chilly days it looks useless for sun protection ,unless the sun is directly overhead .

The one I saw at the dealer had a poor set-up for rain behind the cabin house and along the gunnels .

[Texas Steve]

We're seriously considering some kind of cover with roll down sides, but the $5,950 option from the factory seems a bit pricey. I'm amazed how difficult it is to get local canvas shops to reply. Very frustrating. I don't think I want a permanent top, but that may be the only other option.

Texas Steve

[TomRay]

Here's a picture looking up at the stainless frame of the surrey top.