INVESTIGATOR 563

I recently removed the pop top for sanding and painting. With the attached eight pieces of hardware, it seems much heavier and more complicated than what I need for a companionway. KISS is good, so I am considering fixing it to the coachroof forward with two stainless slip-pin hinges and adding a pair of gas struts to the rear. I can always slip the pins and prop it up if necessary. Has anybody taken this approach, and how did the gas struts perform over time?

Cheers

Tony Marshall.
Whispering Wind #144.

Hi Tony, The concept has been done sucessfully before by "Secret Chord" (Topaz BIll) a few years ago. But he didn't have gas struts, he simply propped it up with a pole (ultra KISS) . Bill sailed Secret Chord allong the Qld coast from Hervey Bay to Mouyrillian solo, (the most epic I563 voyage?)

My poptop is still original stuff, the secret was to spray everything with allot of CRC then, heaps of "silicone spray". Now it glides up like magic, just lift with one hand from the center of balance (with hatch slid forward) and operate sliders with free arm. It's easy. (NB: Silicone spray everything that moves, especially sail luff track/ slides..i had trouble hoisting mainsail, then this totally fixed that too)

+1 on silicon Spray Andrew. I think the front hinged PT is a great idea Tony. You want height in the open area to stand. Emrys extended the vertical poles and made a full canvas room and that was brilliant but if you just want standing room in the centre of the boat I think it’s a simpler alternative. You can always throw a tarp over the lot.