2016 Archive : Reese Enclosure

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sea Mark
Producer: Rainier Bonded Windows

Fabric 2

Sunbrella
Producer: W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.

Fabric 3

Makrolon
Producer: Paskal Molded Zippers

Fabric 4

Strataglass
Producer: YKK Zippers

Design Name
Jim Reese, Owner

Architect Name
Brian Bennett, MFC

Architect Company
Custom Marine Canvas

Fabrication Name
Brian Bennett, MFC and Jim Reese, Owner

Project Manager Name
Brian Bennett, MFC

Project Manager Company
Custom Marine Canvas

Installation Name
Brian Bennett, MFC

Installation Company
Custom Marine Canvas

Please describe the project specifications

The owner wanted to enclose the cockpit of his center cockpit yacht. Limiting factors were a gallows in the middle of the area, a mizzen mast through the aft bimini area, a traveller right up against the base of the dodger window, all sorts of impediments.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The owner wanted shelter in all sorts of weather. He wanted the enclosure to be as watertight as possible, in spite of all the large openings in the top. He also wanted access to be able to operate the halyard winch on the mizzen mast through the snap on top. He wanted a visibility window in the top that wouldn’t pond, so we used a Rainier bonded window there. He also requested a Rainier window in the center front dodger window that could swing up. The two windows on each side of center are Makrolon, all others are Strataglass. The owner built his own stainless frame.

What is unique or complex about the project?

The top of the dodger is installed by bolt rope and track to the gallows. The bimini top is attached the same way. Closing flaps wrap around the end of the gallows to keep water out. The owner wanted to stand through the top to operate the mizzen halyard winch, so Paskal waterproof zippers were used, covered by a shaped, velcro flap. The bonded Rainier window was inserted in the Seamark top, so that it looks seamless.

What were the results of the project?

The owner is thrilled with the comfort of the space, and has extended his sailing season because of it. He has a watertight enclosure that opens for full ventilation and functional access. He has been back to us for more work over the summer. He said that we have exceeded his expectations!

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