THE PROJECT LOG · CENTER-CONSOLE ENCLOSURE
Swing-out enclosure doors.
Clear coverage. A better way through.
Side panels that work like doors, with a removable hinge and frames shaped around the helm. A custom enclosure project by Canvas Designers in Riviera Beach, Florida.
Uniquely Different · Say “No Way” to Spray
Enlarge photo ⤢- THE BRIEF
- Side panels that work like doors
- THE CHALLENGE
- Clear the helm and lowered armrests
- THE SOLUTION
- A custom hinge, frame and latch system
01 / THE OWNER’S REQUEST
The owner wanted a door.
This owner wanted more than a removable side panel. The wing panels needed to work like doors.
That meant designing the movement as carefully as the enclosure itself. The panels needed an outward latch position, an inward magnetic closure and a way to come off when the owner didn’t want them in place.
The arrangement described here was developed for this boat. Frame geometry, clearances and latch locations need a fresh review for each installation.
HOW THIS BUILD WORKS
Three functions. One fitted system.
Swing outward
The wing panel swings out and latches at the rod holder, allowing it to function as a door.
Close inward
The panel swings inward to a magnetic latch system. The project brief called for this closure while the boat was running.
Remove the panel
The custom hinge allows the panel to come off by releasing one socket screw. It was developed for this particular installation.
The hinge geometry, latch locations and clearances were developed for this boat. Share your layout so the team can review the requirements for your own enclosure.
Enlarge photo ⤢02 / THE HINGE PROBLEM
Built to swing. Designed to come off.
The hinge had to carry the door through its swing in both directions, while still allowing the owner to remove the panel. Those requirements shaped a purpose-built hinge system rather than an off-the-shelf door fitting.
03 / MAKING ROOM TO MOVE
A door needs a clear swing path.
The forward edge of the wing panel couldn’t clear the existing layout. A straight frame also wouldn’t pass the armrests in their down position.
Move the forward edge outward
A 60 mil Regalite connecting panel transitions the forward edge outward, creating the clear plane the door needs to swing through. The connecting panel is recorded in the project brief as Regalite Firma.
Enlarge photo ⤢Shape the frame around the armrests
Complex bends in the upper and lower door frames let the assembly work around the lowered armrests. The aluminum extrusions were machined, bent, welded and powder coated in house.
Enlarge photo ⤢04 / THE PROJECT SPECIFICATION
Every material has a job.
This build combines rigid clear panels, a flexible connecting section, solid fabric and custom metalwork. The list records the materials used for this project, rather than a standard kit for every boat.
| Material or component | Its role in the project |
|---|---|
| EZ2CY® impact-modified acrylic | Rigid clear enclosure panels, fabricated for this project by Canvas Designers. |
| Regalite connecting panel, 60 mil | Creates the forward transition and swing clearance. The project brief identifies it as Regalite Firma by O’Sullivan Films. |
| Stamoid Top, Black | Serge Ferrari material used for solid panels and frame covers. |
| Aluminum extrusion frames | Machined, bent, welded and powder coated in house to suit this boat’s geometry. |
| Custom hinges and magnetic latches | Developed around the door movement, removal requirement and latch positions. |
| YKK zippers | Closures for the enclosure panels. |
Material names reflect the supplied project brief and historical award record. Current material choices are confirmed for each new build.
05 / THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BUILD
Developed and fabricated in Riviera Beach.
FABRICATION
Mike Erickson, John Love, Marina Portiyakova and Pat Garrison.
INSTALLATION
Corey Degroff and Robert Erickson, credited in the published MFA award record.
THE DETAILS, EXPLAINED
Questions about this build.
What makes these different from roll-up enclosure panels?
This project uses framed wing panels that swing outward to a latch position and inward to magnetic closures. A custom hinge also allows panel removal. The design gives the side panels a door function, rather than relying only on zipping and rolling them up.
Why was the 60 mil connecting panel needed?
The forward edge needed to move outward to provide a clear swing plane. The project used a 60 mil Regalite connecting panel for that transition. Its role is different from the rigid EZ2CY acrylic used in the main clear panels.
Can the door panels be removed?
Yes. On this build, the custom hinge allows each door panel to come off by releasing one socket screw. It is a feature of this installation, not a claim that the same hinge arrangement suits every enclosure.
Will a swing-out enclosure fit my center console?
Feasibility depends on the helm layout, side passage, armrests, supporting frame and available latch positions. Send overall photos and close-ups of those areas so Canvas Designers can discuss the design requirements for your boat.
What should I send for a custom enclosure inquiry?
Include the boat make, model, year and location, plus photos of the helm, side access, existing panels, armrests and rod holders. Explain where you want access and how you want the panels to function. Scope, materials, pricing and timing are confirmed for the particular project.
PLAN YOUR OWN ENCLOSURE
Start with the way you use your boat.
Tell us where you need coverage and where you need a way through. Share your boat details and photos so our team can review the layout with you.
- Boat make, model, year and location
- Overall helm and side-access photos
- Armrest, rod-holder and frame details
- What you want to change about access
Choose Enclosures on the inquiry form and describe the door or wing-panel project in your message.