gulfcoast john
New member
Hi Friends!
We have long desired an aft enclosure for the TC255 cockpit. Our priorities were 1), it must allow some breeze through the fabric, 2) no isinglass in it, 3) moderate rain diversion properties (not including torrential downpours like our typical Florida thunderstorms, when we go inside) 4) better privacy than nothing at all, 5) have sectional panels allowing partial use as sun shade or wind partial protection and 6) have a small stored footprint for easy storage onboard.
We’ve had clear panels on the Regal cockpit canvas enclosure and hated it. Most have to be rolled, never folded and were a pain to store onboard. We’ve been using light fly camping tarps secured to bimini railings, but it billows in any wind and is difficult to secure at the bottom. The PO had never used the King bimini that came with the 2010 boat when we bought it in 2013. Our canvas shop owner said the original Sunbrella and ⅞” SS railings were in good shape ( a bit of fading in areas) and that he could attach new sides to it with zippers at the top and sides with bungies at the bottom.
We chose a 90% (alternate 70%) light occluding Phifertex woven polypropylene weave. We’re very pleased with the visibility looking out, and with how much breeze it allows through. He advised 9 different zippered panels, each of which can be attached or stowed independently. Although we don’t see needing it, we elected an additional zipper entrance at the aft boarding rails for water access as well. Panels can also be rolled up and secured by velcro tapes under the bimini as well as completely removed and stashed in a custom bag.
We don’t fish and understand why the fisherpersons hate any non-cantilever bimini, but we think this one will be great for us cruising couples.
Total cost was $2700 including tax (extra 3% charge for credit cards) using the existing bimini. We’re very happy to finally find an option that meets all 6 of our priorities. Pics are in the subalbum on page 18 of Cat O’ Mine album. Hat tip to Bill on R-23 Mystery Girl for first demo of Phifertex on his Ranger Tug in 2016 and to Dr Bob for advice on access tips for any Tom Cat cockpit enclosure.
This shop (Coastal Canvas) did a great job replacing all the Sunbrella on the cushions with the same Silver as the window coverings.
I haven’t found any other Phifertex cockpit enclosure projects on the site, but I’m not a skilled searcher. If another Brat has done one, please point me there.
Pardon the dirty boat in the pics, it hadn’t been washed since returning from the Hontoon hoot, but now it’s been cleaned and has 4 coats of Poli-Glow (Ha! Just made Bob snort!).
John
![DSC03953.sized.jpg[img]](http://www.c-brats.com/albums/album3110/DSC03953.sized.jpg[img])
We have long desired an aft enclosure for the TC255 cockpit. Our priorities were 1), it must allow some breeze through the fabric, 2) no isinglass in it, 3) moderate rain diversion properties (not including torrential downpours like our typical Florida thunderstorms, when we go inside) 4) better privacy than nothing at all, 5) have sectional panels allowing partial use as sun shade or wind partial protection and 6) have a small stored footprint for easy storage onboard.
We’ve had clear panels on the Regal cockpit canvas enclosure and hated it. Most have to be rolled, never folded and were a pain to store onboard. We’ve been using light fly camping tarps secured to bimini railings, but it billows in any wind and is difficult to secure at the bottom. The PO had never used the King bimini that came with the 2010 boat when we bought it in 2013. Our canvas shop owner said the original Sunbrella and ⅞” SS railings were in good shape ( a bit of fading in areas) and that he could attach new sides to it with zippers at the top and sides with bungies at the bottom.
We chose a 90% (alternate 70%) light occluding Phifertex woven polypropylene weave. We’re very pleased with the visibility looking out, and with how much breeze it allows through. He advised 9 different zippered panels, each of which can be attached or stowed independently. Although we don’t see needing it, we elected an additional zipper entrance at the aft boarding rails for water access as well. Panels can also be rolled up and secured by velcro tapes under the bimini as well as completely removed and stashed in a custom bag.
We don’t fish and understand why the fisherpersons hate any non-cantilever bimini, but we think this one will be great for us cruising couples.
Total cost was $2700 including tax (extra 3% charge for credit cards) using the existing bimini. We’re very happy to finally find an option that meets all 6 of our priorities. Pics are in the subalbum on page 18 of Cat O’ Mine album. Hat tip to Bill on R-23 Mystery Girl for first demo of Phifertex on his Ranger Tug in 2016 and to Dr Bob for advice on access tips for any Tom Cat cockpit enclosure.
This shop (Coastal Canvas) did a great job replacing all the Sunbrella on the cushions with the same Silver as the window coverings.
I haven’t found any other Phifertex cockpit enclosure projects on the site, but I’m not a skilled searcher. If another Brat has done one, please point me there.
Pardon the dirty boat in the pics, it hadn’t been washed since returning from the Hontoon hoot, but now it’s been cleaned and has 4 coats of Poli-Glow (Ha! Just made Bob snort!).
John
