posted 07-04-2010 06:17 PM ET (US)        

---

We have a 2005 Conquest 305 [whose weather canvas is in] need of replacement. Is [replacement weather canvas] something that can be purchased off the rack? If not, does anyone have a recommendation for a custom canvas provider who is fairly priced and produces a good product? Note that I'm located in Long Island, New York.

Also considering replacing the cockpit combing bolsters so same questions as above Thanks in advance. Chris

posted 07-04-2010 10:54 PM ET (US)            

---

I believe the OEM supplier of the weather canvas for Boston Whaler in c.2005 was Great Lakes Canvas of Tennessee. I don't know if you can buy replacement components for your weather canvas system directly from them. You might have to go through Boston Whaler.

A good way to judge the skill of local canvas makers is to visit a few large marinas in your area. Look for boats with really nice canvas. The maker usually sews in his label somewhere, especially if a local maker. This can give you more leads.

posted 07-06-2010 09:15 PM ET (US)            

---

Many thanks gents.

Spoke with Great Lakes and was told that they've only been producing canvas for the 305 Conquest since 2010. I called Boston Whaler and they were kind enough to point me toward Ameritex - which was subsequently purchased by Taylor Made. I believe Ameritex to be the OEM supplier for the early model years. Have a call into them but it seems their offices are closed until next week. I'll keep you posted on all developments. In the mean time, Great Lakes seems willing to sell me a full replacement set - as long as I'm confident that there have not been any changes to the canvas configuration. The gentleman at Boston Whaler believes there have been no changes since 2005. Anyone have thoughts on this one way or another?
Thanks again,
Chris

posted 07-10-2010 03:18 PM ET (US)            

---

Also have a Conquest 305, 2005. I made two mistakes on mine that I thought I would pass along. One, I replaced eisenglass as it was fading and discoloring. I "upgraded" to Strataglass because it was thicker and seemed more likely to handle south Florida sunshine. It has but when installing they did not get it exactly where the old material was so canvas does not fit as well. Also, Strataglass does not roll up as easily as original. After this, zippers starting failing everywwhere. I'd get one fixed and then the next one would fail. Get the highest quality zipper they make. Sunbrella holds up very well but the clear glass and zippers don't.

My advice is to go to local place that does a lot of work and ask them to design and install complete new system. Couple of suggestions in new system would be to have front wind screen just snap to underside of hard top and not roll up. Scuz on your hands gets all over while rolling.Roll up side curtains are unnecessary for me. Make rear door be able to be closed and secured completely from inside of boat, not just from outside. Grommets with turn buckles seem to be better than snaps also. Just a few thoughts.

posted 07-14-2010 04:13 PM ET (US)            

---

Hey Ricky,
Sorry for the delay in writing - we spent the weekend on the boat in Block Island. I really appreciate your advice which is invaluable. I too have been considering going custom versus OEM replacement. My considerations are:

1 changing the side curtains from rolled plastic to Strataglass (or similar).
2 not having zippers on the side curtains (I've never rolled the sides in 2 years of owning the boat)
3 changing the color from navy to white (I understand the Boston Whaler contractor may offer only Blue or Black)
4 possibly including a bug screen in the drop curtain to allow some air flow (your thoughts?)

I think its a great idea to modify the front screen so it snaps up rather than rolls up. In this case, it would likely be possible to use sheet plastic rather than rolled. My buddy has this on his Pursuit 3000OS and it works really well. You're right about rolling the front screen - it really scratches and makes a mess out of the plastic.

Other than your canvass not fitting well, which I don't assume is directly attributable to the use of Strataglass (?), have you experienced any other issues using the heavier gauge sheet plastic?

Any feedback on the above other thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

All the best,
Chris

posted 07-14-2010 09:40 PM ET (US)            

---

My understandng is that Eisenglass is thinner and of lower quality than Strataglass. EZ2CY is an even higher end product that may be good for drop curtain or front windshield. Florida sun eats up these materials. I have used products to preserve but they don't seem to help much in my view.

I have a year left on my canvas then I am off to a custom canvas shop in Ft. Lauderdale which is extremely good. Think I will give them some latitude in designing. They can also do bolsters.

Given you boat in the north, keeping that drop curtain on is probably a good idea but you need some ventilation. The color white is good as well. Seems to last longer and sea gulls like it less. Good luck. Ricky

posted 09-24-2010 10:06 PM ET (US)            

---

The heavy glass above the windshield with snaps to top works well, as long as the top canvass reaches to the edge of the inner hardtop, other wise the less flexible material wants to pull the snaps out. A problem I have on my conquest.

Trying to find replacement cockpit bolsters any suggestionsappreciated.