Sun canopy on Merry fisher 895

[ardbeg]

I have the Merry fisher 895 with sun canopy and aft closing kit. I have treated the three sides of the aft closing kit with fabric but would now like to treat the sun canopy. Does anyone know how to lower this to make it possible. Also is itvthen easy to raise and retention it.

Thanks,

David Allan

[westboating]

It's not too bad, but it's nice to do it with a helper.  There are the 4 poles.  I recommend removing the 2 poles that aren't part of the hoop that the canvas is mounted on first.  Do this by removing the screws at the forward end of the poles.  There should be large plastic heads on the screws to allow for removal without tools.  This allows you to adjust the hoop upward to free the canvas from the hoop frame.  You can then remove the remaining two poles (part of the hoop frame).  Then the removal of the canvas from the top is not too hard.  First release the straps from the forward ends on each side.  These should be small triangular connectors that fit over plastic pegs.  With these free you will see there are 3 separate tracks holding the canvas, one large and 1 on each side.  You have to move the canvas through them together as you can't free the canvas from the side channels without moving the canvas through the large middle channel.  You have to work it free of a side channel and then go to the other side and as you remove it from the main channel, you'll be able to free it from the side channel at the same time.

Replacing it is the same process in reverse.  First get it worked into the roof tracks, rebuild the hoop frame if you took it down too.  Push the hoop frame higher to make the fitting of the canvas corners easier.  The canvas will actually hold the hoop frame up once the corners are fitted and zipped.  Then the other arms are easy.

Do it about 5 times and you're an expert.  Watch out for dropping or loosing the hand fasteners (West marine sells a comparable replacement if they go swimming), and have a friend help so you're not dropping steel poles on your nice gel coated deck.

Good luck

[ardbeg]

Thanks. That is very helpful. I will build up the courage to attempt this before thecend of the season. David