Can a Fiberglass Hardtop be made by hand?

[garrymny]

I'm sure this can be done, maybe using the canvas top as a pattern, and making a mold. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

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[Misdirection]

Can it be done? Sure.

But I wouldn't use the canvas as a template. You usually see a hard top being flat or with a slight bevel. Attached with four supports, raised from the windshield...then isenglass or strataglass connecting the two. Looks great when done, but alot of work.

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[mr 580]

I think you’ll find that boat builders use products that might appear to be fiberglass but are actually lighter weight composites to save weight aloft vs fiberglass.  I know my Proline uses a lighter weight product in the hardtop cover.  Adding too much weight high can effect stability.

[garrymny]

I see this material called King Starboard.

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[bulletbob]

There are several articles on the net about   this... Search "making a boat hard top"... Here's one...
https://goneoutdoors.com/build-own-boat-hardtop-5498402.html

[garrymny]

After Completely rebuilding two Transoms, this should be a cake walk.

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[Kaz]

Definitely you will need vacuum press otherwise you will gonna get delamination and there is no other way to get all the bubbles out plenty info on internet how to make one.
I would build form from MDF board (skeleton) and on top ⅜ Bendix plywood

Good luck

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[Scalloper 1]

Basically any hull/top modifications can be built using fiberglass. I live in Downeast Maine. I visit boat shops weekly that build/modify boats. If you wanted to get this done by a professional just PM me these guys can do about anything and it will be done right. To give you a idea. These guys often will take a boat thats 35-55' cut it length wise and lengthen it as well as widen it. Sounds easy but there is a lot of science that goes into those kinds on hull modifications to get the boat to sail efficiently. 

So to modify or build a custom top is a cake walk.

[garrymny]

Amazing what can be done with fiberglass. The top is not structural so it's definitely not critical. It can be done using basic fiberglass layup techniques, as I am seeing from all the input here, and online. I do most everything myself to save money, and in my budget.

Basically any hull/top modifications can be built using fiberglass. I live in Downeast Maine. I visit boat shops weekly that build/modify boats. If you wanted to get this done by a professional just PM me these guys can do about anything and it will be done right. To give you a idea. These guys often will take a boat thats 35-55' cut it length wise and lengthen it as well as widen it. Sounds easy but there is a lot of science that goes into those kinds on hull modifications to get the boat to sail efficiently. 
So to modify or build a custom top is a cake walk.

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[Kinghunter]

Yes it can be done.  Typically hand lay up is done in layers of glass cloth of various weights. laid up and rolled out on a reverse mold (good side down) with a gel-coat finish if desired.  This should all go into a 'autoclave' which is temperature and pressure controlled for a pre-determined time.  Bagging and sealing the lay-up and vacuuming out the air before going in.

 

They make aircraft parts our of fibreglass, kevlar, carbon fibre etc. in order to get the strength and lightness into the finished part.  I'm sure you can find some good info on line.

 

The materials are not cheap; the mold will take time and will require 'automotive' type finishing to provide a final product that look perfect; lots of bondo, filling/fairing agents and sanding, sanding, sanding........

 

Good luck

[Bozeman Bob]

Aluminum tubing and a two piece aluminum top. .That's what's on my 27 and the 28.i had as well. Trust me  lighter is better unless your hull is over 28' or so. 

[garrymny]

Bob, I wonder what type of aluminum material would be available locally that would make a nice looking top.

Aluminum tubing and a two piece aluminum top. .That's what's on my 27 and the 28.i had as well. Trust me  lighter is better unless your hull is over 28' or so. 

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[Bozeman Bob]

Might have to Google metal fabricating shops or suppliers ,don't know what area you live in . 

[dbitting]

I started this very process  where i taught myself to weld stainless steel with a TIG welder then bought a bender and fabricated a frame. I mounted it to the boat. worked out very well. Then i took 2 sided canvas tape and stuck plastic film sheet( durascrim) to the frame. when i got the shape i wanted i placed canvas over the plastic and pulled it tight making the top i wanted. Mixed up some polyester resin and coated the canvas until it soaked through the canvas. after placing several layers of weaved fiberglass and chopped mat over it you let it dry several hours to a day depending on the temp. when dry you peal the top off and remove the plastic. sand and paint the top and mount.  on a side note the top add weight above the center of gravity so be careful as you will feel a difference on the water due to the weight you add over your head. I tow my boat so this season i decided to go back to a canvas enclosure because of the added weight and wind resistance. Sailrite has all the canvas and plastics well as the tools you need minus the fiberglass. If you have any questions feel free to PM me