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Aluminum hartop frame

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 12:41 pm
by Skiffing
It's been a few years since I've been here. Very grateful for the solid advice and expertize offered in the past. I hope this inquiry won't be considered blasphemous :)

I've purchased a Bayliner 4588 for my retirement home. I have about 18 months to refit and upgrade. Money always will be a concern.

One of my projects will a flybridge hardtop, for shade, but primarily to support ~700watts of solar panels. A professionally fabricated hardtop is prohibitively expensive.

I've been researching kits and modular designs but haven't found what I'm looking for. Is anyone aware of a tubing / piping distributor who would have all frame components for a bolt together installation?

Thanks

Re: Aluminum hartop frame

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 2:52 pm
by capesteve
you may want to contact Bayliner they might have some people for you

Re: Aluminum hartop frame

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 4:35 pm
by Skiffing
Bayliner has no information. Hardtops were not OEM.

Hoping some of the fabricators here who source piping might know someone.

Re: Aluminum hartop frame

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 1:18 am
by kmorin
Skiffing,
no one is going to have a 'bolt together' top kit for your boat. You may be able to tolerate a series of aluminum scaffolding parts - and make do?- but it will never be the same level of cosmetics that a welded tower/cover frame will provide: you may accept the various cast fittings on the market?

http://diamond-aluminum.com/catalogs/Di ... ptions.pdf this is one of many of this type of product- the purpose is to be able to build 'scaffolding' in any configuration- and that is essentially what you're asking about doing.

Do take care to confirm the pipe OR TUBE size of your frame stock and the hopefully compatible fittings' series dimensions ?

Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK

Re: Aluminum hartop frame

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:21 pm
by Skiffing
Thanks Kevin. That's the right direction but a little "industrial". A guy I have spoken with said he came across a site that has marine grade aluminum pipe with sweeps, bends, sleeves, etc. for a complete, adjustable frame.... but he can't find it now.

I used something similar for a console surround on the skiff you helped me with a few years ago - but they don't offer anything in this size.

Regards!

Re: Aluminum hartop frame

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 12:29 pm
by gandrfab
I do custom work if you could come to me that would be great.
This might be who you are looking for http://www.atlantictowers.com/
Give it a shot.