My 271 has the factory bimini top with Sunbrella canvas. I often overnight on my boat and would be interested fully-enclosing the cockpit.

Any recommendations on side and aft-curtains....materials, shapes, styles, etc.? Anyone duplicate the optional Formula full-enclosure using a good canvas shop?

Ordering from Formula would probably be the priciest....although easiest option.

Thanks,
Jeff

Just my .02 but, perhaps Formula would not be the best option. They won't have the boat/bimini available to make minor adjustments.

Canvas is like good cameras, stereos, and boats - you get what you pay for generally. Find a good canvas shop that has a spotless reputation. They will fit you up the way you want it. Cheap canvas jobs are just that.

If you decide to order it from the factory, tell them to NOT install the snaps. The reason is that when you install it on your boat you will be able to match the snaps for your cockpit cover and not have to install more. You will also be able to make it as tight as you would like.

This is what I did, and the process went very well. I was able to locate a set of snap installation dies that fit into a set of ViseGrip pliers for about $15, and they worked great.

Put your bimini up, zip the front, sides, and rear in place, make any adjustments, and have it it. The front (and most of the side) snaps go into clip-on studs in the windshield frame, so they are pretty forgiving. Once I hade them done, I started at the center of the rear section, and worked my way outwards and forward on both sides. Since your boat will probably have snap studs already on if for a cockpit cover, a lot of the work is already done.

You can go with a local canvas shop, but the price is likely to be just as much, and you might not get the same "factory" look. The Sunbrella that Formula specifies is specially treated and NOT cheap.

Had mine done at a local (good reputaion)canvas shop and $1200 later was very satisfied

Hey Jeff,

Where are you located? If you are in the northeast I could recommend a couple of guys to you.

I just had a bimini/convertible top made for my 311 from scratch. Bird is right you get what you pay for.
The most expensive part of the cover was the frame. So you already have that going for you.
You will be surprised .... it might not be as bad as you think.
Some things to think about .....

1) Are going to be using the boat if you get caught in a rain storm? If so you might want to do what I did .... I split the front piece in to 2 pieces so one part of the boat (helm) will stay dry ..... while you still easier access to the bow for docking or to an anchor.
2) Add a window in the rear piece so you can see behind you when docking etc. but add a "blackout" piece with 8 strips of velcro to secure it when you are moored at night to block out peering eyes or cut down on the light back there.

Just some ideas I used on my top and work out great.

Good Luck !!!

Jeff

I'm near Algonac, MI on the St. Clair river.

My primary purpose for the enclosure would be to increase the comfort while overnighting. I take my boat up North, and, even on the warmest summer days, it can cool off a lot at night. It would be nice to wake up in the morning, go outside, and not have dew over everything.

I'd like to think that for less than $1000, I could complete the enclosure. Your recommendation for the window in the back piece would be HIGHLY desirable....I didn't realize the factory option didn't include that. Also, I have the step on the port side to easily reach the bow...I'd like some provision to exit the cockpit with the enclosure up at this location.

go straight sunbrella custom made.
I despise the SeaMark vinyl backed Sunbrella that Formula (and some others) use.

rediculously heavy and doesn't breathe.

I've had alot of sunbrella and water through it has NEVER been an issue, the vinyl backed Sunbrella is just overkill and alot less user friendly.

What Rippem said,find good local shop.