[orion]

Why do we not see automatic "hard-top" convertible systems like Mercedes SL´s in boats? Would be nice on lets say an 60ft express cruiser, remote controlled. Folds down nicely under sunbeds in aft, power side windows....

[YachtForum]

With the modern crop of sliding sun roof panels on upper-end express cruisers, i.e. LSX, Warren, etc., it seems they have accomplished the same with less moving parts?

[orion]

Nice with a opening in the roof but must be even nicer to get away with it all.
Works fine on a 27ft with canvas convertible; (see video)

www.southbeachboats.com.au/aquamajestic.htm

and should be possible to upscale a construction to fit an 50-60 footer
or flybridge on a large yacht.

Hinckley's doing a motorized canvas top on their T38. I'd have to think that a canvas and tube structure allows more play as hulls and decks inevitably flex under different loading conditions (anyone ever had to re-hang an interior door after a boat has been launched?)

A 16 foot-long Mercedes is certainly more rigid than any 60-foot open express yacht.

[Angelus]

Hi Orion. Indeed I have to say that such structures are rarely seen in this field. My speciality has been to solve such problems such as converting hinged clunky exterior doors into smooth acting and quiet pantograph doors for passerelles and boarding ladders. Also telescopic passerelles rather than full length were my specialty. These were all designed by order of the owner or Captain. Such things as Hard Tops like you have put here would be something I could really get my hands dirty on. I was looking at the working parts on the Renault Meganne convertible just this Monday and thought to myself 'jeesh that’s a lot of moving parts. On a yacht in the areas you might want one of these structures it,s probably going to be 5 times wider. Say bridge deck or sun deck. Example:
Have a look on the OceAncos' Lady Lola thread. On the Sundeck there is a perfect example of where you could do this. It’s a lovely yacht but my one fault with her at the time of build was the horizontal solid platform which spanned between the mast support structures giving me a closed in feeling. Put one of your ideas up there instead and every port you visit someone is going to want the same. It’s a lovely concept and even after looking at the Renault on Monday, by the time I got home I fired up the computer and started to reduce the amount of moving parts. Of course the biggest problem is weight. So carbon Fibre stepped in to the rescue. Taking the scenario I gave you it's some 4.5 mtrs wide. I still have along way to go to refine it but the weight is down. Noise is going to be a bummer. I don't want to use electric motors at all so I switched (as usual with me) to Hydraulics. When the concept is finished then all I need is a yacht to prove it on. Carl knows very well where and in what field I'm in these days so I think He realises how frustrating it is for me not to be able to put my designs to the test. You just don’t see these designs on what I build. Eh Carl. Perhaps you might know how to help me in this scenario. But as for the plot. Orion was talking about Hard tops NOT canvas. That’s too easy and could never be used on any yacht I ever designed. (Shudder)