1994 Chris Craft Concept 197 Bimini Top Question

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Hello, this may or may not me the right section to post this question, but I am restoring this boat so I think it applies. I am looking for some sort of top, preferably a bimini, for this 1994 Chris Craft Concept 197, and I know that it has existing mounts already, and I don't really want to drill new holes if I don't have to.

I would like to use the existing mounts, but every bimini top kit that I see, it seems that they want you to drill into your gunwales to mount their brackets.

My MAIN question: Is anyone here familiar with these mounts and where I can find an applicable frame and everything so I can put a top on this boat?

PS please ignore the crappy cosmetic condition of my boat lol, it's going to be polished and reupholstered eventually. Thanks
 

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dingbat

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,468
The front and back strap hooks look ok, but I have never seen a top that used that style of mounts, let alone plastic ones.

Typically look something like this
314615_1.jpg
 
Lou C

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,213
My Four Winns had those same mounts, they are for the convertible top which mounted to the front of the windshield. You can’t use those for a Bimini top because the normal movement of it will stress the side window/frame. What I did was mount slider brackets on the coaming panels and mount the Bimini to that. Very secure and you can slide it out of the way when fishing. No strain on the windshield/side windows either….
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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50,652
Don't get a generic kit if you want better quality Bimini fittings.

See your local marine upholstery shop
 
Lou C

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,213
Bimini Top.JPG
you can see it in this pic.....it's either that or mount it on the gunnels, with these sliders you can push it all the way back or forward depending on what you want....
 
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