New hard top
 

Made all the templates,
overall is 10x10

3 sheets 1/2" Nida core 4x8

Step one, cutout the contour of bridge deck to match the top with templates.


Next build a jig with the curve of top, then glass

Looks nice, but looks like a lot of work. Keep us updated.

says the guy who is going to pull both engines for tank replacement,lol?

Only one engine and tank this winter, don’t want to overdo it.

IF built to walk on or use as a fly bridge , the 10x10 will be about 250-300 lbs depending on layup.

IF just a sun shade and solar carrier ,, it will still need help to getup in place.

An easy fun job , till the lifting starts.

How flexible is Nidacore? Do you have to make relief cuts to get it to bend to jig?

With the core the weight will be about 55 lbs.


to make it ez to handle & transport to boat it will be two sections
4x10 and 6x10

It bends reasonably ok if you need to make a tight bend you can score it.


Incidentally the 4x8 sheets were $57 at boat builders supply

Thats sounds really cheap, good for you! Are you going to use 1708 Mat once on the jig?

Dang. At $57 per sheet, I might start thinking about extending my pilothouse again. I did my roof about 7 years ago, no issues since. It’s a worthwhile project, for sure.

prices have come down on composite sheets.I paid $51/sheet yesterday for 1/4" Marine plywood. I thought that was a good price. Keep in mind, composite still needs FG over it to be complete.
Of course, marine ply needs Fg over it too.

Lipets,

Greetings! I am just about to embark on the very same project, almost the exact size. My tentative first glance is 10x14, looking to stay on the lighter side as our main purpose is a permanent weather cover and solar mount. Take and post lots of pics, and what materials quantities/cost you see. Would love to see how your methods work!

We put a hardtotop hardtop on our present boat and a previous boat. I installed it in a day with a helper. We love it. It comes in panels about 2’ wide and you install it piece by piece on the bimini frame. On this boat the hardtop is pretty big so I had to have 1 1/4” s/s bows made to support the top. It came in a box about 14’ long and I could pick it up.

The cost of the hardtop was about $2000.

Don't need mat with Nida, it already has mat type finish.

4 gal resin about $80 ea


16 yards 17oz biax cloth, brushes, rollers, squeegees etc $200
from US Composites


1/2 sheet 1/2" ply for jig, cut on band saw this morning


1 sheet xps foam insulation used to build up edges $20



So about $620 so far.:rolleyes:


this will be offset if I sell the current frame & bimini




Now anything yuo build related to solar is tax exempt plus a tax rebate

I looked at that system, didn't appeal to me


There's one boat in my marina missing one which went flying in a storm

Ours has been through 60+ mph winds.

^^
I've contacted them 3x for a fastening and wind load schedule. No answer........

11' wide X13' long , 5/8" corecell. 3 layers of 6oz. mat on top. one layer on bottom 60lbs.