Pop Top_ help

[camanche73]

Hi Guys,
I have started to reassemble the pop top on Investigator 153.
I am struggling with working out how it all goes together!
Is anybody able to load some pictures of where the struts attach, and describe the workings of the pop top??

Thanks

[Yara50]

Here is a shot that might help.

Pop Top framework

On the sides, the struts are fixed at the top, and one end of one of the struts moves in a track like a jib sheet track, (you can see that on the port side), and when up to full height the spring loaded pin pops into a hole in the track. There is some bunjee cord to help pull it along, but not essential. Do it both sides and now it is held up, but still wobbly fore and aft. Next, the two struts forward, clip at the bottom onto toggle fastners, and there you have it!

[camanche73]

Thanks Ian
That seems easy enough.
Just with the photo, the struts which are to the aft most, ( ones not on a track) do they get removed when raising/lowering?

[Yara50]

Ron,
Take a look at the 5th picture here: http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... p?f=5&t=87

(BTW, if you want to see more detail in the photos, on my browser, if I double click on the photo, it opens at a larger size in a separate tab. Alternatively, save it to a folder, and open with a picture managing program which allows you to zoom in.)

You will see that as the pop top is lifted, it moves aft. This is due to the fixed arm pivoting. So no, nothing gets removed, just the front struts lowered and clipped onto their toggle fastners. If you don't have them, the toggle fastners are the sort of thing used to hold down car rag tops, or ute back covers.

[camanche73]

Wow,
I didn't realise it moved aft!
Makes perfect sense now.
Thanks Ian

[Dr. Peter]

Something I have not liked about the pop-top on Pip is how water gets inside the cabin if you ship a bit of green over the bow. I have also been concerned about being laid over by a bullet or a rogue wave. In the interests of seaworthiness and, this is a theme I will continue to pursue, I have put six bolts through my pop-top and into the cabin roof to ensure 1. that the water stays out and 2. that the pop-top cannot float free. The pop-top still operates as a pop top its just that putting it up and down takes a little longer.

Its probably not for every owner but given some of the conditions we regularly sail Pip in it seems appropriate to me. My next project along this line of seaworthiness is to address the companionway washboards.

[Yara50]

Peter, in my experience, even when knocked down, no water came in through the pop top. Rather than bolting the pop top down, I would be more inclined to just seal under with some closed cell foam. The screw fitting on the forward edge is quite secure, but the aft hold down with hasp and staple can be improved.