More boat top questions.

Tanner · 12-23-2002, 09:43 AM

How many of you guys that have back curtains actually use them. Is it worth an extra $200-300 to go ahead and get one. Everyone I have seen looks like it would be in the way for fishing. Even when sturgeon fishing you still need to get to your rod quickly

timinthegorge · 12-23-2002, 01:26 PM

Last Friday night..... Mid-Columbia...... heavy rain mixed with snow...... windy......

Oh yeah, it's worth it. :grin:

Streetwalker · 12-23-2002, 01:42 PM

If you use your boat in the rain & cold (live in the northwest) get the back drop. Sure is nice when on anchor w/ heat, leave the door unzipped & rod access is no problem.

Sagebrush Fisherman · 12-23-2002, 02:59 PM

I use the backdrop not only in the winter but for Springer fishing. When the wind is blowing and raining, it keeps you cozy. A while back it was 10 degrees when we launched, the heater was on low which kept four of us toasty. When the fog burned off and the sun hit the top, didn't need the heater. Use the backdrop....You bet!!

Red · 12-23-2002, 03:19 PM

Yea, what all of them said!

Full Freezer · 12-23-2002, 04:27 PM

Yes to all of the above, but what I've noticed is that when trailering my boat it travels much better. For some reason there is less flapping on the side curtains etc. More so than the camper cover I've got. The worst is when i travel without the camper cover or the back curtain. it really flaps alot. Don't notice any movement at all when the back drop is on. And yes it's worth every stinkin' penny. one of the wiser boat accessory investments you can make. :grin:

Full Freezer

nerta · 12-23-2002, 04:28 PM

:smile: I use mine a lot, turn the heater on and roll up the door, it's in the middle and has an opening width of 16 inches or so. You can access the poles just like it wasn't there. Try it you'll like it. :smile:

Pitch Pocket · 12-23-2002, 11:07 PM

I've used them many times while anchored up in the Columbia in cold weather. Big difference in comfort.

Fishplay · 12-23-2002, 11:11 PM

Mine is on more than off!

jet · 12-23-2002, 11:16 PM

When it is cold and raining you really will miss it. I keep it unzipped when fishing so we can easly get to the poles.

Keep all the heat where you want it. The backdrop also keeps the rain and wind out.

Jet~~~

jet · 12-23-2002, 11:18 PM

One other point if you do tow is helps to keep the top more secure.

Jet~~~

lost_sailor · 12-23-2002, 11:21 PM

If you have to leave your boat out in the rain, it keeps the rain out!

I've only used it a couple of times while fishing ... in the snow.

SHLEPROCK · 12-23-2002, 11:27 PM

I use mine in the winter but when it is nice out I just flip it over my top. I have straps with snaps on them that are right length to connect the botom of the back drop to the snaps on my windshield so when the wind is blowing the curtain will stay put. I have the walk through windshield and zip flap so access to my windshield snaps is easy. The bad part about the backdrop is that when you need it the most is when they fog up and you can not see a light bite. They are nice to have if travel long distaces to your favorite holes.

Mr. Fisherman · 12-24-2002, 04:28 AM

Mine's got a door :tongue:

Tanner · 12-24-2002, 07:09 AM

OK guys you convinced me. I'm going with the back drop. Thanks for all of your replies.

Pete · 12-24-2002, 07:32 AM

I've used my back drop once in 3+ years. If it's more than just me in the boat, the door creates a choke point when leaping for a bouncing rod.

When shopping for a top, consider a couple things.
Will the top leak along the stitching? My sunbrella top with cotton stitching does.
Will the top leak around the windows? If the windows are stitched in, chances are good it will.
Will the top rot if stored damp? Chances are good it will and if the top is light colored, it will develop dark spots.
Will the stays rub on the windows and make scrapes? Almost certainly, but some tops are designed to minimize the problem. It's more an issue of the structure of the stays than the material the top is made of.
Bottom line? Tops don't last forever, that's why there are shops that make replacements. Find one that you'll get good use from and plan to get a new one sometime down the road.

jet · 12-24-2002, 07:38 AM

Just rub it in Ray... "mine has a door"

Darn those new boat guys

Jet~~~

Tanner · 12-24-2002, 08:08 AM

Pete,
My current sunbrella top came original with the boat. My boat is a 91 (Ihave had it since 95) and I am just now replacing the top. It did not start leaking until last year and it only leaks where it is starting to sag because water puddles up there. Keep in mind that this boat sits outside in the weather (uncovered) year round

I could live with the leak because it is real minor, but the top is so tattered looking that I just want to replace it cause it looks like crud.

I set up an appointment with NW Boat Tops in Sherwood for this Thursday. I decided to go with Top, Side Curtains, Back Drop Curtain, Sloping Aft Cover and a Bow Cover. All done in Black or Charcoal Top Gun Material.

Now this summer I just need to re-do the Exterior paint and the Zolatone on the inside and next winter replace the pump and I will have a brand new boat. The 351 V-8 runs like a clock.

[ 12-24-2002, 09:11 AM: Message edited by: Tanner ]