bridge cover

[med2alfa]

What is the helm/bridge cover made of on the 32+2 and 35 command bridge models? Is it fiberglass/resin or a softer material and how durable is it?
Has anyone had problems with it from aging or weather related problems?
I'm looking at the CB style as a great fishing platform with the helm outside the saloon area. The bridge cover looks to be quite thin and maybe a tad weak.

Finally, how does all that canvas and plastic window material hold up to windy and cold late season conditions and how well does the enclosure keep the heat in?

[bnoft]

I don't know what you would get from the factory. Mine is an aftermarket fiberglass hardtop with stainless supports. I have seen some soft tops and some made of starboard, these are not as sturdy as glass.

[Mariner]

I could be wrong, but I would assume that any flybridge cover would be aftermarket and so the quality is entirely dependent upon the methods used by the builder and in no way universal to all Albins.

[med2alfa]

In looking at what pictures were available of CB's listed on Yachtworld, the covers all seemed to have very similiar framework and cover material. I thought maybe these were factory made. If I remember correctly, didn't Almar have some pictures of a damaged cover with subsequent repair? It looked quite thin and I wonder if this cover was from the factory?

[AlMar]

My original top was a rubberized canvas over an aluminum frame. I replaced the canvas with non skid 1/2 inch starboard. In my humble Albinion, it looks good, has no leaks, and feels good underfoot. It's too early to advise how well it will hold up, but given the cost options when compared to quotes I got for fiberglass, I would do it again.
AlMar

[Veebyes2]

We had the rubberized canvas on a substantial aluminium frame like Almar. It had an altercation with a cat 3 hurricane. The hurricane won.

We made a homebrew foam cored fiberglass top. Hate to think what the cost would have been if I had to pay myself for my labour.

[med2alfa]

Both ideas look like winners. Certainly an improvement over rubberized canvas. I wonder who thought of that one? Definately a "planned obsolescence" item.
I kinda like Almar's idea because it looks like it comes with a boat load of fish!!

[Mariner]

Bimini tops are usually made of Sunbrella with a stainless steel tubing frame. This is the industry standard and can be bought from local fabricators around the world. Custom fiberglass tops are common as well, but the added weight up high can decrease stability when combined with increased windage when heeled over. Fiberglass tops should always be designed by a professional, and be removed in heavy weather.

[Veebyes2]

The rubberised canvas weighed a few pounds. The top in the pic weighs close to 100#. I have been asked if there a noticable difference in the 'feel' of the boat with the extra weight. I can honestly say that I cannot detect any.

The boat has endured hurricane force winds on a couple of occasions since the fiberglass top went on. No damage. For storm protection I feel it is more important to to remove the enclosure canvas & let the wind pass through. The top is not a wing. As long as the wind is straight line its sheer weight helps keep it in place. In my case the tower leg mounting points have been reinforced on the inside as well with pads.

[AlMar]

I agree with veebyes2. I had concerns about the weight, but our 32's have a pretty low center of gravity thanks to the short hop to the bridge, and I have not "felt" any change in windage, or heeling with my new top. I too, remove canvass for storm ops.
AlMar

[med2alfa]

I saw a 30 something Pursuit the other day that had a fiberglas hardtop very similiar setup to the 32 CB, so I got a good closeup look at it. I would agree that the added weight would not affect the stability of the boat, plus it would provide a more solid mounting surface for "stuff".

Thanks for the info.

[Veebyes2]

Here are a few more of my top under construction. In the first post we were waxing the mold preparing for the first layer of cloth.

In the pics following the foam core is going in



Then there is the rough finished top ready for fairing & trimming



Many hours of work later we have a freshly Awlgripped top



An after thought, & one I am glad we did, was applying indoor/outdoor carpet on the inside to reduce engine noise.