As a result of her bimini and enclosures becoming old and tired and brittle zippers exploding when touched, we decided to replace the entire top prior to this upcomming voyage to the BVI's. The replacement was planned for our return, but with Susann's skin cancer and intolerance of heat and sun, we opted to have it done now, and boy,are we glad that we did!
The work was done by North Myrtle Beach Canvas, and we can't say enough about Dell and his crew. The workmanship is excellent, they customize to meet the needs of the client, which in our case was to minimize sun exposure for Susann. This was accomplished with removable no-seeum screens and sunscreen covers for every piece of strata glass (except the flybridge windshield). The difference is ammazing, and the boat is so much more comfortable and cooler now.
The flybridge non-skid floor had been painted at sometime and was starting to flake off so we opted to have it and the sundeck covered with marine grade, snap down carpet, which muffles some of the engine noise, when underway and adds a finishing touch.
This deep into the project, we decided to update and re-upholster the dinette benches and replace interior stair carpet. Again, a choice that we are delighted with. 
The final segment of this portion of the facelift was the installation of 4 solar panels above the bimini top. Not particularly pretty like the other work, but necessary for our comfort at anchor in the the Carribean. So far the system is working well and meeting the Captain's expectations. 
Dell at North Myrtle Beach Canvas was helpful and instrumental with the design, placement and mounting of the hardware and frame for the solar panels.
Refit of this magnitude was not inexpensive, but we certainly feel that we received exceptional value and quality for the dollars spent, and numerous extras were included.
Now the big decision is "who's wine budget is taking the hit?" Sure hope it's not mine!
After departing Myrtle Beach, we headed south to Charleston, SC, where the boat was cleaned and detailed with a product called Poli-Glo. It was five days of sweat, but she looks like a new boat. In fact some of our boating buddies thought she had been painted.
After the cleaning, six coats of Poli-Glo were applied with a special chamois applicator. The product bonds to the gelcoat and protects it. If we are diligent, maintenance should require regular washing, and re-application of 2 coats every six months. We are certainly pleased with the final result, and after all the work and preparation, have vowed to keep up the regular maintenance, which should be easier than maintaining a wax finish. Time will tell.......
After departing Myrtle Beach, we headed south to Charleston, SC, where the boat was cleaned and detailed with a product called Poli-Glo. It was five days of sweat, but she looks like a new boat. In fact some of our boating buddies thought she had been painted.
After the cleaning, six coats of Poli-Glo were applied with a special chamois applicator. The product bonds to the gelcoat and protects it. If we are diligent, maintenance should require regular washing, and re-application of 2 coats every six months. We are certainly pleased with the final result, and after all the work and preparation, have vowed to keep up the regular maintenance, which should be easier than maintaining a wax finish. Time will tell.......
