Company:
Sewlong-Custom Covers

Project Details

Fabric 1

Recacril
Producer: Recasens USA
Supplier: OTHER



Please describe the project specifications

This Folding Canopy Top (FCTv3) is an enhanced version of previous tops.
This top includes silver (heat reducing) surf pockets for storage.


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

The FCT was designed for:
• Lots of shade
• Robust, Strong mounting hardware
• Easy & fast collapse for trailering & transport
• Additional Folding function to allow tower to fold down
• Mount only to the ski tower
• Lots of head room
• Neat & clean look


What is unique or complex about the project?

The Folding Canopy top is one of the easiest to use designs for tower mounted sun shade available. Remove 2 quick release pins and the top folds back and boots into place for travel & transport.

Moreover, the tow boat industry is constantly evolving, changing tower designs year after year making the towers easier to fold for clearance in garages, bridges and for transport. This top has evolved along with the towers and by quickly removing 2 bolts the top swivels out of the way to allow full functionality of the collapsing tower functionality.

We used CAD to design the hardware, a 3D printer to verify fit and had a local machine shop fabricate the hardware. Then patterned and installed this FCT at our shop while on the trailer.


What were the results of the project?

The results were a top that not only provides a lot of shade but is very functional and easy to use. The top has additional folding functions to collapse with the tower. With the added surf pockets it provides extra storage. The Silver (Heat Reducing) surf pockets also protect the boards from overheating & warping in the summer sun.


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