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Through The Looking Glass (20-6)
by Steve Horsfall
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We just purchased a 1991
Princecraft 170 Pro Series fishing boat and we love
it. We are looking to replace the windshield and have
contacted marinas and manufacturers without any luck.
I was wondering if you know a manufacturer or someone
that could create a windshield for us. Anything would
help.
C. Butler, e-mail
Your best bet is to contact Canadian Canopy in Barrie,
Ontario. I have had plenty of luck using them for windshields
and tops in the past. In a few cases, they were even
able to duplicate replacement partial frames. Its mailing
address is 3 Morrow Road, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 3V7.
The phone number is (705) 733-2681 or you can fax them
at (705) 733-2600. Their e-mail address is omar@bconnex.net.
I am pretty confident they will be able to help you.
END OF THE LINE
I was wondering if you know where I can find
a particular dock line shock absorber. The one I am
looking for is a little different than just a bungee
cord. It features a hollow plastic pipe with a memory
and the half-inch rope goes through the center. When
the line is pulled on, it’s designed to straighten
the plastic pipe. A friend of mine came across a couple
of these a few years ago, but I can't remember where
he bought them. Unfortunately, I don’t know the
brand name or manufacturer. I would really appreciate
your help.
D. Cox, e-mail
I don't recall the exact item you are looking for. I
do remember an item called a Snubber, which served the
same purpose. It looked like a large, flat, rubber noodle
with a loop on each end. You tied it into the middle
of the docking line with a loop between the eyes. The
length of the loop was the amount of “give”
that would be allowed. Ask your marina parts department
to look for this in the Hutchings Mooring Lines catalogue
to see if it’s still available.
EXTENDING POSSIBILITIES
I own a 1997 Doral 250 SC cruiser. I recently
discovered the benefits of an extended swim platform
and I was wondering if you could help me out. I have
had quotes from fiberglass installers of up to $2,000
(not installed). Is there a product or another way a
do-it-yourselfer (like me) could do this? I recall a
program I saw on TV with plans to build one out of white
plastic boards or something to the same affect. Does
this ring a bell? If so, do you know if there are any
instructions available? Do you know anyone who does
this kind of work?
C. Arbon, e-mail
I don't recall the kit you are talking about. I do remember
a kit from Quest Swim Platforms that used teak strips
and cast aluminum brackets, but I don't think it would
really be suitable for your boat.
The installation of a swim platform is a larger job
than you think, especially on newer boats. You must
be sure you have access inside the transom to through-bolt
the hardware. The angle of the platform must also be
even with the way the boat sits in the water, not the
way it sits on the trailer. There can even be clearance
issues with the sterndrive when it’s tilted and
turned.
When I installed a swim platform on my boat, I used
aluminum L-shaped metal bars and stainless hardware
to make triangular braces and bolted it to the transom.
Two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood were laminated for the
platform, while fiberglass was applied on both sides
and around the edges. I also used Gunwale moulding around
the edges and non-skid tape stripes on the surface.
The platform was three feet deep and later, I installed
a folding swim ladder. It was extremely functional,
attractive and relatively inexpensive.
Got a question, a problem? Send inquiries to Steve
Horsfall at info@powerboating.com.
Fax: 905-624-6764. (Page
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