Camper tops and real world use
 

Just wondering if camper tops are worth the extra expense and worth storing on a 19 ft bowrider?
We have the bimini, of course but were thinking of adding the top for extra shelter while boating in the cooler weather (think salmon trolling)

Anyone with comments or suggestions on real world experience wouldbe appreciated! :)

Best thing I did with the boat
 

You hit it on the head. Early in the year and late in the fall when it cools down the full canvas is a god send just because you get out of the breeze. You feel 10 degrees warmer.

During the season when it rains i really enjoy not being stung by the rain that comes under the bimini. At slower speeds it always seemd that the rain was coming from a side and someone was getting wet.

Well worth the investment even with having to figure out where to store the curtains in nice warm weather.

Full Camper Canvas
 

I have the full camper canvas and love it. Especially when staying overnight on the boat.

Hope that helps,
Bill

Having had two boats without it, and one with it, I think it's worth double whatever they are charging for it. I LOVE my camper canvas. It turns nearly any crappy weather day into a boating day, and when nice days turn ugly, it's wonderful to have the option. For me, it's a must-have on any open boat.

Complete must have. Had it on my 21 and could not have utilized the boat the way I did without it. Turned a small Cuddy into a true weekender.


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I had the camper canvas on a previous boat and loved having it. 2 Other boats came with side and aft curtains which worked OK but not as good as the camper canvas. My 18' Stingray only has the factory top so I am thinking of putting on side curtains for those cool days on the water.

How do you guys store the camper canvas on the boat? Roll it up? I'd like to store in the mid-cabin but laying it out will take up a lot of space.

Thanks.

I roll it up. Always have. Never had any issues rolling. NEVER FOLD.


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We leave the camper on For most of the season! It makes covering the boat on the dock at end of day and end of weekend easier, as the full enclosure/camper keeps all elements out of the boat mid-week. So in addition to protecting from cold temps, amd wind, it also makes protecting the interior of boat easier when not in use.

Idea for storage
 

I was thinking you could roll it up and store it in a 4" diameter pvc pipe so it does not get crushed. Light weight, cheap and easy to store. I only have front and side curtains, a full camper enclosure might need a wider pipe or more than one.

Wow! Thanks for all the great answers!
Looks like we'll be a "go" on the enclosure...now to find a canvas company that can get it done. One has an opening in mid August but I'd like to get it done sooner.
Going to make some calls tomorrow.

Canvas Storage
 

I roll up the side curtains and they fit under the cushions in the cuddy storage area. Maybe you don't have a cuddy on a 19'? Many campers roll up and store on the bows. You may be able to roll your side curtains around the bows and then cover with a separate zippered cover. Tell the canvas fabricator if you want to do this, so he can make the cover a little larger. I also have, from a previous owner, two bags for some of the miscellaneous canvas. One red one green, as some of the custom pieces are hard to figure out if you don't know which side to start on. He was from Florida and covered everything to protect fcrm the sun, e.g. a bimini top but additional cover to go over the seats, sun pad, etc. Anyway, I liked the colored bag idea. How about a dock box?
When I won't be using the boat for an extended period, I have a cockpit cover so that the isinglass isn't out in the sun so much and thus doesn't discolor.