Shrunken Bimini Top

[gwseafarer]

I did a search and could find no topic related to my problem. I bought the boat used and the previous owner never used the front and side curtains that zipper and snap onto the bimini top. When I tried to get them on I found that they had shrunk. The snaps fit the pattern till I get it half way on. Does anybody have a trick that I could try to stretch them out a bit? I appreciate any advice. thanx

 

[Tufan]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

I dont know if there is any trick to it, are they plastic base (you know those clear ones) I'd wash them with hot water.

 

[sundog]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

heat is the key. hot water, maybe even put them in the dryer with some towels for a while.

 

[agrazela]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

mezman,<br /><br />Don't go soakin' in hot water just yet...<br /><br />Is the material you are talking about clear vinyl, colored vinyl, vinyl-coated polyester, cotton canvas, acrylic (e.g. sunbrella), or what?<br /><br />If they are some kind of vinyl, then soaking in warmish-hot water is your best bet. If they contain any polyester or are acrylic/sunbrella, then you want to soak them in ICE COLD water to relax the fibers (hot water will actually shrink these materials!) If they are cotton duck canvas, then you just gotta PULL on 'em!<br /><br />If you are unsure, go with COLD water first; if you apply hot (>200°F) water to sunbrella, it is ruined.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

If it is only a little that they have to stretch a blow dryer will work as I have had to do that before.First make sure the TOP is in the correct place before you start stretching anything.Try sliding the supports beck a little to give some more room.The best way to get the plastic soft is to lay it on the dash or rear deck of your car with the doors and windows shut on a sunny day.They will be as soft and plyable as can be.Charlie

 

[gwseafarer]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

Thanks for the replies, the curtains are made of canvas material with clear plastic windows. They zipper to the bimini top and snap to the windshield. I will take into consideration your suggestions.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

Soak them in water, put them on wet and let 'em dry. They'll be good to go.

 

[BMDODGE]

Re: Shrunken Bimini Top

the good ol' sun works for me.....Bruce