Company:
Mike's Marine Custom Canvas

Project Details

Fabric 1

Open Cream
Producer: Stamoid


Design Name
Mike Johnson

Design Company
Mike's Marine Custom Canvas

Fabrication Name
Darlene Phillips

Fabrication Company
Mike's Marine Custom Canvas

Project Manager Name
Mike Johnson

Project Manager Company
Mike's Marine Custom Canvas

Installation Name
Dan Johnson and Randy VanVliet

Installation Company
Mike's Marine Custom Canvas


Please describe the project specifications

Build and install a retractable canopy top to extend from the back of the pilothouse of a Parker 28. It incorporated a double crowned main frame, installed in a horizontal position, with a crowned center rafter mounted with SS Tee Fittings. Aft legs and forward diagonal braces support the frame, and a slide track with carrier hinges to receive the front ends on the roof. The vinyl top zips to Costa track with welt at the forward end, and a zippered pocket secures it at the aft end of the frame and center rafter.


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

The client wanted a retractable canopy to cover 8 feet of his 12 foot long cockpit, but built so that he could also shorten it to 4 feet of coverage to provide overhead room to maneuver while fishing, versus cruising or camping. He also requested adding brackets with cross bar racks to his existing rooftop grab rails to carry his stand up paddle boards or kayaks.


What is unique or complex about the project?

We installed Stainless Steel MAKEFAST heavy duty sailboat track and carriers on the rooftop to attach the front ends of the 7 foot wide horizontal frame. This allows the frame to slide forward onto the roof to shorten the canopy halfway, and then re-secure with additional hardware to prevent bouncing or rattling. A second zipper was added 8 inches forward of the center rafter pocket to re-zip the top to the track, and then rolling the vinyl top and securing with straps and turn fasteners.


What were the results of the project?

The client took the boat and immediately went on a week long family camping and fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay. He reported that they all had so much more fun because of the sun protection from the canopy, plus the ability to carry their other “water toys” up on the roof and out of the way!


Content is submitted by the participant. IFAI is not responsible for the content descriptions of the IAA award winners.