Outstanding Achievement Award | Afton Marina & Yacht Club | Afton, Minn.

This project won a 2013 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the tops and enclosures over 30 feet category. The client wanted to replace the existing bridge bimini and enclosure, and wanted some kind of enclosure for the aft deck, just off of the rear cabin door. The clients wanted a safe place for their two dogs to stay while underway. They also wanted the ability for the clear windows to roll down to expose the screening for ventilation.

The boat was not designed to accept a traditional aft bimini and enclosure, so I created a horizontal frame with two support bows supported by the horizontal frame using 1 1/4-inch stainless steel. The client wanted only two vertical supports. There also needed to be access to the sidewalks and the bridge from the aft. I incorporated the use of zippers and velcro flaps to seal off the openings.

The customer was very satisfied with the new enclosure. The new aft enclosure acted like an extension of the rear cabin, creating a threeseason-porch-like atmosphere, while also creating a safe environment for their two dogs.