Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

[JAL51974]

Has anyone installed a modern bimini top on this boat using the hardware on the side windows for the pivot point? I don't mean the OEM top that snapped to the windshield. I want to use a top set up so that I can see out over the top of the windshield yet fastens to the side windows with the hardware that is already integral to the side windows.

If anyone has used this set up did you run into any problems? Would you do it again vs. the typical mount on the gunwale side or top?

Joe

 

[Linc33]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

Good question, no replies though. I'll be looking for a new bimini for my boat for next season and have been contemplating mouting methods. The mounts that are factory installed are for the small/low type of bimini that snaps to windshield. I want to go with a ~ 5 foot high one for more walking clearance.

Using the existing mounts would be nice. I'd also like to have it setup to store in the "radar position" so it will be up and out of the way when not in use.

Any experience or comments on this?

Thanks.

-Linc

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

Linc- I tried to use those factory mounts and they will not work with a standard bimini. see my new thread. I can only see a way to mount it outside on the hull which I didn't want to do since I don't like how it looks. Now I have to figure out how to shorten the poles too quite a bit in order to mount it on the outside. Nothing is ever easy with an old boat!

Joe

 

[grimpy]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

On my prev. boat, a 93 1600 Classic, I tried with no success so I just did this.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

thanks grimpy I decided on doing something very similar with mine.

Joe

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

I wound up mounting it very much like the one Grimpy showed in his picture, works great and the Admiral loves the shade! Will post a pic when I get a chance to take one.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

I modified the original top on my Capri into a bimini... side windows should still work, but haven't tried them.

If you're interested, I'll be glad to tell you what it took to do it.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

How did you do that? pretty slick. I couldn't find a way to mount mine inside the windows, not enough room on the top of the gunwales and the windows slant inwards a little. The outside mount was my best way to go.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Bimini top for a 1985 Capri 1950 bowrider installation

Put grommets in the front edge of the existing top, just above and in front of the existing weather strip (so it won't leak when used in the original configuration, I hope).

Added a front bow using 3/4" thinwall conduit risers and crossbow, 1" plastic electrical conduit ells for the elbows. 1" plastic conduit 'esses' at the bottom of the risers to clear the glass, and plastic 1/2" conduit hangers to mount the whole thing to the existing top's bow. Once all the pieces were fit and all together in proper alignment, tied them all together with stainless sheet metal screws at the joints.

Lace the top around the new front bow to the middle bow, tie the new bow forward (adding two more grommets into the top material, right over the new bow...these WILL leak, but they can be plugged) to the existing cleats at the rear of the bowriders, and VOILA, a bimini using the original top. Total cost, about $30.

So, the only new pieces you see are the front bow and mounts. All the rest is still the original top hardware. Did the fitting and assembly all in place in about 2 hours.

Worked great at 35MPH with 500lbs of crew, another 200 lbs of gear and a full tank of gas, for five days at Lake Mohave/Laughlin last month.

Only thing that makes it less desirable than a regualar bimini is that it's not as tall... Can't stand up under it. Otherwise, I love it. Still folds up into the original boot, just a bit tighter.