Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

[prc03sx195]

The boat dealer has a custom canvas guy that does all their covers & bimini tops, so I going to talk to him about making and installing one for me.
What options and things should I have him include or not do? I'm just not sure what to ask for or what to look out for? Are there things I need to be specific about?
I have a Glastron open bow SX-195. Thanks for all the suggestions.

paul

 

[arks]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

For starters, you've got to determine what material you want it made from. Ask to see samples and get their suggestuions. Sharkskin and Sunbrella both do a good job.
-Do you already have a bimini frame? If not, they'll have to make one out of aluminium or stainless steel- your choice. Standing room, or sit-down?
-Do you want the bimini just for sun protection when you're using it, or so it can be buttoned up for mooring and storage? How 'bout when it rains? If so, you'll need zippers installed on the bimini for vinyl windows on the sides and a backdrop aft that'll snap around the boat.
This custom stuff can get pricey, so be prepared!

Here's some custom canvas on my boat. It's Sunbrella:

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

you may be better off here, http://www.iboats.com/Bimini_Top_Fi..._type.match--**********.179441989--view_id.24

http://www.iboats.com/mall/biminifinder/?action=models&manufacturer=Glastron

http://www.iboats.com/mall/biminifi...facturer=Glastron&v_id=6629&*******=446652634

 

[tnduc]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Hey arks, it sure looks cold there. And here I am complaining because I went night fishing last night and it dropped down to 65 degrees.....

 

[arks]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Hey arks, it sure looks cold there. And here I am complaining because I went night fishing last night and it dropped down to 65 degrees.....

That shot was from a couple months ago. Here in the mid-atlantic, spring is FINALLY in high gear! Now if we can only get some warm, dry weeknds.....

 

[salty87]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

you're going to talk directly to the bimini guy? like starter work and other stuff, the dealer will call in the pro and charge a nice fee. but, that's probably the way to go. if you have any canvas and sail shops around they'd be good too. they should be able to tell you what works best and what others with similar boats use. being able to stand up completely is really nice...i have to duck about 6 inches under mine.

have you checked ebay or online? seems like the dealer would have been able to sell one if already available though.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

This is mine on a 16' Sea-Nymph, I actually made it myself having never done any sewing, it was a challenge but well worth it.
You can imagine my wife was pretty thrilled when I took her sewing machine out to the garage "Where are you going with that!?".
Here in Indiana it starts getting cold in September and doesn't warm up much until April so I extended my fishing season into November and can get out whenever ice out comes with this.
It started life as a pontoon bimini top and a boat cover.
All 4 sides work independantly, you can drop 2 to get out of the wind or 3 and leave the back open when it is chilly or really batten down the hatches with all 4 sides, I put zippers on all 4 corners and there are zipper doors front and rear with vinyl windows all around, kick on the heater and you are good to go.
I built it in the summer and wasn't wearing shoes so with shoes and a hat on your head will just touch the top.
Few things are cooler than being out in a cold September rain all nice and dry and warm listening to a Notre Dame game on the radio(I live 30 miles from the campus,can't help it)
Having done this I have great respect for anyone that does it for a living.
We use a place called Tumacs at work and those guys can come in and knock off a pattern for a boat cover in 30-40 minutes, pretty amazing.
Good luck with your project.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Go for the custom top if you want a great fit and can get a top quality shop to do it for you. Deal directly with the shop if you can to cut out the middle guy.

I have a 23' CC with bimini & dodger up from. They are 15 years old and have sat out in the Florida sun all of the time. I have had the seams resewn three times but the fabric is still sound. The clear window at the front of the dodger did not last more that a couple of years so I had it replaced with fabric.

If the gunnel on your glastron is wide enough to use a slide mount for the top I would go that way. I put mine down aft and slide the entire assembly back over the transom out of the way.

 

[JJwithaSearay]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Just had one made for my 85 Celebrity. Had one made for previous Searay boat too.
Tips:
-Find a upholstery or top shop and deal direct.
-I used Sunbrella. Nice tweed pattern to not show wear and tear
-Get stainless fittings...not plastic.
-Crutches will allow you to have Bimini in the up position open or closed.
-Should come with a boot/bag to keep it all neat.

Mine is 6 feet long, cost $650 and they installed it for me. Here in Texas it really helps to beat the heat. I've also sat out rainstorms under one too.

 

[Dovekie]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Hi 5150abf,
I like your cover & would appreciate it if you would post or send along a few more pictures so that I might be able to do something like it for my 16' Alumacraft V16. - Thanks
Apology to orig. poster & others for highjacking.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Dovekie, be prepared, last time I checked just a bimini top was $400-500 so catching a deal on that is your first problem, then I had to cut almost 3' out of the middle of the frame, it was for an 8 1/2' toon
I got mine from work as obsolete, I think I paid $7.50 scrap price for the aluminum everything else was gratis.
Oddly enough I picked up the window vinyl at Wal-Mart for $3.50 a yard,Tumac wanted something like $13.50.
Like I said it a was a world class PIA but well worth it.
But ya I will work on more pics

 

[5150abf]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Here is 2 pics I found,1 looking into the boat and 1 out.

 

[Dovekie]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Thanks 5150abf - I'll keep your advice in mind. Pics & info are useful.
Rgds

 

[5150abf]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

Dovekie, if you have any specific questions feel free to PM me, I will be glad to help however I can.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

The most critical part of marine canvas if you want it to last a long time is the thread used. It rots/wears first. Never use any kind of clorene in cleaning as it attacks the thread.

 

[arks]

Re: Custom made Bimini tops....what to do?

The most critical part of marine canvas if you want it to last a long time is the thread used. It rots/wears first. Never use any kind of clorene in cleaning as it attacks the thread.

Good point. When I was shopping for canvas, I discovered the best thread made is "Gore Tenara". Apparently lots of shops don't suggest it because it's quite a bit harder to use. As I understand, it's rot-resistant and stronger than "regular" thread. Yes, it's more expensive but considering the cost of custom canvas, it's minimal.