Original canvas cover template?

[Bayflite73]

Hey guys,

I've been thinking it would be really nice to have a canvas cover like they had when they were new back in the mid 70's but they just don't make 'em like that anymore. I'm also pretty broke when it comes to our boating hobby, so I've been kicking around the idea of making a custom cover and have read that you can use old bedsheets to make a template before you start cutting pricey sunbrella, etc.

Does anyone know if there is a template floating around the web or in someone's computer files of the original soft-top cover?

If you have the 2012 calendar it's on Miss February.

I guess the flip side would be if any members have the cover would it be possible to lay it out flat to make a new template?

~Josh

[dorelse]

That's Mark's boat, user 'catchnedge'.  Ferguson-Poole has a couple NOS covers, but I don't think they were for your boat...but they are like Mark's.  (And they're not cheap...as you'd expect for NOS.)

[Hyperacme]

How about a Bimini top ?

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Shademate-Polyester-2-Bow-Bimini-Top-56L-x-42H-61-66-Wide&i=80107&aID=601B1&merchID=4006

[Bayflite73]

Yeah, a bimini top would be easier, but I already have the original rails along the inside edge of my boat and I had the original back piece with the vinyl window but threw it away a couple years ago because it was so moldy and mildewy. And yes, I've been kicking myself ever since about it!

It would be cool to have a new cover that would be as original as possible you know?

[Jason]

They are nice to have on those rainy, cold, or really hot sun-burnt days!

[Burnin Daylight]

Jason, Im with you on that sunburn thing.  I purchased a bimmini top for Burnin Daylight for the first time this past summer and with the extreme heat that we had here in Oklahoma last year I could not believe the difference in being able to have some shade. We put some stainless hardware that makes it easy to remove it quickly when I don't need it.  I think she still looks sporty with it on, but thats just my opinion and I am kind of partial to her. This was when I was buffing her for Red Wing trip.

[Rosscoe]

They are nice to have. I wish I had not thrown out the original cover for my 71 Crestflite but at least I kept the frame. I have all the stuff for the 67 Bayflite. Frame, top, plastic side windows and I believe there is a zip in rear plastic part too. I tried to install it once and of course, it has shrunk and is kinda rotten and started tearing. I think I'll revisit this again some day.

[76bayflite]

Josh, I still have the cover for my bayflite if you're interested you can use that to make a template.  Only problem is it snaps all the way around so I'm not sure how you'd fasten your's.

[Bayflite73]

Sean that would be awesome! I have snaps all around too! Murphy's law will dictate that my snaps are all in totally different places of course, but they should be easy enough to mark on the template! Are you coming to the breakfast meet on the 18th? If you can bring it then that would be great. If not I'm sure we can work out a time for me to come over to your place.

Thanks man!

[76bayflite]

Well my bayflite is in grand rapids and I'm pretty sure I wont be going up there this week so I'd have to get it to you another time.

[Bayflite73]

Yeah that would be a problem! I knew you had her in storage, just forgot how far away that storage was!