Hardtop

[big05]

I am interested in building a hardtop for my 89 37' EggHarbor Convertible. I am looking for suggestions on whether to build a mold and build the top from scratch or use fiberglass panels. Any insight is most appreciated.

Thanks

[modunlavy]

Big,
Do you already have the frame? I just built a hard top 7' wide by 9' long for my 24 Topaz. I didn't have a layup table with the crown in it, so I had a fiberglass shop with a layup table lay me up a nida core blank. It was much less expensive than building my own mold for just one top. Then I finished it out including molding an electronics box onto it, cutting to fit, shaping the edges, and painting to match.

Something to consider....

Michael

[finadict]

I bought a 38 ft Lindell last summer that had a hard top. I had the builder remove it... It is currently in his yard and he will sell it... The top has a bomar hatch, glass windshield, and would come with all the stainless mounting stanchions...
This was a 10k option on the boat but since he tells me I still own the top the price will be much less...

[Doug in Bermuda]

I built a hardtop from scratch a couple of winters ago for my Albin 32 Command Bridge. Most likely similar in size to what you are thinking of. We made a mold first. No flat areas. Building a flat top is dead simple. If you already have a half tower that has some shape to it the job is much more complex. It just takes much more time.

PM me if you would like some build pics.

[big05]

Michael-

Thanks for your response. Since I already have the frame the idea of going to a fiberglass shop with a layup table is a good idea. Otherwise I envision myself making a mold. I would also appreciate any other insight you may have, i.e. things to avoid, ideas to make the project easier, etc.

Thanks,

Big05

[modunlavy]

Big,
The hardest thing on my top was finishing the edges....if I had to do it over again I would get the blank painted ( was only like $100 more) then just cut to fit, fill in the edges with a filler and put on some sort of trim.....

If you still want glass edges, then go for flat edges.... i wanted my edges rounded off and I have more time sanding and forming the edges than any sane person would have spent on it....

here is a link to some before pics of the blank

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...sts=13#M547360

Michael

[solarfry]

The Winter issue of Boat Works has a project on building a Hardtop.