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Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
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Author:  onomatopoeia [ Thu May 01, 2008 11:32 am ]
Post subject:  Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
Has anyone ever looked into having a custom hardtop made that can be integrated into the radar arch (similar to the new 378 top) for an older Vista? Are there manufacturers who do this? I imagine the cost to be ridiculously steep, but I'd like to investigate anyway. The camper canvas on my 328 is on its last legs, even though it was refurbished last year. It's done. Since I'm looking at spending approximately $6000 for a new set anyway, I figure why not go with a more permanent solution that would also increase the beauty of the boat.

Any information would be apprciated.

Thanks
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Thu May 01, 2008 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
6k for Canvas on a 328 !!!! :shock:

There is not much more canvas on my little 268, and I was quoted under 2K.
Wow, I guess maybe the 328 is not my dream boat after all. Note to self: Never
upsize.

Never seen a hard top either, but I think you are right, and could have one custom made, somewhere, but no idea who to contact.

Good Luck.
Author:  beyond the blue [ Thu May 01, 2008 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
cap'n
Off topic slightly.. I just paid equivalent of 2,800 us$ for full camper
canvas including new stainless hoops for a 1998 238 Vista (the smallest vista ever made) so not cheap at all :(
Author:  onomatopoeia [ Thu May 01, 2008 3:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
Cap'n Morgan wrote:
6k for Canvas on a 328 !!!! :shock:

There is not much more canvas on my little 268, and I was quoted under 2K.
Wow, I guess maybe the 328 is not my dream boat after all. Note to self: Never
upsize.

Never seen a hard top either, but I think you are right, and could have one custom made, somewhere, but no idea who to contact.

Good Luck.
Yep. After taxes that's the price Four Winns quoted...and get this, it doesn't even come with the snaps. I have to have a canvas guy put the snaps in after the canvas purchase. All in all, it doesn't seem worth it to me.

If I have to spend an arm and a leg anyway, I figure I might as well look into a hardtop solution.
Author:  Brett248Vista [ Thu May 01, 2008 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
I beleive Atlantic Towers may be your best option. Yes they do custom fiberglass hard tops. The onlym problem I forsee is your windsheild being way too short. So you will wind up having the hard top supported by stainless tube on the front of the boat and will need custom Isenglass to bridge the gap from the windsheild to the hard top, very similar to the setup used on a Scout 262 Abaco.

(See photo)

Image
Author:  248 Vista [ Thu May 01, 2008 5:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
Something like that one might look a little goofy. The arch on the Vista has lines all of its own. You would have to find a good glass shop to cutom do it, or try to retro one from another model.
Author:  onomatopoeia [ Thu May 01, 2008 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
I'm not at all in love with the idea of stainless steel tubes supporting the structure. The one in the photo you posted is a neat idea, but it has a tacked-on look. I'd like a hardtop that's integrated with the boat's arch (or at least looks like it is), like the one on the 378, or better yet the 458. Do you think Atlantic Towers could do something like that?
Author:  248 Vista [ Thu May 01, 2008 5:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
I agree with you totally. I wouldnt wat something that looked like it was an after thought. Check around with your local boat yards. Someone has got to be able to fabricate one.
Author:  wkearney99 [ Thu May 01, 2008 6:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
First thing I'd do would be to shop around. No way the canvas should ever cost that much. Even buying it direct from the maker (great lakes boat canvas) shouldn't be that much.

For what the 458 offers, you'd basically be talking about having a whole new arch fabricated. Given how arches are constructed the only way to get what you're after would probably be a whole new one with some sort of frame inside. This would probably also require changes underneath where the arch meets the gunwales to handle the new loads. There's also the likelihood of requiring some sort of forward supports down to the windshield area. Are you planning on converting the windshield to a completely enclosed one? That'd likely require thinking about how to change the air conditioning system to get treated air up into the space.

If you're not going to enclose the windshield then what would you really be accomplishing? You'd still have canvas panels down to the windshield and along the sides. A top would only eliminate, well, one whole panel forward and only part of the aft panel (or you'd have to go with that ugly 'fastback' look they have on some SeaRays). I'd imagine it would be a LOT more money for a top than just those two top canvas panels. And you'd still be buying new ones all around anyway, right?

I'm not sure it'd be worth the money to eliminate only two panels of canvas.
Author:  onomatopoeia [ Thu May 01, 2008 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
wkearney99 wrote:
Are you planning on converting the windshield to a completely enclosed one? That'd likely require thinking about how to change the air conditioning system to get treated air up into the space.
Yes, I would like to convert the windshield as well, for the very reason you stated. I want a complete, integrated look, without the necessity of canvas on the front and sides at all. The only place where I'd want canvas is on the back, from the hardtop down to the transom to enclose the space when I want.

Also, with the back remaining open air conditioning wouldn't be an issue at all, so I wouldn't have to touch it.

Do you have any idea of resources I can contact that would do this type of custom work?
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Fri May 02, 2008 8:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
Factory supplied canvas, that splains the outrageous price. Mine was quoted from a local shop with snaps installed. If you do replace it, have a local shop give you a quote. It will no doubt be the same material FW uses, at a considerable reduction in price. And it will be fitted to your boat specifically.

I'm pretty sure Atlantic Towers would not make what you are looking for, without aluminum support poles. You need to look for custom fiberglass/fab shops like these guys.
http://www.customboatrepairs.com/services.html
Since they are in Jersey, it might be an easy one for you to contact.
Author:  Brett248Vista [ Fri May 02, 2008 9:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Integrated Hardtop for 2000 Vista?
No one will be able to fab anything without support poles. Unless you extend the windhsheild to the top like the 458.
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