Hardtop vs Bimini

[step 2]

Hi,
I'm considering having a hardtop on my Fiesta Vee 250 instead of a bimini.  My main concerns are being top heavy and the effects of wind on the additional surface area that would be the support structure.  My goals include having a more permanent sun screen, a place for fixed solar panels along with protection from the weather.  I realize its a small boat but I believe the benefits are worth it, or at least checking into it.  Any help, info or general guidance will be greatly appreciated. 
BTW... I have some fiberglass repair/construction experience and don't feel that the project is outside my abilities at all, which makes the price difference much smaller (minus time of course, but winter is just starting).

[Lifes Good]

I think a hardtop idea is great!  Here are my thoughts.

- Keep the top as thin as possible so it doesn't look out of place on your 250. I don't think you will have any issues with wind or performance as long as it is not bulky.  Your current top probably doesn't affect your performance and the surface area on a glass top would not be any different as long as it's no more than 2" thick.
- Curve the front inline with your windshield so the front bimini glass fits to your windshield neatly, straight down or with a slight slant aft.
- Have the aft of the hardtop end a few inches past your side seat and counter. This gives you the option to put a drop curtain from the arch down to the engine hatch floor.  Easy access out if you’re fishing and everyone else stays warm and dry.

- If matching your glass color is an issue, I have seen high gloss black arches on white boats and it looks sharp.

Sounds like a fun project
LG

[step 2]

Thank You LG for your thoughts.  I am assuming your idea is just a roof with no sides.  We are thinking about this aspect of it because we think it would be nice to be able to lower the unit when we're not on the boat and while trailering.  We had origionally envisioned a complete enclosure, but the more we thought about it and the possibilites... the more we like it.  We're considering a slightly curved roof with provisions for the solar panels.  Supporting this would be 2 upright supports and 1 diagonal on each side (which will still look like a bimini), all of which will protrude slightly to allow for panels to fold down and provide for an apparent enclosed structure when needed.  We're still working on the details for windows in the fold down sections, boating in various weather conditions and going through locks are the aspects we need to prepare for.

Thanks for starting us thinking, any more ideas will be greatly appreciated. 

[Dream 'Inn]

Definitely take a good look around at other boats (probably online pics right now since they are all shrink wrapped).  Some of the larger center console boats have some nice hardtops that cover a good size are that look fairly light.  There are quite a few simple fiberglass hardtops on smaller boats (mainly on fishing type boats) out there that you can get a good idea from.  I think for what you are after, make sure to keep it light and simple.  Good luck!

[Lifes Good]

I was picturing a hard-top with roll-up or zipper window curtains all around to keep it warm and dry in the wet weather but easliy converted to just the top when it's hot out. 

The back curtain would have two options.  One that drops straight down to the copkit floor if you like to fish and keep family dry while your outside and/or the other would go to the back of the boat so the back seat was covered too, keeping everyone dry.

Fish freindly and/or family friendly options.

LG

[step 2]

In response to LG's last response... a more than less solid foward section with a camper canvas aft section was what we had thought about origionally.  We do like the idea of splitting the 2 areas with the curtain as you mentioned.  The possibility of full coverage will make unplanned work in the engine compartment a little more bareable when the weather isn't cooperating.

I will need to do some more searching on the net for ideas.  Previous attempts at searching the Fiesta Vee has resulted in very little information, especially in the picture department.  I'll post a couple pics of mine when I can get it uncovered again. 

[step 2]

Still Lookin... How do I get away from being a "landlubber"?  I'm more "land locked" than landlubber. 

[Rinker342]

Still Lookin... How do I get away from being a "landlubber"?  I'm more "land locked" than landlubber. 

"Landlocked" is the right word for this season, isn't it 

You get to graduate from "Landlubber" to "Dock Hand" when you reach 10 posts.  Keep posting!   

[Lifes Good]

Hey Step 2,

I was sitting on my boat today and notice the boat next to me has a hard top.  The boat is a 26 foot Pursuit and the top looks like something you might be interested in.  Note how the top extrends beyond the front windshield and the curtian drops into the aft deck.  Nice set up.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/440/imag0143o.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/440/imag0144no.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/155/imag0145re.jpg/

LG

[step 2]

I got to measure the boat today .  At the widest point between the side windows, its 6'7" and from the most foward part of the windshield to the aft side of the lounge seat is roughly 7'.  For whatever reason, it is not what I expected, but give the overhang mentioned I'm figuring on adding 6" to both dimensions.  A previous owner had a radar arch on the boat and I can reuse the mounting area from that.  I guess next I get some cardboard and try a design...  I'll keep you posted, with pictures when I can

[Le Meez]

Wouldn't the wind flow, especially when on plane, be very restrictive with the front design so forward?

[Lifes Good]

Step 2, also take note that the sides have a slight overhang too.  This allows for rain to drip away from the plastic glass.

Concerning the wind constriction.  I don't see this an issue at all.  In my opinion, actually having the front windows on an inward angle is safer if you take green water over the bow as it will help deflect the water vs. the water caving into the outward slant most of us have. (But be sure you have enough head room that you don't bonk your head coming out of the front window...)

I had my front 2 forward arch and 3 front windows done last year with a super clear hard flexible glass.  I can't remember the name of the stuff but I can say it was very expensive!  Not Strataglass as it won't roll but it curves very nicely to the forward arch windows. When I open the center window, it snaps to the underside of the arch. On the top of the windshield, I had a custom boot made that snaps on both sides of the windshield (Arch to Arch). (Covering the entire silver glass trim).  On top of the boot is a zipper for each window, so the windows are removable but are locked in tight. On the outside there is sunbrella trim that goes over the zipper and adheres with Velcro to seal everything up tight. The benefit is that the glass is clearer than the boat windshield and if we take green water over the bow, I am not worried about the front canvas window(s) crashing into the boat while in heavy seas.  Yes, that is why I upgraded when it happened to my buddy's boat... What a saltwater mess!

If you would like pictures I can post them.

The bottom-line is you need to be happy with the overall look and design.  Using cardboard as a template is a cheap and fun project to get the appearance and ergonomics you are looking for.

Caution, this might be more than you want to spend...

LG

[AndyDale]

Was a radar arch ever available for the FV250? I've never seen a 250 with one here in Calif, not that there are very many.

Andy

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I have to believe that the arch that was on it was aftermarket.  The previous owner told me that the owner prior to them substancially reduced the price by taking off the arch.  The prior owner kept it in NJ and took it out in the ocean, while the persons I purchased it from used it in a large freshwater lake and had no need for radar.  Either way the mounts from the arch look like they'll be perfect for the hard top.

[step 2]

Hi everybody.  I decided to go with the hardtop.  I'm building a framed unit covered in luan and then filled with a closed cell foam.  I'm including solid areas where I will mount antennas, lights and the solar panels as well as mounting the hardtop to the boat.  There will also be a channel(s) for any wiring that needs to be run.  I'm building it with an arch across the boat.  I am including a picture of one of the frames being glued.