Hard Top Plans

[strick]

Originally Posted by fg1

The last hard top we made was 2 layers of 17.08 on top, laminated off-axis, and 1 layer of 17.08 on the bottom. No matter what core you use, you're going to have to make compression sleeves for every bolt and penetration.

With only 1 layer of glass then sleeving would be a must. The top I pictured earlier weigh's less then 120# The bases of the piping are 3.5 inches diameter and there are 3/4 " diameter washers on the top. No dimples anywhere in the glass. If one decided to use balsa then I probably would agree that sleeving to prevent water intrusion would be a good idea. I dont think Balsa is a good idea on a roof especially when there are so many other good products out there....just saying...

strick

[Caymanboy]

Here's a little tip for you:
When mounting ant's, mast, rigger bases, etc. Drill and tap through the top, core and all, tighten down the bolts, then put your washer and backing nut on. Properly bedded of course! Get much better holding power that way, never seen one pull out or compress.
Strick is God! :-)

[Entourage]

Sorry i thought this was going to be a pilothouse, sounds like its going fiberglass top with the aluminum pipes supporting.

[floorboy]

Originally Posted by Entourage

Sorry i thought this was going to be a pilothouse, sounds like its going fiberglass top with the aluminum pipes supporting.

Yes it is Mike. You may want to watch the thread, you never know, you might want to see what boat it's gonna end up on????

[Entourage]

Oh don't worry im watching

[saugeye]

Pretty excited about the top Mike. So far I have rigged it for great lakes fishing, barely. Soooo expensive to rig. Other plans are: rocket launcher, kicker motor, auto pilot, radar, etc.

[Entourage]

Wow its hard to believe how that boat has progressed over the years from when i found it. When i bought this boat it was just neglected and not taken care of. And now look at it, being well cared for and is in a class of its own. Thats what these CSC's are all about. (Old Entourage that is)

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Caymanboy

Here's a little tip for you:
When mounting ant's, mast, rigger bases, etc. Drill and tap through the top, core and all, tighten down the bolts, then put your washer and backing nut on. Properly bedded of course! Get much better holding power that way, never seen one pull out or compress.
Strick is God! :-)

that's an "old school" technique - drill a 3/16 hole,and run a 1/4 - 20 machine screw in - no need to "tap" - again,old school technique - ocean yacht used this alot...