How to Make a Boat Canopy

Adding a canopy to an open boat can be an expensive project--or not. With some PVC pipe from the hardware store, some Velcro and some #3 canvas, any open boat can have a pleasant canopy under which the boater may enjoy the view, the breeze and shade from the noonday sun. Acting much like an awning over a patio, the boat's canopy is attached to its frame with Velcro and can be quickly removed as needed for other sporting activities.

Things You'll Need

• 1.5-inch PVC pipe
• 2-inch PVC pipe
• Four 1.5-inch PVC elbow fittings
• Four 1.5-inch PVC T fittings
• #3 canvas, waterproof
• Two-part epoxy glue
• PVC pipe cleaning fluid
• PVC pipe adhesive
• Four screws (slotted)
• Screwdriver (slotted head)
• One roll of Velcro tape

Instructions

1. 

   Determine the size and configuration of the canopy. Will it enclose just the back deck? Will it cover the entire open space of the boat? Once these decisions have been made, take the measurements of the space that you wish to cover. These will be the dimensions of the frame to hold the canopy.

2. 

   Lay out the frame and measure the PVC pipe before cutting, remembering that the old saying, "Measure twice and cut once," applies very much to this type of project. Cut and assemble the frame. Determine how well the cabin fits in the boat and make adjustments before gluing the frame together.

3. 

   Drill 1/2-inch holes into the 2-inch PVC pipe segments as shown. The mounting brackets should be at least 1-inch in height. Assemble the frame and place the frame into the boat at the desired position. Mark the locations of the legs on the deck and remove the frame. Using two-part epoxy glue, glue the 2-inch PVC pipe segments--the mounting brackets for the frame--into place and allow the epoxy to cure completely. When the epoxy has cured, slip the legs of the frames into the mounting segments and secure with screws.

4. 

   The top of the supporting framework will be the size of the canopy. However, since the canvas will lap over the sides of the framework slightly, it will be necessary to measure and cut the canvas 1 foot larger--both in length and width--than the frame. Lay the canvas out on a flat surface and, using a carpenter's square, mark 6-inch x 6-inch squares on the corners of the canvas.

5. 

   With scissors, trim the 6-inch x 6-inch squares from the corners of the canvas, then turn a 1/4-inch hem on all edges of the canvas. A treadle sewing machine will make quick work of this, but an electric sewing machine may struggle with the canvas. This will leave a small gap at the corners of the finished canopy, which will minimize the upward force of wind coming through the canopied area.

6. 

   Lay the canopy over the frame so that the notched corners are at the corners of the framework and the canvas forms a small overhand, equal on all sides. Attach two Velcro strips to the notched corners as shown, one on the the inside and one on the outside of the canopy. Fastening the bottom Velcro strip behind the upright of the frame, and the to strip outside of the frame as shown will secure the canopy in light winds. For more moderate winds, additional Velcro strips should be added to secure the canvas to the upper rails of the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be helpful to use wooden shims between the mounting brackets and the legs, to keep the canopy frame from wobbling in the wind.

• This project involves sewing. Take the normal precautions for sewing safety. This project involves work with power tools and harsh chemicals. Read and observe the precautions on the PVC glue and adhesive and the epoxy.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Source for PVC pipe and fittings