Company:
Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc.

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sunbrella
Producer: Glaser Mills Inc.
Supplier: Trivantage LLC

Fabric 2

Solarfix Thread
Producer: Solarfix
Supplier: Keyston Bros.

Fabric 3

Strataglass
Producer: Strataglass LLC
Supplier: Keyston Bros.


Design Name
Bob Kotowski & Rob Kotowski

Design Company
Lake Shore Boat Top Company, Inc

Fabrication Name
Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Jake Koch, Nick Featherstone, Laureen Boyle, Phyllis Gielow

Project Manager Name
Rob Kotowski & Bob Kotowski

Installation Name
Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips


Please describe the project specifications

This project is one-of-a-kind for this 38’ Donzi Center Console. The customer and our shop worked with ideas on this project to design a shade structure that would eliminate his old top and provide a top that would cover majority of the cockpit, yet still allow him to be able to entertain and have full access to the sun on both the bow and stern of the boat. We also designed a front window to protect him from the weather elements.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

This laced-on “mega T-top” was the best application for this project. We suggested a banded top, however, with our deadlines in place, a lace on T-top was the best application to assure we stayed on schedule. The customer also wanted a front window designed to help eliminate any water over-spray when running the boat and also something to block the wind from pounding on him when he is driving.


What is unique or complex about the project?

We were under a strict deadline on this project that required us to pattern, build, sew, and install within two business days. The boat was being transported to Florida for the winter season. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the height of this structure. I am not a tall person, so trying to maneuver on a ladder in a tight cockpit of this boat was not the easiest process of pattern this project. This 18’ long by 10’ wide lace on T-top was a monster to handle and install. We used roughly 150 grommets and nearly 200’ Feet of lacing materials. It was definitely a challenge. Our staff worked together on this job and we worked until the 11th hour on it, but made the deadline.


What were the results of the project?

This is the second project we have done for this customer and once again our shop delivered a top-of-the-line project to the customers liking. The results were excellent as you can see. The boat has a new sleek look with lines. The boat is fully protected at the helm, yet still will receive plenty of sunlight through the cockpit.


Content is submitted by the participant. IFAI is not responsible for the content descriptions of the IAA award winners.