Small Boat Canvas (or PVC) Top?

[StuBone278]

Hey yall,

Just wondering, what is the material all of those commercial crabbers (small boats, carolina skiffs, etc.) use as the shade/cover on their boats?

You know the ones with aluminum framing and white fabric stretched tight? On some it also seems that the front end swivels a little so it doesn't catch in the wind as bad.

Also any pointers on where could I find the materials to make one?

Thinking about using that idea for a pontoon boat so its top is not a massive sail, and to help preserve the boat's carpet when not in use.

I have found traditional boat covers expensive and a PITA because they inevitably turn into a swimming pool after torrential downpours, even with a PVC "skeleton" framing.

Thanks!

[keakar]

im confused? you say small boat but then say its for a pontoon (which isn't small)

I have seen some with fiberglass, I even saw one guy do his with pvc and covered with a plastic folding table he just cut down to size to fit.

for a small boat, you might just want to check a welding place and see what it would cost to weld up a frame with aluminum sheet roof. might be $100-$200 but it would last forever and be solid protection.

for the pontoon I would suggest something like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/11007577?w...357790&veh=sem
they can be cut found in different sizes and the frame screwed into place