Can you run with camper enclosures?

[highman]

For most camper enclosures...any problems at planning speeds with these? Do they shake, rattle and blow or are they pretty stable. I'd consider investing in one, but not sure how sturdy they are.

Thx

[G8RDave]

I would say it depends entirely on the boat and the style of the camper enclosure. One of my former business partners had a Glastron 249 with the camper top. It ran fine with it up although the top did shake at times. That's alot of canvas and plastic in some pretty serious wind. Think about how much your bimini moves while you are underway. I wouldn't want to do that over a long period of time, but if its just a short run it would probably work.

[ABoater]

If it is properly designed and installed, it will be no problem. That is what they are designed for.

I've had both factory and aftermarket camper and flybridge enclosures. Never lost one yet. Very little movement, again, if they are properly installed.

Take care of them, and they will take care of you...

[highman]

Thx. Appreciate the feedback. Had seen a comment (in an ad I believe), recommending them for mooring and dock use...which made me think...."what's the point".

[NPH]

I have 2 boats, with camper canvas, my current boat Regal 277XL I run WOT with the canvas up. It rattles less with the full canvas then with just the bimini.

My other boat, a 25' Pontoon boat, also has a full camper canvas, I use to run with that up as well. It ran slower, but no problems with the canvas at all. No handling was a whole different story. To say it handle like an under powered battleship is an understatement. While out on the water it was not a problem or that noticeable, but when docking, handling it was tricky.

[tcijoe]

i have sustained more then 60kt winds with my enclosure. it is all about quality and installation. i could not live with out my enclosure. i have run with it closed as many times as i have open.