1995 Sea Ray BR 195 - bimini top?

[stephenson]

So, I am (again) getting around to trying to sort through all the advertising and sizing issues on bimini tops.

I have Sea Ray 195 bowrider (was only made in 1995, I think) ...my beam measurement is right at 80" to the mounting location, and the floor to hull height is about 32" (standing beside the wheel). Boat is used only on Smith Mountain Lake. Top speed is 42/52 mph depending on which prop I have on it.

Has anyone been throught the decision process on this recently? I think I need the 6' long version with 54" height which nets 86'" (I'm 6'2") from the floor - or is that too tall? The 42" versions net (42+32) 74" which is my height - seems too short. Does this sound about right? Do the front straps work OK or should I get the aluminum poles fore and aft?

Which are the higher quality brands that fit best?

Gah - sorry so many questions ...

Thanks!!

 

[Starcraft5834]

I just installed a Carver, 54x72. cost me.....(near $400).. I would recommend you dont go cheap.. The Carver is double walled (poles), you get what you pay for.. the Carver strap clips (dog lease clip) are SS.. not nylon.. it works very well. most have mph rating of 30, so dont go 50.. Im 6-5.. Ive got a good 15 inches above me.. if you fish.. more room in ceiling is best... enjoy

 

[Scott Danforth]

Sea Ray uses Great Lakes boat top company. They sell OEM canvas, so contact them. http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/sea-ray

 

[JASinIL2006]

I'm 6'3" and I made sure I got a bimini under which I can stand up. I didn't want to be ducking all the time, and I like to stand when I'm driving the boat. You want at least a couple of inches clearance, knowing that the center of the bimini will be the full height, with the front and back being a little lower. Mine is sufficiently stable that I can run at decent speed with the top up. (I don't do so at WOT, or if it's super windy out.) I got one a bit wider than my beam, and the poles easily bend in a bit. I'd rather have it a bit too wide than too narrow.

I have the aluminum rear braces, which are very handy. I don't know if you can have rigid braces for and aft... I think you need the straps up front so you can cinch the top tight. Would be hard to get the right tension with solid braces.

Lots of good brands, here on iboats and elsewhere. Make sure you get a really durable material, like Sunbrella. I got a Carver and have been very happy with it.

Jim

 

[riptide09]

I got a Westland made with Sunbrella material and the rigid support poles for the back. Got it here on iBoats. It is a quality unit and I have never had a problem. Set me back around $400 and it was worth every penny.

 

[kjsAZ]

I would highly recommend the rear braces instead of the straps. If you are tired from the noise made from the front ones[FONT=Nimbus Sans L, sans-serif] http://www.geminicanvas.com[/FONT] makes some rigid braces which go between front and rear bow but they are VERY expensive and only available in SS.
I made my own version of these gemini ones from aluminum tubing and some bimini hardware (modified) and it holds well even at 40mph. Make sure you angle the rear braces as far backwards as you can. Straight up may look good but is bad in terms how forces are transferred.
For the rear braces look carefully at the pictures. Most of them are exactly the same but with a 3:1 price difference. I got mine for $24 plus shipping in aluminum ([FONT=Nimbus Sans L, sans-serif]Boater Sports model 56204[/FONT] ). I started with adjustable ones (they were free) but would never use them again. They always move a bit.

Use this http://www.boat-project.com/canvas/framecalc.htm if you want to calculate all dimensions

 

[MRS]

I have the high top and had a old camper top that I made the back braces out of use the straps on the front like was said with the s.s. clips the plastic are junk and will slid and not hold. Plus if you do not want the wind noise on the front straps twist them once and no wind noise and I have and do run just under 50 mph for short runs no problems.....

 

[stephenson]

Thanks, All ...I contacted Carver (South Carolina) yesterday (I try and buy American when possible and they do everything - or, at least that's what I was told ... their folks were very helpful) ... have color swatcheson the way from one of their vendors. Will order when can confirm colors ...will probably also get a brace kit. Should I get the stainless fittings?

 

[MRS]

Yes plastic is not your friend....

 

[riptide09]

I agree on the stainless hardware. I have had no issues with plastic however I wish I spent the extra dough for stainless.