Custom Hardtop

[elittke]

I have a 1996 Sundancer, 45ft. Am thinking about replacing the standard bimini top with a custom hardtop, with two opening hatches. Anyone have experience with doing this? I would have the local boatyard do it, but wondering about any pitfalls or problems that might be created?
Thanks.

[Lepke]

Weight up high will have an effect on your center of gravity. Bigger and longer rolls, more stress on support areas, etc.

[Grover3g]

I'am presently building a hard dodger for a sailboat at the moment which is vacuum bagged glass on 1/4 corecell. The weight would not be far off soggy wet sunbrella. If constructed properly weight should not be an issue.