Bimini top seems to have shrunk

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Donald0039

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I have a several year old Bimini type of top that is fitted to the windshield and has side panels, etc. Boat is 27' sport cruiser. Top is not ripped or beat up.

I am unable to pull it hard enough to get it close to the windshield to snap it.

It's Sunbrella or a similar fabric.

I asked a boat canvas shop about making or sewing an extension and the lady (not trying to sell me as she is busy) said I need a new top.

Sunbrella company says to thoroughly wet the top and stretch when wet. Unsure if it will stretch enough. I need to fold down the top every time I am done with the boat so it can be stored in it's rack. Not wanting to wet the top every time I want to put the top up.

My understanding is Sunbrella or its cousins should not shrink. But here I am with a top that has shrunk.
 
Stinnett21

Stinnett21

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Hmm...I have sunbrella and it's never shrunk a bit, awesome stuff. I had a vinyl top that did and as you describe it was a PITA. How about a pic or two.
 
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Donald0039

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Stinnett21 said:
Hmm...I have sunbrella and it's never shrunk a bit, awesome stuff. I had a vinyl top that did and as you describe it was a PITA. How about a pic or two.
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My top may not be actually Sunbrella but one of the cousins.
 
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Donald0039

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A few years ago when the cover would snap on to windshield.
 

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dingbat

dingbat

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When my curtains comes up a bit short after washing and hanging them to dry, I let soak for a while and install "wet". Works like a charm.

I leave my curtains on March thru June, then reinstall in October through December
 
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Donald0039

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Maybe this Bimini top material is just not as good as Sunbrella and has shrunk. I'd rather just get a new top done in May than screw around with it all summer only to find out I cannot stretch it enough and need a new top anyway.
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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Put the top in the sun for a few hours prior to installing.
 
FunInDuhSun

FunInDuhSun

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I had custom Sunbrella covers made for my 34 footer 15 years ago. If I leave them down for a couple days they are VERY difficult to re-install. I found wetting them down works pretty well. I also have a special tool called the Top-Snapper that connects under the button and allows you to pull it tighter.
IMG_2274.jpeg
 
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crazy charlie

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I am seeing your eisenglass/clear plastic windows are attaching to your windshield.Plastic windows will shrink when not installed and will cause problems in your case with you taking them down after every use.My setup is very similar to yours and it is very difficult to set up for the 1st time of the season.A struggle that needs to be done on a sunny warm day for plastic flexibility.On 1st of the season install, I put all of my plastic windows in my car on the dashboard directly in the sun with all car windows closed. You want it hot as heck in there to have the plastics soft and pliable to help you instead of fighting you when installing. Snap the windshield snaps with only having the zipper on the top closed a few inches and then as the day progresses zip it closed a little at a time. Charlie
 
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Donald0039

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crazy charlie said:
I am seeing your eisenglass/clear plastic windows are attaching to your windshield.Plastic windows will shrink when not installed and will cause problems in your case with you taking them down after every use.My setup is very similar to yours and it is very difficult to set up for the 1st time of the season.A struggle that needs to be done on a sunny warm day for plastic flexibility.On 1st of the season install, I put all of my plastic windows in my car on the dashboard directly in the sun with all car windows closed. You want it hot as heck in there to have the plastics soft and pliable to help you instead of fighting you when installing. Snap the windshield snaps with only having the zipper on the top closed a few inches and then as the day progresses zip it closed a little at a time. Charlie
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I know there are different thickness (gauge) of the Eisenglass. And probably different brands. Maybe some shrink less than others. I will ask the place that will make the top if I go that route

I want to have my boat pulled off the rack and put in the water. And then spend 5 minutes getting the top setup. Not hours
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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Eisenglass contracts when not in use. so put it in the sun, preferably on a black bit of carpet. then install when its warm.
 
ratdude747

ratdude747

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FunInDuhSun said:
I had custom Sunbrella covers made for my 34 footer 15 years ago. If I leave them down for a couple days they are VERY difficult to re-install. I found wetting them down works pretty well. I also have a special tool called the Top-Snapper that connects under the button and allows you to pull it tighter.
View attachment 406382
Click to expand...
Not boating related, but that would have been nice to know about back when I had a snap-on tonneau cover on my truck. It was, ahem, a bit of pain to install to say the least. Same problem, same solution... I'm stealing that for my truck buddies ;).
 
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JimS123

JimS123

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Release the poles as though you were going to fold the top. With the structure loose, install the snaps. Then pull the structure back and re-install the uprights.
 
A

airshot

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All of my Bimini tops have been adjustable by mounting them on a sliding rail and have adjustable straps to hold them in position, so never had one that snapped into position.....
 
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