Albin 25 hard-top options

[normalboat]

Hello,
I just purchased an Albin 25 & introduced myself on the "New Member" page, but hoping someone can point me to discussion about hard-top design for the A-25.
I will build a hard top as the dodger-style soft-top is failing. I've found photos of many different types, but wondering if there's something on this forum that I can't find.

Thanks,

Russell

[normalboat]

85 views and no comments? Was it the topic or is it because I'm new here?
I was told this was a helpful forum and I hope it is. I make a living as a boatbuilder. A lot of my time is spent helping people with technical questions, so I know how this works. If there's nothing here on replacing the soft, aft part of the cockpit cover with a hard-top, then please say so.
Thank you.

[Nancy]

Welcome aboard, normalboat. Glad to have you here.

When there are no answers, it's not you. It either means that no one knows or the answer is already here and you just need to search for it.

Have you tried the forum search function? Or even easier - a Google search, e.g. "albinowners.net: hard top" (without the quotes). Phew, try it -- lots of good results!

[jerridsc]

I built my hardtop by following the original curve of the existing forward structure, fabricating the roof “rafters” out of cedar 2x6 material. After installing them, I laminated 3 layers 1 /4” Luan plywood, one at a time, gluing and screwing each one, following the curve of the rafters. I then glassed and epoxied the exterior for strength and waterproffness, then coats of white paint. I will try to post photos.

[normalboat]

Thanks for the responses. I had tried the search function and google, but not googling this forum.
My original plan was to make a long cored panel that started as a brow over the windshield and finished at the aft end of the cockpit, but I'm having second thoughts after spending more time on the boat.
Getting in and out of the boat isn't super easy with the soft top it has now. I don't really want to make side hatches for getting in and out as some have.
One option that makes some sense is what was done on Minnow, where the outboard edges of the hard-top are higher. The curve of the panel is flatter and it's raised a bit making the edge you have to duck under higher. I'd post photos, but haven't figured out how to do that on this forum.

[jerridsc]

IMG_1646.jpeg

IMG_1644.jpeg

[Nancy]

I'd post photos, but haven't figured out how to do that on this forum.

I hope this helps: viewtopic.php?t=12189

[normalboat]

Thanks for that, Nancy. I'm about to try it!

Jerridsc, thanks for your photos. I'll post a coupe of the Minnow's alternative, which is tempting as it's a smaller panel with higher outboard edges. I wouldn't add all the stuff to the top of it. The cutout in the pilothouse roof has already been filled in with a hard patch.

[A251975]

There are 2 A25s at John Wayne Marina in Sequim with hardtops…one(mine) is ‘homemade’. Also have a third in my backyard at Diamond Point. You can come and see for yourself. Also can put you in contact with a boating buddy who built his own…looked factory.

[normalboat]

Thanks for that. Are there gates at John Wayne marina? I was there last year, but can't remember if someone let us in.
I'm about to start on the panel for the hard-top and pretty set on something like the Minnow has, both to make it easier to get in and out and because the panel is only about half as big as it would be if it covered the pilot house. Any thoughts about my logic?

[DesertAlbin736]

FWIW back in 2015 I made a hardtop for my 1971 early model A25. Because it had the optional mast and sail rig I wanted to retain the stock design canvas enclosure over the back half of the cockpit with the sloping rear flap. So the hardtop only covered the T top opening over the wheelhouse. I made the top in fiberglass by fabricating a one off mold by tracing the side to side verticle curvature of the fore aft edges of the opening and a pattern of horizonal dimension of the opening using a sheet of 1/2" foil backed styrofoam insulation as a pattern to build a wood frame mold lined with masonite incorporating openings for a pair of 18 x18 opening roof hatches. I used isothalic resin with inititial layer of woven glass cloth over gelcoat followed by alternating layers of resin, chopped stand mat, and 1/8th" diviny cell foam core built up to 3/4" thick. I then attached it to the lip of the roof opening using #8 s/s machine screws and lock nuts through bolted on 8 inch centers and sealed with 3M 401 white removable adhesive caulk. A similar full length top could be made except as a bigger more expensive project.