Is there a max speed with the camper top up?

[ajuillerat]

I have a '97 232 with a camper top.  This is my first season with a camper top.  Is there a max speed you can run with the top up?  Or is it built to handle 50 mph or so?

Thanks.

[Dan&Darci]

For what it's worth, my dealer said not to go over 30MPH with the full canvas up.  I've exceeded that on my 420, but I've got a hardtop with Strataglass over the helm.  I imagine that's a little more robust than a bimini top with the normal isinglass panels hanging off of it.  Hopefully another member can give you more specific info for your boat.
Good luck! 

[PhatCat]

The max with bimini is 30 or 35.  I can't imagine going over that with the whole thing up.  With the greater amount of resistance you will get, I would think it's asking for trouble with the seams at least.

[Dave M]

I'm sure there is a suggested speed of 30 or so, That said I have ran with mine up a few times near 50 mph.  With the canvas up I lose 5 mph off top end.

   I haven't had any problems at that speed w/the canvas. I watch for any flapping of the canvas. mine is very tight all the way around.  This last weekend we did the chicago loop cruise in the rain. When it rained hard on the river while I was running about 45 the rain would roll up the windsheild in between the glass and  isinglass and rain inside the boat some. There were many other boats in our group running with their up at same speed.

Dave

[Dream 'Inn]

I cruise with mine up all the time around 35 mph, all the time.  Been doing that for 10 years with this and a different boat with no issues.  I would say 50 is asking for ripped canvas at some point.

[frodo13056]

DaveM,
Were you on the south branch of the Chicago river last Saturday leaving the city at around 3:00? If so, then you must have been part of the Crownline flotilla that we saw as we were heading into the city - there was probably 10 or 15 Crownlines and at least one or two Rinkers that we passed (we were heading into Lake Michigan) and I remember seeing a blue Rinker pass by as I was waiting for the Amtrak bridge to raise. If that was you, I was wondering how you guys did when heading south into those winds / rain! Did you guys launch at the Alsip boat launch?
I also usually limit my speed to around 30 -35 MPH with the top up - no need to stress it any more than necessary.

Steve

[chesbay]

I agree with above...30 to 35mph should be no problem. 

Over 50mph and things can start to come apart...I've seen cockpit covers torn off while trailering at those speeds.

[Dave M]

Frodo,

That was most likely me. Dale M was there also w/his 270.   80 boats was registerd, not sure how many made it. I think at least 60?
 I remember a couple of boats waiting for the bridges as we went by. Can't recall seeing your rinker thou

  We started out at the worth boat ramp and only ran the north side of the loop becuase of the wind and weather. Some of the bigger boats and the performance boats made the whole loop. Some went out to the big lake, we and many others stopped at the locks. My brother and I went exploring some of the other canals. A few of us stop at that crab shack on the river leaving town. Thats where I put up my plastic and I'm glad I did thats when the rain really kicked in. Over all it was alot of fun thou!

I'm kicking around the idea of running the loop again this summer. When it's alittle bit warmer and dryer, and take our time to explore more. Kind of a haul for us, took 4 or so hours to get to chicago. So maybe see you again >
Dave

[mflauer]

Not that I can get much over 35 but at least my awareness is raised because I didn't think there was a speed limit recommendation. Thanks for the info

[mflauer]

But speaking of wind speed, what about in a storm. What can the canvas handle without being pulled apart if it is in good condition?

[ajuillerat]

Thanks to all for your responses.

So far I have had a very frustrating time with this boat.  I have replaced the engine coupler, rebuilt motor mount stringer with custom bracket, new starter, impeller pump, and carb.  Now I found that the riser gaskets are leaking causing the performance problems.  Once I get all of this fixed and I can get above 30 mph, I will keep her limted to around 30 with the top up.