Questions about conversion to canvas back.

[grouperjim]

I'm going to convert my regular 2006 2320 pilot house into a 2/3 canvas back.

I have researched the topic on CP and found some great pics of what the outside edge looks like with the canvas rolled up. However, I am not sure what the inside edge looks like. Specifically, how does the edge finish up with respect to the carpet and the fiberglass? Is there a piece of trim or something? Also, how wide is the outside lip of fiberglass on the top and sides?

If someone with a 2320 canvas back could take a couple pics for me that would fantastic. Thanks in advance.

jim

 

[Megabyte]

Jim, I would imagine that a 2320 and a 2520 would be similar...
If you need specific photos, just let me know.

 

[grouperjim]

Thanks Kevin. It was the pics of your boat that inspired me to possibly do this project.

I am still trying to get final approval from the Admiral. She is trying to get some new baseboards in the kitchen and bathroom out of the deal.

I did talk to a Parker engineer last week. He said that the factory canvas back model actually has a little thicker fiberglass back there. But, he did add that he has heard of and seen regular 2320s modified and it seems to work out fine.

I might have to hit you up for some addl pics if this project starts to gain momentum.

jim

 

[rangerdog]

Captain Ron converted the Raider Nation last year.

 

[grouperjim]

I saw that. He did a great job. Ron is surely a master of everything "boat" and trailer as well.

Thanks Rangerdog.

jim

 

[grouperjim]

Today I finally broke out the Sawzall. Surgery lasted just over an hour. The patient is doing well with the new view. I think she wants to be called the "Jimmy Buffet Edition" or something silly like that.

All that is left to do is to trim out the edge with some teak or something. I am afraid to add a piece of teak, I have seen on CP that teak, like golf, can become a real obsession. We shall see.

jim

 

[Megabyte]

I was wondering about the port side panel until I saw the bench seat in the last photo... then it made sense. Nice work! :wink:

I know how much I like my open-back, so you'll have to give us your impressions of the change once you have time to use her a bit.

Congratulations. 8)

 

[John_Madison CT]

Ahhh, I love my open back Parker. I gotta tell you guys, you have some guts sawzalling your boats.

 

[grouperjim]

"No guts, no glory."

That's one of the cool things about Parker boats. They are so easy to customize to your needs.

I was all for cutting the whole thing out, but the Admiral wouldn't give up her bulkhead/backrest. I guess it will be the original Fl lobster boat version.

jim

 

[grouperjim]

Went out today. Like it, like it, like it! Put some teak trim on the edges. Looks sharp. Will post pics later.

jim

 

[Porkchunker]

Nice work. Glad it is all working out for you.

But...all you Parker aficionados with open back lust. Why didn't you buy the 2510?

 

[grouperjim]

I suppose what attracts me to the PH versus the WA is the level of protection from spray and UV. Also the bench seat.

Even though part of the wall is gone, curtains can be easily be snapped into place in bad wx or for trailering keeping the helm sealed and spotless.

The other thing is the the commercial/utilitarian look of the PH. Also, the customizations that can be done such as the one I did.

jim

 

[Capt. Ronnie]

Captain Ron converted the Raider Nation last year.

Yes I did!!!
Nice work Jim !
Though I like mine a bit more as i can still lock it up !
Just my opinion, but the factory door was WAY too narrow !

 

[Capt. Ronnie]

It took me while, but I found the old tread of my project
http://classicparker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=274
attached is a more recent pic.

 

[grouperjim]

Ron:

You have got such a nice rig. I can't believe that you would consider giving her up.

The PH door is pretty hefty--got to be at leat 40+ lb. Did not feel that heavy until I took it off. My boat is never really in a situation where it is exposed the theft. I never locked up even with the door because the boat is always left empty of valuables. The worst that could happen is a bum might crawl in and spend the night. Better than broken window. In your cold climate, having the solid partition available like your mod is probably better than canvas. But in FL I think the canvas will be the ticket.

That barrel of bait on the transom has got to change the balance of the boat somewhat (?). From where exactly did you hoist that giant tuna?!

I must say that CP is such a great resource and confidence builder for doing projects. Getting to see the process such as the one posted by Ron surely saves time and money (avoiding screw ups and redos). When you do a project---post the pics. Somebody somewhere can use the info/insight!

jim

 

[Bryan 2530]

Getting to see the process such as the one posted by Ron surely saves time and money (avoiding screw ups and redos). When you do a project---post the pics. Somebody somewhere can use the info/insight!

Agreed!!!1

 

[Capt. Ronnie]

Ron:

You have got such a nice rig. I can't believe that you would consider giving her up.

The PH door is pretty hefty--got to be at leat 40+ lb. Did not feel that heavy until I took it off. My boat is never really in a situation where it is exposed the theft. I never locked up even with the door because the boat is always left empty of valuables. The worst that could happen is a bum might crawl in and spend the night. Better than broken window. In your cold climate, having the solid partition available like your mod is probably better than canvas. But in FL I think the canvas will be the ticket.

That barrel of bait on the transom has got to change the balance of the boat somewhat (?). From where exactly did you hoist that giant tuna?!



Yes, when the barrel is full it does make the boat list, but the 24in wide tabs takes care of that!
The tuna was lifted by block and tackle with a strap around the base of the rocket launchers where it attaches to the roof.
Tail was 1st tail roped at the stern cleat, then we worked the block and tackle slowly with another guy helping out with the gaff..
A jin pole may be fabricated and installed soon before the giant season really gets going !

 

[Capt. Ronnie]

Ron:

You have got such a nice rig. I can't believe that you would consider giving her up.


I don't really look at it as "giving her up"
I've got a growing charter business and I've out grown the boat!
I love the boat for the most part, (especially the way I have it rigged) though the ride is not the greatest,
But, I
Need a bigger boat, and a full bathroom (stand up head) is also a big issue.
The flushing toilet on my 2320 with the curtain is a joke and is barely big enough for a small child to use!
I plan to sea trial the 28 Parker pilot house the day after the Boston in water boat show is over to see the ride for myself.
If I got the 28, I would rig it exactly like my 2320, cut out the door the same way and rip out the stb seats.

 

[grouperjim]

Porkchunker:

From reading your posts, it sounds like you have been toying with the idea getting a smaller parker (maybe a CC). I have to tell you that my 2004 23 DVCC was absolutely a great boat. Fun to drive and GREAT dry ride. I liked it with the F225, and it must be even better with the F250. If I could still handle the sun exposure and did not have a baby, I would definitely still have that boat.

jim

 

[grouperjim]

Finished!