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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Pop Top Enclosure Opinions please

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mikesuej
Navigator

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USA
119 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/20/2010 : 13:18:03

I really like the looks of the pop-top enclosure that didn't come with my boat. I'm wondering if those who have it like it. It's a rather expensive upgrade for me, but if it provides the kind of headroom and coziness that would make the boat feel much larger for 3-day weekends, I'd get one. Also, if anyone has one but doesn't use it and would consider selling it. please e-mail me. Thanks. MJ

Michael T. Janocik
Seatitude

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 14:16:26

We use ours whenever we stay overnight. A must-have in my opinion.

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 14:49:49

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 We use ours whenever we stay overnight. A must-have in my opinion.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ditto. Can you say, "headroom?"

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 15:08:02

I think it depends on how tall you are. We've used it once or twice but mostly it stays stored in the back of the boat. No, I won't sell it since I think it's probably a great asset for those that are taller than my wife and I and I'm trying to sell the boat.

Edited by - on

jml
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 15:54:09

Being 6'5" the pop-top enclosure is a must have for me. Setting it up is simple and only takes a few minutes. One thing about the pop-top is its not sealed to the boat that well so if your using A/C like I am right now it permits to much air to escape. Another thing I am thinking of adding is "curtains" to the pop-top, my idea would be to attach Velcro around the windows and then cut out fabric to match the window size plus the Velcro overhand. This way I could Velcro curtains over the windows. Anyone else come up with any other curtain ideas?

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 16:00:16

we only use it if it rains or its cold ..and its great .

i was thinking to sew in a window ..on the back door would be nice ..

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mikesuej
Navigator

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USA
119 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 17:59:23

Oh oh. Does it not have screen or no seeums or is it all clear windows? If it doesn't have screens, I'm afraid I wouldn't be interested as it doesn't ventilate.

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mhartong
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 18:09:40

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by windsong
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 We use ours whenever we stay overnight. A must-have in my opinion.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ditto. Can you say, "headroom?"
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ditto Again!

Edited by - on

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2010 : 18:38:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by mikesuej
 Oh oh. Does it not have screen or no seeums or is it all clear windows? If it doesn't have screens, I'm afraid I wouldn't be interested as it doesn't ventilate.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It has screens. There is also an interior plastic rolldown that covers the screens when it rains.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2010 : 06:39:27

We use the Pop-top every trip!
I keep it rolled up tightly, secured with double sided velcro, and always dry it off before stowing each day.
We keep the Tube stowed horizontally using the method that I think Frank (or someone) suggested.
I installed 2 6" pieces of 2"dia PVC on the underside of the Aft berth Deckhead so that the tube ends slip inside the PVC, then Velcro secures the 'bar' of the U tube to the top of the steps SS tubing.

The studs on our Pop Top are 'ok' but I'm in the process of adding additional buttons that will connect with the studs used by the Cabin Top Canvas Cover (Don't understand why the maker didn't do that!)

I made a pair of curtians with velcro hooks that attach to self adheasive loops that are glued to the top of the U Tube poles and the inside of the Wood runner on the underside of the sliding cabin top. Made matching curtains for all the cabin windows.

Curtains are a must on the C250 when in a slip

I'm making a hamock bag that will hang off the Sliding cabin top when it's up under the pop top. Might stop me walking into the roof!

Paul

Edit: Oh, and we also stow the pop top curtains and the window, folded, between the cabin curtains above the galley, always in the same place makes them easier to locate

pa.

Edited by - britinusa on 07/21/2010 06:41:11

zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2010 : 12:03:07

I must have an older model because mine does not have a screen for the front, only a clear plastic. I would love a screen in the main entrance

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2010 : 12:39:15

Mike, I love mine as well. Here are a couple of pics:

As you can see, it is screened.

Steve A

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mikesuej
Navigator

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USA
119 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2010 : 07:05:07

OK, I think I'm in. One of the reasons we purchased a very nice "used" boat at almost 1/2 the price of a new Catalina 250 was so we can spend some moneys on upgrading. My own take on the Catalinas is that the new models might be spiffier shiny and maybe a few other improvements, for the most part a late 90s boat is the same as a 2009 boat in its basic construction. So we've been able to add nuteak, a powertiller, a really nice Garman 531S sounder, a number of blue performance bags, a new cabin table with drawer, nice bedding for the aft birth, and a number of other upgrades that make the boat, in my opinion, much nicer than a brand new basic level boat at 1/2 the price. So I guess $600 for a poptop enclosure will be the next accomodation to make this nice old boat even nicer! Thank you all for all your great help and input. MJ

Edited by - on

Dan Lamb
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 11:47:31

Steve,

I'm looking at the picture of your boat on the mooring ball with the pop top up and the boom tent up as well. Question, is that a tarp folded on the aft end? I love my pop top and have a tarp boom tent that I rigged up with bungee cords, but it doesn't go aft past the end of the boom. How do you keep the fold in the tarp?

Dan

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 13:38:56

Dan, As you can see by my current pic, I now have a bimini so I dont use the tarp. Its been several years that I did. Yes it was folded at aft end and I believe I used pvc pipe in the fold. I think the fold was sewn in and the pvc pipe just slip in that fold if I am not mistaken Bungee cords were involved on the corners. . Hope that helps.
Steve A

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