After I wrapped my removable Pop Top hatch supports with floating material so that I wouldn't lose them, I lost one (at least it's floating somewhere). Does anyone know where I can get a replacement for my Mac 22 or perhaps have a good idea on fabricating one. Thanks!
Pop Top Hatch supports
- Thread starter Norman Staniec
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Go with gas struts, you'll love them.
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=6558&Itemid=257
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=6558&Itemid=257
I made one...
Have been using for 1 year, so far.
I went to Lowes or Home Depot and bought an extendable closet rod. Flattened the ends with a vice to match the one I still had, set it for length and drilled a couple of holes for rivets to hold it at the right length.
Have been using for 1 year, so far.
I would be careful using the curtain rod, the stuff I have seen is way thinner than the oem supports, and Mac put stainless ends on for a reason. I had one of mine break on me, looked fine untill it snapped, internal corrosion. Nice bump on the head, and the other one followed the broken one overboard. Not a good design overall. Not to pimp my own mod, but the gas struts are much safer and easier to use. Frank(Caguy) put the details of the mod in the 25 section.
Magic...figured out where the strut would fit without interference with arms, measured length, went with slightly longer strut, tried 45lb struts, based on estimated weight of top, not quite enough support, went to next larger readily available size, 90lb, verified operation. Bob's your uncle.
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I picked up a pair at the wrecking yard from a Volvo hatch back (Vanagon hatch struts also work.) Got the struts and mounting hardware for $13. When setting mine up I restricted the rise slightly for a little more boom clearance when the top is up. I like to sail with the top up. I'm only 5'8'' so it works for me and I still have plenty of head room.
Good deal! Thanks! I have seen others out there that are 60-80lb capacity, but it sounds like 90 would be the better way to go.
I'll have to look for some of those Volvo struts as well - great idea, Frank!
I'll have to look for some of those Volvo struts as well - great idea, Frank!
I have one at the bottom of Lake Sabine that you can have.
Anyway, what I use is a 1" ratchet strap looped around the upper side of the front hinge support and adjusted in length to hook on the mast bolt. This allows the top to lay back over the cockpit like a bimini hard top. It keeps the sun off and allows the boom just enough clearance.
I like the other recommendations too.
Good luck!
Anyway, what I use is a 1" ratchet strap looped around the upper side of the front hinge support and adjusted in length to hook on the mast bolt. This allows the top to lay back over the cockpit like a bimini hard top. It keeps the sun off and allows the boom just enough clearance.
I like the other recommendations too.
Good luck!
HEINZIR
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- Jan 22, 2008
- 198
Dan D- Do you have a pic of the installation on a 26S? I'm interested, but have not figured out where to put them on a 26S. Any help would be appreciated. -Paul
Dan D- a pic IS worth a thousand words. I had been trying to figure how to mount them between the cabin roof and the potop itself, and just couldn't see it. Thanks. -Paul
Use struts
SO along with many others, I too added the struts to my pop top. I bought mine at autozone for 18 bucks a piece and followed the directions listed in one of the forums on here. Was slightly frustrated doing this solo, but in the end it worked well and only took a couple hours.
SO along with many others, I too added the struts to my pop top. I bought mine at autozone for 18 bucks a piece and followed the directions listed in one of the forums on here. Was slightly frustrated doing this solo, but in the end it worked well and only took a couple hours.
I'm thinking it should work on our boat, a 91 26c. Any tips? Suggestions? Photos? I'm not that handy but have a good buddy that is and he loves to sail -- it's a great tradeoff! my email is RNC725@comcast.net
thanks
Bobby
thanks
Bobby
Thanks to all for yoiur comments and suggestions and especially providing pictures. I really like the gas strut idea, now just need to find the 90 lb ones. Good sailing!
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