I am thinking of getting a cockpit enclosure for my H26. I have a nice Bimini and was hoping to use it for the top and then have sides and front made. Has anyone out there done something similar, or can anyone give me some pointers and share their experience with this kind of project. Thanks in advance for any comments.
CockPit Encloser
- Thread starter Bungalow Bill
- Start date
Bill;
I do not know anyone but may be wrong who has done that but make sure you say for a 26 and not a 260 as there are some differences in the cockpit. However, I did look at the photo gallery of the 26 and 260 and saw nothing mentioned on this subject. I would tend to think you will have a lot of costs for something like that plus the fact of installing the cover every time. You will not be able to sail. The alternative for the cabin is the companionway cover with the clear plastic cover the entry way which you can get thru the forum store and I know who builds them and they are good at what they do in building them. If you like feel free to call me and I can give you a name whom to contact to see if that can be done via forum email but do not wait long as IK
I do not know anyone but may be wrong who has done that but make sure you say for a 26 and not a 260 as there are some differences in the cockpit. However, I did look at the photo gallery of the 26 and 260 and saw nothing mentioned on this subject. I would tend to think you will have a lot of costs for something like that plus the fact of installing the cover every time. You will not be able to sail. The alternative for the cabin is the companionway cover with the clear plastic cover the entry way which you can get thru the forum store and I know who builds them and they are good at what they do in building them. If you like feel free to call me and I can give you a name whom to contact to see if that can be done via forum email but do not wait long as IK
I inclosed my H22 and did it in small steps. This is something I use only a few times a year, as when it's raining or cold and I want to hang out on the boat outside. It made my boat fell like it was twice as large. I started by getting clear shower curtains at Home Depot because they already have a reinforced top with grommets. I could then use bungees and cut the bottom to size. Over time I added sunbrella trim and snaps around the edges to connect the 2 side panels and back panel. If you want to experiment this is a cheep way, then you can always step it up later. I've ben using mine for over 5 years and it's still as good as new because I don't leave it up to weather in the sun.
Are you looking for protection from the sun or from bugs?
I made a boom tent to get out of the sun when not sailing.
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131886&mode=linear
I made a boom tent to get out of the sun when not sailing.
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131886&mode=linear
When I hear of a cockpit enclosure, it is an item I refer to enclosing the entire cockpit as if is in a sense an enclosed sunroom. A boom tent is basically an awning over the cockpit. In the case of the 26/260, a boom tent is a great addition but a cockpit enclosure is one thing I cannot see being done starting with placement of lines and blocks not to mention the placement of the boom
Thanks for ideas and pics. I am trying to escape bugs and weather with an enclosure while anchored or docked. Just trying to make a small boat bigger. I realize the cost will be steep, not sure if I have the skills to make it myself. If I get it done I will post a pic. Thanks again.
I intend to use clear plastic sold by rolling foot a Walmart. Snaps and velcro to attach to the Bimini edging w/ velcro and snaps to hold panels vertically together also. Intend to shape it to my pop top for entry/exit to cabin. Use my Mr Heater when it gets cool. Chief