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Random Quote: Before I speak, I have something important to say
I need ideas on a 3 sided enclosure for the console on a center console. Show me what you have and how its attached. I do not want to screw into the t-top because inevitably, it causes corrosion. Let me see em, thanks.
we were very happy with our 3-sided. It was really high quality materials with a nice snug fit. I do not know how you will do it without attaching it to the top. Ours was on tracks that were attached to the top and one track attached to the front of our console. Over 2 years and not a hint of corrosion. Theses pix are the best that I have, but were not really designed to show it, but it can be seen. went outside the pipes - attached to itself via zippers - with flaps that covered the zippers - it was virtually leak proof - and velcro on the pipes, just to help hold it stiff. This thing did not move - even at very speeds. Very high quality plastic - very clear and fairly stiff - but easily rolled. had one fabric roll up section to allow access to the head door. That is where the man's hand is seen grabbing the pipe. It really maximized covered space.
No pics of mine, but it is attached by those post-type snaps to my alum. tower. I had them screw them in with Tef-gel and there has been zero corrosion in 4 years.
I had my top RE-powdercoated after some jackass screwed a million snaps into the original powdercoated top without any sort of tef gel or anything. I now have a policy of "no metal touches the powdercoating anywhere" (no screws, no bolts, no anything). To hold on my top I sewed some velcro straps and used "common sense" fasteners.
Thanks guys, sorry I missed this thread for a few days. Steve, I wish I could see the side of the console of yours.
WME and Afishanado, wish I could see both of yours personally to see where you attached te wings on the outside of the console. Do both of your go to the floor? My goals are no screw holes if I can help it. I am looking at velcro straps but I need to block wind and spray on those nasty days.
Cooper, that potentially is a good idea with the straps but the snaps might not hold the panels in the wind and pressure at speed. Might need a mechanical connection that has to be removed by hand with no chance to fall off.
Went through my pics for some good shots. These are the best I could come up with, tried to zoom in on some, Boat is sold so I can't go take ones that really show what you want. We were going to have 2 spray curtains added that we would only put up when needed. I designed a pattern that would go down to the floor, with a cut out for the gunwale. Instead we sold the boat.
The sides went around the pipes and were zippered to the front piece, on tracks to the hard top and believe it or not jut velcro'd to the rear pipes. We had it for more than 2 years - wet slipped in the S. FL sun - and had absolutely ZERO problems. I was tight and never came loose in the rear. The sides were not attached to the console at all, just attached to the the front and top with the bottom stretched between the poles. The windows were very stiff - EZ2CY - but the front "U" shaped opening was easy to roll up, however I could see that it may be more difficult in a colder climate but then those are the days you want it down. I was very pleased with the enclosure.
I recently installed a sheet that goes from the top down to the top of the console. Used it for the first time Wednesday (it was chilly for here), running up to Harbor Town Marina from Miami. It is a simple track fixed to the hardtop and fasteners on the console top, roll up when not in use.
I never had protection, this little four foot wide windscreen, is a must have. I adored it, was comfortable behind my wind blocker. Great amenity.
Here is a fair shot of my enclosure. I have the standard 3 side enclosure and then the drop curtains in the back. They are rolled up out of the way in the picture, but when in use zip down on the front and the back either attaches to the console or out to the rod holder.
Everything is attached with velcro straps except for the tracks on the hardtop. Easy on and off for long trailering.
I think it depends on who is good in your area , I have used many canvas people some do cushions great and some do enclosures great , and some just stick it to you and give you crap, I would put a post out for people who have had good experiences in your area, I spent $1500.00 on some cushions and they went in the garbage thanks to Erik Alveraz AKA Hack or (www.boattops.com). , I have learned my lesson meet with them and see there work and never pay in full up front. I have a local guy here he does great 3 sided enclosures with wing outs, I have used him a couple of times he comes out I tell him what im looking for and every boat is different for enclosures you will only have a couple of choices for attachment, I also use Birdsall Marine everything they do is top notch. I hope this helps here is a pic of the enclosure I had done locally.
I have a 7 sided enclosure it works great and the sides can be rolled up individually. It keeps 4 of us dry on the way out/back. It's made of Strataglass and I highly recommend it.
__________________
REEL SCREAMER 24 Hydrasports Vector Twin 150 HPDIs
Run like you stole something. Fish like you cant go back.
Mark, nice details. Question: Why didn't you just go from the forward support pipe on the side of the t-top directly to the gunnel instead of putting a piece flat against the side of the console? My thoughts right now is to create a front piece that goes to the top of the t-top and a couple of inches below the windshield(so it doesn't prevent the seat from opening(that is the drink cooler). Then, a piece on either side, wings, that attach to the gunnel. The real problem is how to attach it under the gunnel and near the floor.
Mark, nice details. Question: Why didn't you just go from the forward support pipe on the side of the t-top directly to the gunnel instead of putting a piece flat against the side of the console? My thoughts right now is to create a front piece that goes to the top of the t-top and a couple of inches below the windshield(so it doesn't prevent the seat from opening(that is the drink cooler). Then, a piece on either side, wings, that attach to the gunnel. The real problem is how to attach it under the gunnel and near the floor.
JAGSARE1,
We do quite a bit of fishing in the winter here and it gets a little chilly !!! I had them do the phone booth so no cool breezes would get under or around to us standing behind the console. We also store jackets hats gloves and such between the side panels and the console. Even when it is cold out in December -February you don't get that bitter cold air whipping through or around the enclosure. I also tried to do most of the attachments with slides and zippers so the curtains are pretty much air tight when running. The wings on mine are attached with stainless clips to the top of the gunnel's and to the deck via small stainless eyelets. This has worked great and have not really found a better way to attach the wings to the gunnel's. The wings are very easy to roll up out of the way. I like the wings further back behind the last t-top support because gives a little more protection to the passengers behind the console who are normally sitting in bean bags on the long runs..
There are a few things I would add. I would like pockets for phones wallets and sunglasses somewhere either on the side panels or a separate attachment that hangs from the two horizontal supports on the side of the console. I am going to have something made this winter for those items.
there is a better way
Ernie,
Karen Lucas at Karens Canvas in Lucama NC. I was really pleased with her work. A little on the slow side. Make sure you bring her a drawing of what you want or you might not get exactly what you want.....Mark
Allen Lucas Marine Inc.
P.O. Box 816 Lucama NC 27851
6654 Hwy 301 S, Lucama NC
Phone - 252-239-8880
Fax - 252-239-8883
Home - 252-239-1822
Show me your center console enclosure 
