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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Roofing

I recently installed a new rear cockpit canopy. Fabricated out of 1/2" Divinycell, 18 oz. Biaxial fabric and epoxy, I started by getting the roof curve off the back of the cabin top. I then built a strongback using that curve to form the roof. After laminating the top of the canopy and adding side rails for strength, I removed the top from the strongback and flipped it over to laminate the underside.






I also added rails to the front and back to provide additional strength. Then the fun began as the top and rails had to be faired. After fairing, I painted the top with the most expensive part of the build - PPG car paint that matches Buddy's tan gelcoat.


Once painted I test fit the top to Buddy using a 2x4 frame. I then measured for the support posts.


After I received a bid to fabricate the posts out of 2" stainless, I decided to have the posts fabricated out of equally strong square aluminum that I primed and finished with epoxy paint.


The top was then installed using the same attachment method Rosborough used on the aft end of the cabin top.


The top is lighter, stronger and a bit larger than the factory built top. The side rails also deflect all the rain to the back of the boat.






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