Soft top into a hard top?

[cdoyal]

Hey Guys-
I'm having a bimini made for the aft section of my Explorer. I was also planning on ordering new matching Sunbrella fabric to redo the faded soft top when I got thinking about trying to find a fiberglass top for it. You guys think this is possible? This is what I've got now:

[gran398]

Absolutely...the aluminum top is well made, and appears plenty strong.

Only issue is the existing downward angle towards the deck...may need alteration to the structure (or the new hardtop) to fab/install.

 Wingtime is the go-to guy on this one.

[seabob4]

The glass top is definitely doable, just have to find one that fits...or have it fabbed by a local glass guy.  A mold will have to be built, ain't gonna be cheap...

If you do it, suggest it cored with end-grain balsa.  Will hold the weight of a crows nest/upper station, while keeping the weight of the top down...

[wingtime]

I'd say that frame is plenty strong for a hard top.  You may have to have a new upper ring made to fit the top since I doubt you will find one to fit what yo have now.  Another option would be to simply replace the fabric with an aluminum skin.  Where are you located?

[flounderpounder225]

I did away with my soft top, when I got the boat, the rag was shredded.  I used a honeycomb material Very similar to nida core, layer up glass on both sides and rolled it with white gel coat.  Plenty strong as a top, I could stand up there to work on something but wouldn't be strong enough for a second station.  Bolted it to the frame with oval head 1/4-20 bolts and finish washers on the top side.

[dirtwheelsfl]

My question would be is the hardtop a necessity? Planning on a Crows nest, upper station, etc. ? Just a skin for shade is very easy to do. Youll have the bottom hoop out in the open though, which i dont think would be a bad thing. A cored load bearing capable top will be quite a project. If you want it just to have one id just put new canvas on and save all the work!

[cdoyal]

I'd say that frame is plenty strong for a hard top.  You may have to have a new upper ring made to fit the top since I doubt you will find one to fit what yo have now.  Another option would be to simply replace the fabric with an aluminum skin.  Where are you located?

I'm in northern Michigan. I'm just thinking out loud here on this idea. I thought, before I ordered six yards of Subrella, that I'd explore this option. I also thought an electronics box up there would be nice.