Hardtop???

[wizard]

I'll throw this out there in hopes that maybe some of our forum members have either seriously thought about this or have actually done it. If so, any design sketches or pictures would be most helpful. I am seriously considering having a hardtop made for my CD 31, out of fiberglas. It would give me the ability to mount two solar panels on top, one on each side of the boom. Here in Florida, solar is a very viable option to recharge batteries etc. Has anyone thought about this? or already has one on their CD. Of course fabrication would be custom for sure, but would not like to have to reinvent the wheel if someone has done this already. My bimini maker indicates he can do the framing for solar panels included in a bimini top, but not sure if I want to go that way or a hardtop, I know there are advantages to both. Ok forum members, here is your time to shine, let me hear your opinions, thanks, Randy

[Ron M.]

take a look at Russell's Lady Pauline. he did a nice job and documented his construction of a hard top dodger last year.

[wizard]

I did look at his, but was not interested in a hard dodger, but thanks for suggesting that

[Jim Walsh]

Do you mean a hardtop similar to a "T" top as seen on center console sport fishermen? If so I don't think it would be a handsome addition. You asked for opinions. Mine would be to follow the advice of your Bimini maker and incorporate the panels into a Bimini design. The other possibility is an arch which extends past the backstay where the solar panels would be clear of any shadows most of the time. Even that would look better than a "T" top.

[wizard]

I have davits on the back and there will be a couple of smaller panels stretching across that area. Not like a center console powerboat. I am looking for a frame similar to a Bimini top only instead of canvas/cloth it would be a thin fiberglas hardtop. I just need to play with the design and see which one would flow better into the lines of the boat. I'm in my R and D mode right now. There are a lot of things you can do with a hardtop that may not be doable with a cloth top. Thank you though for your suggestions Jim. Did you ever figure out the windlass position? r.

[Jim Walsh]

Windlass position? I'll PM you.