V-20 Enclosure

I've considered it. My boat has one but it's not like this one. Mine seems more like a camping type enclosure.
 
The only thing I see wrong with that is there is no back curtain... so it's not really an enclosure, more like a shelter from oncoming wind and spray. And there's a lot to be said for that, but the lack of a rear curtain makes it less appealing to me. The beauty of an enclosure is that you can use a Mr. Heater to make the Cuddy and the cockpit actually warm during really cold days. Still, it's a great buy for the price he's asking. If it was an enclosure for a V21 I'd be all over it. But the curved glass side windows on the V21 would create an air gap :(
 
Great price but what I see;

Vinyl looks thin (look at the wrinkles) and not very clear(look at house thru front windows)

side curtains have no zippers. Based on my experience years ago with a similar top, you will get too hot and eventually take the sides off, they'll be in the way in the cuddy so you'll fold them up in the dock box and never use them.
Putting them on & off is a pain. A thousand snaps. I know some guys cover & uncover the boat every trip.... I can't do it.

I had a rear curtain...never used it. got in the way and it was too hot.

All that said, the three sides on my hardtop were $1800
 
I usually use 30 gauge rolled vinyl on smaller boats like the V 20. The thicker 40 gauge is nice but it's tough to roll up. However it being thicker means the plasticize in the vinyl will hold up better over time. You can spend a little or a lot on vinyl.
rolled 30 gauge is roughly $20 a yard
pressed 40 gauge is roughly $43 a yard
pressed treated (strata etc) 40 is roughly $65 a yard

Just got done doing this rear enclosure on a 48' Ocean in 40 gauge with lifetime thread.
Materials alone was over $700.


Here's old vinyl before it was swapped out.
 
Damn.. That is a work of art Barry. You have skillz!!!! (I'm jealous) I wish I could sew like that. I'm lucky if I get a patch to stick to my jeans without looking like something from a rag shop. Very nice job!!. :clap:
 
Thanks Destroyer!

I really enjoying doing this type of work. The correct sewing machine and having it set up correctly is half the battle I'm still learning stuff about how to make things easier and short cuts etc. I'm still learning stuff at my day job and I've been doing that job for almost 40 years.... go figure HA!
 
What type of sewing machine is that in the picture?

I've been looking at some old Singer upholstery sewing machines on e-bay because I'd like to be able to do my own boat cushions and covers.
 
The sewing machine is a custom 18" long arm machine by Sailrite set up with a MC-SCR power system. The 18" under the arm makes working with clear vinyl panels so much easier. There are many people that sell them. You can get cheap china made units or better units made in Japan like this 18" machine.
Reliable is one producer as is Juki and others.

This machine will punch through most anything. Also it will sew a 138 thread and PTFE lifetime thread.
I also have an LTZ Sailrite machine. The Sailrite machine aren't cheap but there isn't any issues with getting it set up to sew regarding timing and thread tension etc.
I have an old Singer sitting in a shed in AZ that my in-laws are holding for me but the shipping and getting it set is $$$.
Maybe someday I'll get it home here on the east coast.
 
Last edited:
I'm guess you would be a good person to ask. If the zippers on a encloser are starting to break and it's really stiff to zip can they be replaced, and how hard is it?
I know 0 about sewing and process!
 
The zippers sure can be replaced. I do it all the time. It's not hard but you need a machine capable of sewing through many layers of fabric. Also you need to mark the start and ending point etc.
 
inaforty - thanks for the information on the sewing machine brand.

Sweet Mary! I just went to the Sailrite website and they aren't cheap. $3500 to $5000 for what looks like a comparable model to what you mentioned.
 
Last edited:
Yep,
The good machines aren't cheap. You can do a lot of stuff with the smaller machine but it's more work and you will likely get skipped stitches and damage/scratch clear vinyl due to no working space. Some of the bigger panels are just not possible due to limited under arm space on a smaller machine.

The materials aren't cheap either. I just started using life time thread. An 8oz cone of thread (about the size of a good coffee cup) is $129.:oh:
The 12oz Stamoid used on many of the bigger sport fishers is $30 a yard!

I stay busy sewing due to the fact that it's not my full time job.
I don't have to charge for all the overhead (heat,building,healthcare,retirement,etc).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top