I'm going to attempt putting together an awning to cover the rear deck of my 288.Primarily want the awning to keep the rain/sun off while fishing. I'm also considering using it as a permanent mount for an 85w solar panel I've got for charging my battery system so I don't have to pay $40/mo to plug my boat in.Here's a photo of the rear deck and radar arch on the boat:
I am thinking about making the awning in 2 parts. One half would snap on between the backside of the command bridge up the sides of the radar arch and across the top of it. I am thinking that I will include an Eisenglass window in the middle of the awning so I can see from the bridge down to the deck below. There will also be a cutout for the entryway up to the bridge. Not pictured in the photo above is the Lowrance radar dome that is installed at the top of the arch.The second half of the awning is the harder part. I'll need to fabricate a stainless steel frame that I would then bolt to the underside of the radar arch. The frame will extend out over the deck. I believe bolting the frame to the underside of the arch should provide sufficient strength to support the awning particularly if I can get 2 bolts on each leg of the frame. I will likely use stainless rail fitting like these pictured below to attach the frame:
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/653607=24618-2006912113220628185_The_stainless_steel_rail_fitti ngs.jpg[/img]I'm not planning on sewing any of the Sunbrella myself -- I don't have a sewing machine and I've not done it before. I've found a local shop that does this type of work. I will bring her the measured pattern made out of Tyvek or similar material that she can then use as a template to fabricate the awning.Anyhow, looking for some feedback. I fully recognize that I could simply pay a local canvas shop to come out to the boat and make this for me, however, to date, I've not been able to find anyone interested in doing the job and none of the online shops seem to have a pattern that will fit a 288 or 2858. Would also be interested in seeing what other 288/2858 owners have done. If this project is successful, I then plan to tackle building a command bridge enclosure -- I've had a couple of rough estimates for doing this job in the $3-6K range so I'd really like to do this one myself!Ideally, I'm looking to eventually achieve something like these photos:
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/653607=24619-thb1216201437_1.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/653607=24620-1644756.jpg[/img]
I am thinking about making the awning in 2 parts. One half would snap on between the backside of the command bridge up the sides of the radar arch and across the top of it. I am thinking that I will include an Eisenglass window in the middle of the awning so I can see from the bridge down to the deck below. There will also be a cutout for the entryway up to the bridge. Not pictured in the photo above is the Lowrance radar dome that is installed at the top of the arch.The second half of the awning is the harder part. I'll need to fabricate a stainless steel frame that I would then bolt to the underside of the radar arch. The frame will extend out over the deck. I believe bolting the frame to the underside of the arch should provide sufficient strength to support the awning particularly if I can get 2 bolts on each leg of the frame. I will likely use stainless rail fitting like these pictured below to attach the frame:[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/653607=24618-2006912113220628185_The_stainless_steel_rail_fitti ngs.jpg[/img]I'm not planning on sewing any of the Sunbrella myself -- I don't have a sewing machine and I've not done it before. I've found a local shop that does this type of work. I will bring her the measured pattern made out of Tyvek or similar material that she can then use as a template to fabricate the awning.Anyhow, looking for some feedback. I fully recognize that I could simply pay a local canvas shop to come out to the boat and make this for me, however, to date, I've not been able to find anyone interested in doing the job and none of the online shops seem to have a pattern that will fit a 288 or 2858. Would also be interested in seeing what other 288/2858 owners have done. If this project is successful, I then plan to tackle building a command bridge enclosure -- I've had a couple of rough estimates for doing this job in the $3-6K range so I'd really like to do this one myself!Ideally, I'm looking to eventually achieve something like these photos:
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/653607=24619-thb1216201437_1.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/653607=24620-1644756.jpg[/img]
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