custom canopy diy

[Flo535]

I have a Shetland 535, which I am thinking of getting a canopy for it. I've priced all the boat canopy suppliers here in Northern Ireland and the cheapest one for the bars and canopy are £1000. A bit on the dear side for me, so was thinking about making my own bars and canopy. Has anyone on here every tried to do this themselves?

[Galileo]

No, but I have thought about it! After all, all you need is a supplier of the fittings to make up the bar, and then a supplier of waterproof material, and here we are:

http://www.makefast.com/acatalog/SPRAYH ... TINGS.html

http://www.attwoollsmanufacturing.co.uk ... as-fabric/

[Flo535]

Thanks for the links Galileo. I'm hoping to have a canopy ready for next years boating

[peteshetland]

Hi
I made my own cratch cover when I had my narrowboat. I didn't use aluminium poles for that but all the other materials I bought from Acorn Canvas.

http://www.acorncanvas.com

Nothing to do with the company other than being a satisfied customer.

[Flo535]

Thanks for the link, I will check them out

[malhiggins]

Hi Flo535.

I tried making a diy canopy about several months ago for my Family 4 using the template above I got from another Shetland member. As you see the result is a bit rough and ready and still has to be modified but it does the job. All the material for the frame can be obtained from B and Q. I was lucky and got the canopy cheap on Ebay and the seller was kind enough to post it to Galway. Where are you in Northern Ireland as I'm in Galway.

Malachy

[Flo535]

Hi Malachy, good job on the canopy. What did you use for the bars?
I'm from Maguiresbridge, not too far from upper lough Erne, where I go boating when it's dry, but you don't get too many dry days in Fermanagh, so a canopy is greatly needed.

[malhiggins]

Morning Flo535.

I got some three quarter inch tubing from B and Q, they are usually used in wardrobes, and the fittings from J Clarke Marine from Comber , Co Down. He has a slot on ebay and postage is free in the North. I certainly know what you mean about the weather as I live on the edge of Connemara and it rains here all the time.

Malachy