Cockpit protection in the summer and winter.
MJS, I'll attach two examples of seasonal cockpit protection for the E31 that can be easily adapted to yours. The first is hull #55 with a dodger and Bimini which can include zip in, zip out insert joining the two for SoCal summer sun protection and rain in the winter. The second, hull #33 is one with a full enclosure for use on cold days at her home, Vancouver Island, BC. Both configurations are essentially the same with the addition of side curtains on hull #33. It all depends upon how extensive you want the protection to be and how deep your pockets are. None of this is inexpensive! Helpful things to know: 1. When having the Bimini made, be certain to have the front of it at least 1" lower than the back, that way rain or sea spray will run forward and not down the back of your neck when at the helm. 2. I would strongly suggest the use of all stainless tubing and fittings for both the dodger and Bimini as opposed to the use of fabric straps as I have seen on so many midwest and east coast installations. The tubing added surprising rigidity where the fabric lacks the same. 3. The insert on our boat zips into place with four separate zippers that meet in the center enabling one side or the other can be zipped open and flopped over the other when under way on a long passage such that the main sheet with traveler located on the bridge deck can be used. 4. Add twist fasteners to the outer edges the insert so that when flopping one half over the other, it can be secured in place. Hope this helps, Glyn Judson E31 hull #55, Marina del Rey Ca