Canvas Cover like C-Lover

B

BRAZO

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After seeing the pictures of C-Lover's Canvas Cover -- I decided that was what we need on our C-Dory 22. Problem is, the fabricator is located in Florida and we are in Wisconsin (wishing we were in Florida).

IMG_0011.jpg

I've heard rumors that there might be other interested parties to have this canvas cover produced. Is there anyone out there planning on taking your boat to Florida to have this done? From my understanding (thanks to Roger from C-Lover), the fabricator is willing to make a jig in order to produce more of these tops without the boat being on-site.

If you have plans on having one made, please let me know. We have a big trip planned for next year and need to have a "Camper back" done before we go (either the traditional or like C-Lover's) -- otherwise the 16 yr old would need to sleep outside!!

Thanks and have a nice evening.
 
The "Fabricator" Bob Pedersen, as a friend of mine, and I would be more than happy to act as a facilitator.

The problem I see is that of freight on the frame--It would have to go by truck and that can be a bit expensive--probably several hundred dollars.

The other issue might be the installation of the side curtains--I didn't see Roger's as a finished product, but I know that Bob is perticular about how the cover is installed to be sure it is done properly. In my opinion, he does excellent work.
 
Hi Bob,

Thanks for the reply. The gentleman that I talked to was Henry from Blue Coral. Is that where Bob Pederson is also from?

If so, I would be very greatful for any help that you could give. I spoke with Henry from Blue Coral today and he stated that they would be able to fabricate the frame without the boat on-site, but they would not be able to guarantee that the pads would be exactly flat.

I very much appreciate your reply and help.

Please let me know if Bob Pederson is from Blue Coral Towers.

Thanks
 
Hi Robert,

Henry called me today about having me bring the boat by so he could get some measurements. That will probably happen next week. Bob Pederson is the person that did the canvas after the frame was built. I have also talked to him about doing the canvas.

Roger
 
How much weight does that add to the boat?
Nice looking frame- able to fish under without dealing with the bow frames of a traditional canopy.
 
C-Hawk":2h506ygn said:
How much weight does that add to the boat?
Nice looking frame- able to fish under without dealing with the bow frames of a traditional canopy.
Click to expand...

We forgot to weigh just the frame but it is lighter than all the canvas. I had no problem lifting just the frame. When all the canvas is rolled up and put in a bag I can hardly lug it around. My SWAG is 40lbs tops for the frame.

Roger
 
flrockytop":1vgb8kdp said:
Hi Robert,

Henry called me today about having me bring the boat by so he could get some measurements. That will probably happen next week. Bob Pederson is the person that did the canvas after the frame was built. I have also talked to him about doing the canvas.

Roger
Click to expand...

Hey Roger,

I very much appreciate your help -- that is very nice of you. Hopefully it is not too much of an inconvenience.

Thanks again.
 
Roland from Blue Coral called today and wanted to come do some measuring. I was getting ready to leave and was gone for several hours. I am assuming that he came and got what he needed for now. I told him again that I would bring the boat to them if they need it.

Roger
 
Good Morning Roger,

Thanks for you update. We are looking forward to the finished product -- it'll work out great for our boat and the type of boating that we do.

Our boat that we just sold had a "aft cover" over the cockpit area that we loved. We enjoy being out in the elements, but not in the direct sun all day -- so this should work great. Plus, with 4 of us -- now we'll have a spot for our 16 year old to sleep.

Thanks again and have a nice day.
 
Good morning Robert,

I just went by the welding shop. They have your frame made and it looks good. I didn't have my camera or I would have taken a picture. They are waiting on a quote from the shipper now. I think you are going to like it.

Roger
 
Hey Roger,

Thanks very much for the info. Looking forward to having it on the boat. Up here in the frozen tundra, we are just about ready to turn that corner into warmer weather. Probably by mid-March it'll be at least warm enough to work in the storage shed and get it installed. Then another month after that it can go in the water - with some ice chunks here and there.

Have a nice weekend.
 
Today they delivered our Custom Canvas cover from Blue Coral Towers. They created a nice frame work around the cover and it was protected perfectly for the Florida to Wisconsin trip.

The quality of the work looks Excellent. I'm hoping to start the install this weekend -- looking forward to seeing it on the boat.

Thanks again Roger for all your help and design.

C_Dory_061.sized.jpg

C_Dory_062.sized.jpg
 
The frame looks good. Did you buy the canvas with the frame? Is it sunbrella or something else? Will it attach the same way as Roger's - 2 attachment points on the roof and 2 on the bulkhead? What is the flat attachment in the rear center? It looks like the canvas is fitted around it. I did not see that on Roger's. Let us know how it fits. I am kind of interested but curious to see if measurements from Roger's boat work well on yours.

Take care,

Rob
 
Hi Rob & Karen,

Ya, they did a great job on the frame. Nicely finished/polished.

Yes, we purchased the canvas with the frame. Rowland from Blue Coral Towers set that up for us. The canvas is Sunbrella Plus or Premium (Marine version).

Yes, the frame will attach the same as Roger's. The difference is that they created a "swing" arm for the attachment that goes on the bulkhead. This will allow an adjustment of the angle to the bulkhead depending on the positioning of the roof attachment.

I'm not sure what the flat attachment is in the rear center, but my best guess (and I'm going with it) is that it is there in order to tie off the strings from the canvas. They worked with the canvas people to add a few items to make the canvas work well without having the boat - i.e. the "cabin" side of the frame has an extra bar (that is not on Roger's) in order to allow the canvas to be tied to that bar. I would imagine that Roger's canvas goes right to the roof.

I'll take some pictures during install and I let you know how it fits. Rowland from Blue Coral Towers was great to work with. They did not want to do the frame initially(without the boat onsite), but after a few more pleading emails they agreed to do it. It was an easy transaction and there is no way we would have found someone in our area that could produce the quality that they did.

I'll be in touch.
 
Looking back over this older thread, I'm wondering if there is any updated information as to who has had these frames made in the last year, their thoughts on this type thing vs more standard camper back, etc. I'm now in the market for new canvas for the 25 we just bought. I spent hours last night going over some of the older pictures and got some great ideas from folks. This frame intrigues me, but I'm wondering if I would want it there all the time without the ability to take it off. Also, is it strong enough to support a couple kayaks? (not that I would want more weight in the back, I guess...) We are, of course, nowhere near any canvas people, so we are looking at the possibility of finding someone who can measure up another 25 and build something for us and leave the install to me (scary idea). Also, I was thinking maybe some new canvas folks might have caught someone's attention recently.
 
We still love our canvas frame. Because it is tall with no poles, you don't even realize it is there. Certainly the best addition to the boat - we would never own one w/o the canvas frame.
 
Yes, it is very strong. I'm 180 lbs (maybe a bit more while on vacation ) and I can hang from the very back of the frame with no movement at all.
 
Hello Moabarch

I'm very happy with my canvas rack. I had a standard bimini top before the rack.

The boats (C-Lover/Roger, BRAZO/Rober, and my boat Seadation) that have these kinds of racks are all 'non self bailing' cockpits. Thus, the cockpit decks are lower than your on your C25. A similar rack could be done on your boat, however, to obtain 7 or more feet of headroom, I suspect the rack would need to be substantially higher above the cabin roof than what you see in our three examples.

Good luck,

/david
 
Met a gentleman (Snickers - CD22) today in Fairport NY that plans to add the same canvas frame to his boat. Him and a friend stopped by our boat to check out the frame. Very nice gentleman and a pleasure to show our boat to.

Plus a great town in Fairport NY!!
 
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