Targa and hard top for a catamaran

[carlosproa]

I have read all the old posts on. radar Arches, but need more information.

I have an old French Catamaran - EDELCAT33 in Miami, FL. The boat is a lot of fun, is fast but hard to motor steer in close quarters like a very busy mooring field common here in Miami....but I digress

The summer heat is punishing here in Miami, and I want to construct a T-top or Targa top that can provide shade, and that can take the loads of the maintrack. Right now is on the rear Aluminum beam. If i can run it from the top. Then I can add "porch swings couch"

The question I have is about weight. I like the Aluminum arches because they should weight half of stainless steel. BUt is it strong enough?


My beam is 18 ft

Any comments?
See picture of sistership (not mine)

[ggray]

Had an Edel 35 for 10 years. Great boat.

I had a small bimini built over just the main cabin. It really looked more like a dodger without the clear screen in front, although that could be made detachable.
Frame was ss tubing.

Keep the traveller where it is. Trims the sail better down low.

[UNCIVILIZED]

This doesn't strike me as an easy project, but this article posted elsewhere here on CF, goes into how some other folks did what you're talking about. How to add an arch and hardtop to your sailing catamaran

[carlosproa]

Thanks! I already read that article, good advice. Is it crazy for me to design a swing? I can picture it made out of canvas and tubing so it can be folded and rolled like a bimini when not in use.
The thinking is that for the most part I use the autopilot, the boat does not really have seats, so I use beam bags now to protect the derrier or lack of. So if I build a 2 person swing thta can be locked to the frame if needed, then I would be under the shade, etc.

Another idea is to have foldeable seats. Without legs attached to the big aluminum cross beam. Is better than the boat chair that came with the boat.