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Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 5:55 am
by BiXLL
After much researching and many road trips to different canvas shops in my area I dropped my boat off yesterday to have my enclosure made. I found a Amish family run shop that had the answers to my questions before I was done asking them. Quality and craftsmanship is an obvious priority for them and thats exactly what I was looking for!

A few highlights of what I am getting:

Roof (double Bimini) made of Sumbrella Supreme (waterproof non breathable)
Sides of Sumbrella (breathable)
Lifetime warranty on thread
30 mil high grade windows
all windows will have screens and privacy curtains
custom oval windows in side doors
all seems rolled and double stiched
velcro storm flaps over all zippers
dock/running light flaps

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:13 am
by Tallykenj
Post some pics when it's done. I'd love to have an enclosure made for my boat.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:46 am
by bassn386
Would love to know the ball park cost. I asked what it would cost for one for my Benni and they told me it would have to be factory ordered and I believe they said somewhere in the $2,500-$3,000 range. Couldn't justify it.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 9:30 am
by BiXLL
I got estimates for what I wanted at 4 places and they all treated me like they were doing me a favor just to talk to me. They were all in the $4,000.00 plus range. This place was really down to earth friendly even advising me as to where I was going too far, like using Sumbrella supreme for the sides and it not allowing it to breath. He did not give me firm price before completion but says he will do the job for under $2500.00.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 12:56 pm
by Bamaman
You're fortunate to have such good labor with the Amish. They're of the utmost character and do great at any job they have. And, they have great ingenuity.

I retired from New Holland Tractor, and their hay balers are so good due to the hard working Amish craftsmen. Since they cannot leave their horses 8 hours at work, many ride bicycles to work. It used to tickle me to see the Amish baling hay, with mules pulling a square baler with a big Wisconsin gas engine running the PTO. Between Lancaster and Western Philly, the area's packed with the Amish.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 2:03 pm
by slingshot
This cost me $2,700.00. Try to get lots of big windows so you can use it while underway. To little windows becomes very annoying when your trying to navigate and/or dock in tight places. I never take my top down because I have so many window and doors I can open.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 3:02 pm
by dockholiday
Always liked your enclosure Sling............who did it an cost??
That's what I would get if I was in the market.........

doc

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:38 pm
by BiXLL
Looks great sling, but I don't see any screen or privacy curtains, do you have them? I need them both nas I plan on staying on the boat at the dock when I tip a few too many.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:57 am
by slingshot
No screens. To be honest, it seemed a little silly to get screens to me because bugs will easily get into cabin through door seems and other areas. It's not like a tent that is more sealed than my top. I have clip up curtians I use when we are camping on it. Cost $2700. Forgot the name of the company off hand but I have the guys card on the boat if you need it. I do remember his name was Bret White and he's around the Charlotte area.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:14 am
by BiXLL
thanks man, but the boat is all ready at the shop and I am very happy with the people I am dealing with.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:56 pm
by slingshot
Enjoy it. you'll love camping on the water and it will extend your season if you boat in a northern area.

Re: Full Enclosure

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:25 pm
by bassn386
Bix, we had Amish from Illinois build a dresser, chest of drawers and end tables. The craftsmanship is over the top!
A friend who is a pretty good furniture builder practically had an orgasm when he saw them.
With proper care the stuff should last several lifetimes.