28' cockpit cover

[Lady Bridge]

I noticed the pursuit docked next to me has a cockpit cover over the windshield down to the back. The boat also has a hardtop similar to the CC. This made me think I may like this type of cover for the summer months here on Lake Erie. I get nervous about rolling up the isenglass windows during the hot months and sometimes wish there was no isenglass at all in the summer. Has anyone made such a cover for their 28'? I think this cover could save a lot of life on my isenglass and also be easy to take on and off before and after fishing. I would like to see any pictures if anyone has such a cover, or hear reasons why this may not be a good idea.

Thank you. My fall walleye season is nearly over. Heading to the Keys in a few weeks to do some offshore fishing.

[It's Fine]

Aft Cover

I would also be interested in such a cover. Do you have any pics on the design on the other boat? I have a friend with a Tiara with a hard top who covers the windshield all the way around and a cockpit cover. No problems & claims it keeps the heat inside the closed boat down = less fading/cracking of seats etc.. By the way - where do you dock? I am from Toledo and just bought a new 28 but plan to keep it at Kelleys as we are planning on moving there soon.

[Lady Bridge]

I don't have any pics of the cover I saw but will see if I can find some examples. I haven't done anything with my cover since posting and likely won't any time real soon. Trying to save my boating expenses for fuel.

I docked at Anchor Point the past few years. It isn't the nicest of marinas but is close to some good early and midseason walleye fishing. Last year I spent the late fall in Huron and that was real nice. Been thinking of docking other places this year but haven't committed to anything yet.

Congrats on your new boat. I've had mine for one year, I use it mostly for fishing but it also works great for weekends to the islands. Living on Kellys sounds pretty neat.

Starting to see more and more CClassics on Lake Erie. Sweet boats.

[Bluefin 32]

I don't know how complicated it would be for a canvas guy to do a retrofit, but you might consider installing snaps on your side curtains so that instead of rolling them up, they would just snap to the underside of the hardtop. My new boat is being done this way. You save lots of wear and tear and scratches not to mention it is easier and faster. I also had a canvas rear curtain made so I can remove the clear panels in the warm weather and replace it with the canvas.

[Patriot]

I don't know how complicated it would be for a canvas guy to do a retrofit, but you might consider installing snaps on your side curtains so that instead of rolling them up, they would just snap to the underside of the hardtop. My new boat is being done this way. You save lots of wear and tear and scratches not to mention it is easier and faster. I also had a canvas rear curtain made so I can remove the clear panels in the warm weather and replace it with the canvas.

I looked at doing the snap up side curtain mod but the curtains would then go right against rods in stowage under the hard top. What's yer secret?

[Bluefin 32]

Not much of a secret -- no rod storage under the hardtop!

To me it is a good trade-off since I will have four rod holders in the rocket launcher, four across the aft edge of the hardtop, and three on each leg. 14 is more than enough for me while fishing. I would not be comfortable storing rods under the top at my mooring though I am not sure why since it is about the safest place in the US.

A bigger challenge is going to be finding enough spots down below for storage.