I am attempting to get some cost I formation on a cockpit enclosure for a Catalina 400. I am looking at a boat that will need the Bimini replaced and figured to go full enclosure but not sure of the cost estimates.
cockpit enclosure
- Thread starter Richard Olden
- Start date
I have a complete enclosure I purchased 7 years ago. Cost was around $3000. Exclusive of dodger. Best $3k I ever spent. My advice is don't try to cut corners.
Top notch enclosure might even go as high as 6 grand for a VERY nice one, grab rails, pockets, custom, etc..
Cost will depend on several things.....first is design and style (number of panels and or with or with out screens). Second materials used (may as well go with high quality) specifically quality of "glass" used. Industry standard "glass" (isinglass has got a reasonable life expectancy of around five years with care, (depending if in Florida or Canada) before it starts to "burn" ,get stiff and cloud over. My suggestion is go with the best quality you can as it is expensive to have glass replaced. Best suggestion is give a reputable canvas maker a call or visit ,tell them your ideas and get a ball park estimate. Most will quote a per panel cost and give you a rough estimate of total job.(number of zippers ,"doors" etc all add up quickly). Depending on your style of boating and the boat you are looking at may want to price a "hard" dodger, since you need to replace anyway. Any way if I was going to guess total cost 8 to 10 K. for a good quality job.
p.s. winter is a good time top get this done but don't expect a large discount (if any) as most good canvas people stay busy year round.
P.S. another thought just occurred to me and that is to call Catalina Yachts or local dealer and see what they say. I am pretty sure their canvas department (or vendor) has made several all ready and may be able to help you out.
Helpful link below
http://www.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com/boat-enclosure.html
Make it yourself
Buy a machine and start learning how to sew. Did it 3 times to get it right. Total cost about $1500.
Use the best material money can buy: canvas material for convertible cars, DOT certified glass for cars that's certified not to cloud (Kal-glass), biggest zipper and top notch hardware.
Fully free standing with no webbing to get in the way. In the near future, I'll do the enclosure.
Buy a machine and start learning how to sew. Did it 3 times to get it right. Total cost about $1500.
Use the best material money can buy: canvas material for convertible cars, DOT certified glass for cars that's certified not to cloud (Kal-glass), biggest zipper and top notch hardware.
Fully free standing with no webbing to get in the way. In the near future, I'll do the enclosure.
Attachments
When we had the complete enclosure done on our IP 38 they built Sunbrella covers to go over the isinglass when visiblilty was not required. When we would leave the boat we zipped in the covers. It really extends the life of the glass. You might also think about having lea cloths made for the cockpit sides. It made for a much drier cockpit in a good blow.
Ray
Ray
In MD 3 years ago on a Hunter 40.5 Bimini, Dodger, full enclosure, and rear, aft side and front outboard panels with screens, about 10K.
Attachments
Motor sailing at night, fully enclosed, no station wagon effect, Cabin heat on, it surprised me how much quieter it went in the cockpit. Later on I closed the companionway, since no windshield effect, just a light sweater will keep you warm.
A full enclosure is an expensive, but very nice option.
A full enclosure is an expensive, but very nice option.