2024 Archive : Jeanneau 50 DS Overhaul

Project Details

Fabric 1

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

Fabric 2

Stamskin Top
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 3

KTex PVC 18
Producer/Manufacturer: Keyston Bros.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 4

Tuffak Marine 5
Producer/Manufacturer: Keyston Bros.
Primary Use: Window

Fabric 5

YKK
Producer/Manufacturer: Miami Corp
Primary Use: Zippers

Design Name
Keri Ames

Design Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Fabrication Name
Keri Ames

Fabrication Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Project Manager Name
Keri Ames

Project Manager Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Installation Name
Keri Ames

Installation Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Please describe the project specifications

The boat overhaul was completed for a 2017 50’ Jeanneau Deck Salon sailboat. The project consisted of a dodger and frame, bimini top recover, external solar panel frame (above bimini) and complete set of cockpit cushions seat and backs. The boat originally consisted of a bimini only in bright blue. As a partial year live aboard, the client’s request for an expansive dodger in both height (aft and forward) and width, added solar panels to the bimini top and comfortable seating. The fabric color of cadet grey was chosen to complement the grey coloring in the boat name and toe rail striping of the blue hull. As a live aboard in the hot summer heat, it also significantly reduces the temperature in the cockpit area.
Starting with the dodger design, this boat has a dual helm which creates a standing line of site through each corner dodger panel port and starboard of center. To eliminate any viewing obstructions from both the taller client and his sailing crew, crowning of the frame was kept on the conservative side following the crown of the companion way cabin top. This provides a much more expansive view from either helm station as well as allows the use of a connector while sailing if so desired. The dodger consists of 5 removable panels that can be used in any combination. In addition, the center panel can easily be flipped up and secured to the underside of the dodger top without having to completely remove.
An external solar panel frame support was added to the existing bimini frame for mounted of the panels. This was suggested to the customer to do in lieu of attaching directly to the bimini top for a few reasons. Gravity taking over the stretch of the fabric particularly on a 4 bow bimini of this size as well as the number of panels (weight) he wished to add.
Signature finishes can be found throughout the dodger and bimini top which include hidden zippers for all bimini and dodger bow/mid bow pockets and vertical and horizontal dodger panel zippers. Two backstay cutouts were installed with topside gussets, reinforcement to accommodate the side pull of the zippers and underside covered zippers. A slight curve to each wing of the dodger panels and support bars was added to open walk-through space between the dodger frame and bimini. Track was added to zipper the center panel in place which allows easier access from inside the cockpit.
The cushion project consisted of 22 cushions adding comfortable seating forward and aft of the helm stations. A striped pattern fabric with grey accents complements the overall design of the boat. A neutral color was used for the cushion boxing to blend in with the fiberglass sides and allow for the pattern and color to pop. Cushions were fabricated for a matching and continuous pattern repeat and are mirrored forward and aft. Backrests cushions with elbow rests were added for additional comfort. The elbow rests were eliminated on the forward cushions to prevent a tripping hazard entering and exiting the cockpit. The cushion design allows for easy storage locker access which is frequently used. Removal of the cushions is not necessary. Both the seat and back portions are secured in a manner to allow to stay put while opening the locker.

Fabricating a relatively complete project package from canvas to cushions to solar panel frames set this apart from other projects. In addition, designing for the future was a major component. The bimini and dodger design were fabricated in a manner to allow for the addition of an enclosure at a near future date. Clean finishes can be found throughout the project including covered bimini and dodger pocket zippers as well as panel zippers. The final project really provided a sense of extended outdoor living to be enjoyed at dock, anchor or underway. The change in color for the bimini, added dodger and complementing cushion fabric gave this boat a fresh new look.

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