Hey Pete, That boat carrier vehicle looks much more classy than the red one you were driving this summer. Can't even tell the topper was in a wreck!

: I didn't actually dare build a boat for my first project, and I needed a
: truck shell, so I (hopefully) made most of my beginner's mistakes here.
: The rear part is not hinged; it's held on with wingnuts and comes off
: pretty easily when I need it to. Without it, the shell weighs about 80-90
: pounds (way overbuilt!), and I can install/remove the shell alone without
: much difficulty.

: It's been in service about a year-and-a-half now, and seems to be holding up
: very well. Last July we were rear-ended at high speed, and there was a
: fair bit of damage, but it was fairly straightforward to repair.

: Once, in Port Townsend I saw a small pickup with Canadian plates that also
: had a wood topper. I believe the top of his came off and converted into a
: small boat!

: As far as I know, there are no plans for this kind of thing, but don't let
: that stop you. Technically, I think it was less difficult to design and
: build than a stripper boat, as most of the shape is suggested, or
: dictated, by the truck itself.

: You are welcome to email me on the side with any questions if this is the
: topper you were thinking of.