Archives

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sunbrella
Producer/Manufacturer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Strataglass
Producer/Manufacturer: Herculite Products Inc.
Primary Use: Window

Fabric 3

Tuffak Marine 5
Producer/Manufacturer: Plaskolite
Primary Use: Window

Design Name
Keri Ames

Design Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Fabrication Name
Keri Ames

Fabrication Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Installation Name
Keri Ames

Installation Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Please describe the project specifications

This project was a complete redesign for a Hunter 45 consisting of a full custom frame and custom grab rail system. The customer had a vision of installation of a hard top which was not obtainable. This project was intended to provide the look and openness of a hardtop and enclosure.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This is a very unique design and complicated projected. The bimini top spans approximately 11 feet from arch to forward. With a span this length, a traditional frame design would most likely consist of 2 primary frames with secondary supports. This frame was designed to mimic a hardtop with no additional frame work outside of a primary bow. A single 1” stainless steel tube was mounted to the arch to a single primary forward bow with 3 intermediary mid bows. Attaching the mid bows to the side bar allows a full cockpit clearance the entire length mimicking a hard top similar to a cantilever top design. Consideration and (preventative measures (with a bit of magic 😊) were needed to eliminate sagging of the 1” support bar running forward and aft not only due to the 11’ span but the force and weight of the 3 mid bow supports. This full custom and unique frame design provided the look and feel of an open cockpit and hard top the customer envisioned.

The enclosure presented its own unique challenges beginning with the large aft arch support, a notorious not so friendly Hunter boat feature to work around. In addition to the large arch, side “bump outs” to house winches also presented a challenge for a smooth side panel fitting. This enclosure consists of 7 panels, 2 each side and 3 in aft. The customer uses the side curtains all season long but only the aft panels during early and late season in cooler temps. Track was installed along the arch to support the aft panels keeping them independent from the side panels. This allowed the opportunity to create wings on the side panels extending them further aft. The wings are not only an aesthetic design feature, it also provides additional protection for the aft cockpit seating when the aft curtains are not in use. Custom grab rails spanning the full length of the bimini were installed giving a very sturdy hand hold support while traversing aft and forward without worry while under way.

The minimalistic custom frame design, extended wings and clean finishes (fully masked interior zippers, removable roll up tabs) do set this project apart of others. But, the single length custom grab rails spanning the full length of the bimini were the jewerly needed to really make this stand out.

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