www.iFourWinns.com

Yes, definitely open up. Keep isenglass rolled. Never fold isenglass, which may have been done for packaging. If so let it sit on a flat surface laid out flat for a few days to get the creases out then roll it for storage.
Stick to manufacture instructions for care. No harsh chemicals, mild soap and water at most, then hit with 303.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

+1 to this^^

isenglass is easy to screw up. I use a bed sheet (cut to size) on the isenglass then roll it to keep it from sticking/scratching on itself.

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Current:
2000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer "still Livin the Dream"

Past
2002 268 Vista 5.7 GXI "Livin' the Dream"
1996 Rinker 192 Captiva. "The Simple Life"
1999 Yamaha XLL 1200 Waverunner.
1976 Mercury Marquis tri hull 120 hp

We also use bed sheets to cover and protect our canvas and isinglas. We put the section above the windshield in one sheet, the rear wall section in another, the 2 forward isinglas sides in the third sheet, and 2 aft side canvas sections in the 4th sheet. We fold each sheet around the section(s) making sure that the isinglas does not touch itself or another section, and roll each sheet around a 2 to 2 1/2 foot long smaller diameter noodle to prevent creases. Our boat is a 2002 non-arch 268. The canvas is original, and while it is not in perfect shape, it is not too bad. Our boat is trailered and the tops are rolled up and put away at least once, but usually twice, a week throughout the summer. We use 2 Velcro strips per roll to secure the rolled up sections. If the canvas enclosure is set up through out the summer it will get weathered and deteriorated sooner, but Sunbrella is some pretty good stuff. Using different color sheets may help identify which sections are which.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I use a bed sheet too but I roll each piece up with an old swim noodle cut to size (keeps it from flattening out).

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

This year I took advantage of a 25% off sale that Great Lakes was having and replaced all my canvas and eisenglass. I called Great Lakes after I received it to ask about storage as I don’t intend to install until the spring. They recommend unpacking and laying everything out flat for the winter. Plan on using pool table in our shore house to lay everything out. 2008 V358.

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2008.Fourwinns V358
1999 SeaRay340 Sundancer
1989 SeaRay 260 Cuddy

I have the same dilema. Install myself or have canvass guy do it. I Bought the tool to install the snaps but after unpacking it all I started to realize the enormity of the job. I mean I have ALL new pieces, sides front back. That’s a lot of snaps! Anyone ever done this before have comments on how difficult it is to get it right?

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2008.Fourwinns V358
1999 SeaRay340 Sundancer
1989 SeaRay 260 Cuddy

I ordered new Bimini tops last year and installed the snaps myself. On one hand it wasn’t too bad because everything zipped in place before adding the snaps and I didn’t have to worry so much about alignment. On the other hand I wish I had stronger hands.

My opinion is that it would be a big job install all the snaps, especially along the entire length of windshield, without getting a wave in the final product. I say this having never tried nor looking into an install strategy.

If you are going to give it a shot, I suggest you look at alternate snap tools. I used the one Great Lakes sold me which is a modified set of vice grips. With such short handles it’s enough work to install the snap. That said if you have sausage fingers this might not be a big deal at all.

Best of luck to you.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I would definitely be intimidated by that bag of snaps!

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I've been meaning to share this for a while. This is what I have done for winter storage. Very inexpensive and I know they will not get creased or damaged. All the canvas and sun pads store in less than 12" of depth.







I am just using 8' 1"x4" boards with snaps screwed on. I hang the boards to the joists via S hooks and chain.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Jnizi, I love this idea! You just might see this in my garage when you come visit

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Awesome set up jnizi

_________________
Current:
2000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer "still Livin the Dream"

Past
2002 268 Vista 5.7 GXI "Livin' the Dream"
1996 Rinker 192 Captiva. "The Simple Life"
1999 Yamaha XLL 1200 Waverunner.
1976 Mercury Marquis tri hull 120 hp