Questions about conversion to canvas back.

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Great Pics Jim!

What a wonderful Family! Congrats!

And i totally love the open back - makes total sense for the FL lifestyle!

Wish I was on left coast .. so we could catch up!

Cheers..wp.
 
Nicely Done. Boat the boat and family......

I remember when my was that little... Now a senior at UF. Younger brother at FSU. Start saving now.
 
Sweet job, and nice family.

You and Ronnie clearly fit the new term I coined: Boat Hacker, noun, Someone who makes major modifications to their boat...most often associated with someone who takes a sawsall to their boat. :D :D :D
 
Congatulations....Super Sweet Parker. With such a successfull project as this you must have a huge amount of personal satisfaction. My hats off to you and your family, you are a lucky man!
 
Scoops:

Those holes are just a pass-thru for rod tips. I don't think the 25 has them because your cockpit is longer and they are not needed. I don't use them because they are a PITA to use. I reversed the under gunnel rod holders so the butt end is forward and tip aft which take the pass-thrus out of play.

Porkchunker:

One thing about being in the Navy---they teach you to be resourceful. When you leave the pier, if you don't have what you need, you make it, or if you don't like what you've got, you modify it to meet your needs.

However, one thing that I think most readers of CP come away with, is that Parker owners are hands on, do it yourself/resourceful type of people. So, I take the term "Boat Hacker" as a compliment of the highest order.

I am surprised that no one has noticed the new custom rod holders port and starboard mounted where the 12 inch grab handles used to be. I never used the grab handles but will get great use of those rod holders. They will be great for flying kites for wahoo and king fish (yuck). Instead of filling the holes, I just reversed the handles so they are now on the inside---can never have enough grab handles on the inside.

jim
 
I am surprised that no one has noticed the new custom rod holders port and starboard mounted where the 12 inch grab handles used to be.

I noticed them and was going to ask where you got them. Just had them fabricated?? Nice!
Looks like you turned the grab rail inward also.
 
I drew them and Travis at Quality T-Top in Tarpon Springs fabricated them for me. Essentially, $75 (x4) per rod holder and $25 for the welding. Included the nice backing plates.

jim
 
I was searching previous topics and came across your, "how to modify your Parker with a sawzall" lessons. Nice job grouperjim.

Where did you buy your canvas carport? I haven't been able to find one with a minimum door height of 12' plus.
 
Where did you buy your canvas carport? I haven't been able to find one with a minimum door height of 12' plus.[/quote]

Looks like the everyday carport with 12' galavnized pipe for legs.
 
Sam's Club special ($199). You are right about the support poles. The unit comes with short flimsy ones. I replaced them with heavy galvanized steel poles (about $40 each at HD).

The material on the frame lasts about 3 years depending on how many storms we get. Sooner or later I am going to replace the structure with something more professional looking, probably something with an aluminum roof to match the metal roof of the house.

jim
 
sorry to reopen such an old thread, but wondering if there are any photos or detailed description of someone cutting the back out?
I am interested in buying a used 2520 but feel the closed back would be way too hot for Florida.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks
 
mirrow1":bs5aznjy said:
sorry to reopen such an old thread, but wondering if there are any photos or detailed description of someone cutting the back out?
I am interested in buying a used 2520 but feel the closed back would be way too hot for Florida.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks

A few people here have done it, though I don't recall any detailed project posts covering the process.
I recall at least one person speaking with Eric at the factory about it, so that might be a good place to start.
252-728-5621

My boat came from the factory this way. If you need any detail photos, let me know.
The canvas you see here is supposed to be replaced "any day now". :roll:
 

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I love my open back 2520dv Parker. Just fits for what I do. If it's real cold, I put up the canvas, and if at the dock, turn on a ceramic space heater. (dock power 120v) In no time, it's toasty warm.
 
Thanks for Eric's number, he was very helpful w/ all questions I had regarding different models & years.
Eric said that they cut the opening about 3" from the top & about 2" in from the sides.
Eric also said they don't add any structural material for the open back & if back is cut to the same parameters as theirs it should be ok.

This should make searching for a used boat much easier since there are not many open backs on the used market.
Now I just have to decide if go w/ single engine & 16deg deadrise or 2 engines (extra maintenance) & 21deg deadrise.
I will be boating in the Gulf of mexico near cleawater/st Petersburg & there is a lot of chop.

If you have any close-up pictures of the edges around the cut out from inside or out that would be appreciated.

thanks
 
Go deep V, especialy since you said you are in an area with a lot of chop, 16 degree boat is gonna rattle your teeth
 
mirrow1":1ckl4ck7 said:
If you have any close-up pictures of the edges around the cut out from inside or out that would be appreciated.

Here you go!
 

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