Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

[OllieC]

Happy New Year!!!

Expenses are piling up this new year for my 215 Sea Ray Weekender. I am trying to do thing correctly for enjoyment, safety and longevity. Of course cost always plays a factor. With the few posts I've had, you've been a great help.

I am looking at purchasing a new Bimini/Camper topper. The Bimini that came with the boat is completely shot. My dad never covered it and it sat in salty air for the past 6 years. It has zippers to attach the side curtains, camper addition, front window, etc. I would like the same setup as opposed to one piece, so I am interested in a complete kit.

What I am looking for is some recommendations and possibly a ball park figure on price. I have looked at Sunbrella for fabric, but can't find any information to budget on. Is Sunbrella the only way to go? Are there similar fabrics at a lower cost?

Thanks,
Ollie

 

[Mike Zee]

Re: Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

Look on ebay. Sometimes different options pop up on there. I was quoated 3000.00 to recover my top, turn my fast back into a square back, make a cover. I will do it someday, just not today. Mine is just not that bad to justify the cash outlay. Some of the work i saw at their shop was fabulous, and i will not hesitate to have them hook me up. Nice to have custom work done to your specs.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

If I'm not mistaken, Great Lakes Boat Tops made Sea Ray's tops. Might be worth giving them a call. They may still have the template for your boat.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

Thanks for the replys.

Mike Zee - $3K.....geeeeeeezzzzzzz That's gonna hurt if I have to pay that. From your photo, it looks good.

r.j.dawg - I'll check it out. Put them on my list.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

You don't have to go Sunbrella if cost is a factor, but you're only going to save about 15% on the cost of fabric. There is also Dickson Marine Fabric, Top Gun, and approx 3 others thast can be obtained throu your local upholstery shops. Instead of biting the bullet in one shot, use a qualified upholstery shop or mobile marine upholsterer to do you bimini and maybe the front curtains. In a few months, add the side curtains, and then later complete the job. As far as the clear eisenglass goes, the norm is standard clear 30 gauge, but I recommend going with 30 gauge Strataglass for the front windscreens. It's more expensive, but it sheds water better, is a bit thicker, is scratch resistant, and almost never clouds.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

Call and get some quotes from local canvas shops, as many as possible. You'll find that they are all over the map on prices. I had a bimini & 6 piece enlosure done for my 21ft Wellcraft for $1200. But I had quotes that were as high as $2500 from other shops.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Bimini /Camper Top for 22' Cuddy

fireman431 - I put the Strataglass 30 guage on m list (making a list) thanks for the info. The Minneapolis boat show will be here on the 19th. I plan on being there all day talking with manufacturers.

bekosh - I thought of that, however, I'm one of those guys who goes all in. However as long as I know ahead of time I can budget for it. I figure if they are going to have the boat to put the snaps on, I might as well let them have it for a week or so and do the whole job so I don't have to come back.