Full Canopies - Hot or Not?
 

I have never been in a full canopy boat. I want to hear from people who have.

Is it ever a good idea for a recreation boat?

When its cold and big seas?

When its hot and smooth?

Do people tend to get sea sick?

Air conditioning, a necessity?

Can you see where you are going? At speed? in no-wake zones? getting to a dock or trailer?

How about the "4 place" set ups -- two front seats, two in back. Is that a hell ride in the back?

Seeing while off plane can be a challange.

You want 5 point harnesses so you don't bounce off the roof.

I wouldn't reccomend a full canopied as a pleasure boat.

1. Visibility can be poor.
2. Not very comfortable as far as what you can get from a pleasure boat.
3. Sea sickness and heat can be a problem.
4. YOU CAN DROWN very easily if the proper medical personell are not chasing you around.

Canopied boats are great for racing but seriously wouldn't want one for a pleasure boat. Just my .02

Ron P, I was wondering if helmets were basically REQUIRED with a canopy. Would you say yes?

Joker, while drowning is a risk in a canopy, that's if you flip or stuff, right? And isn't that when a canopy might save your life?

I like canopy boats. The back seat passengers can see fine. Visiblity behind you is absent without cameras and monitors. Seasick??? Never even had that come up with anyone in big water. They are hot and loud. It feels like an small airplane cockpit. The look great and the protection from the wind is worth it.

I raced open boats for several years and was ejected violently. I then got in a canopied boat and realized yes you are safer but drowning is on your mind. If you go upside down , especially a vee - you can drown. It's possible to get knocked unconsious. The modern canopied cats have a trap door between the sponsons so escaping is easier. You'll have to flood the cockpit on a v if you go over.

I'd reccomend a helmet and full time air too. We ran full out and weren't playing around. I guess pleasure boating would be less risk.

I am thinking of a V. They stay upside down, even with the engines so low and close to the keel? Wow! Bummer.

Me too.