bimini misfit

[mikestein]

My original equipment bimini top is now at the bottom of a lake. My brother ordered a new one, which is too high. I have already monkeyed with it, so cannot return. Can it be shortened by sawing the main poles? Anybody have any experience modifying a bimini top? It's a 3 bow top from Carver. I'd appreciate any input.

 

[agrazela]

Re: bimini misfit

What is too high?<br />Will it lay down where you want it to?<br /><br />I think you could probably shorten it as you describe; however, I would call Carver first and see if this would void your warranty.<br /><br />On the other hand, what kind of "monkeying" have you already done that makes it unreturnable?

 

[mikestein]

Re: bimini misfit

It is probably about 7.5 feet above the deck. I have already cut off the end eyes to replace with the kind I needed. I am not worried about the warranty, because I didn't pay for it It does lie flat, but beyond the sundeck over the water.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: bimini misfit

A modification to the height is simple as you seemn to be already doing.I would not recommend fiddling with the bows.Thats when the fit of the top can get screwed up.Charlie

 

[cuzner]

Re: bimini misfit

you should be able to find relacement tubes that will work, I had to replace 2 on my camper top. Only problem with them is they have have a lot of holes for adjustment,makes it a real bugger to adjust height.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[craze1cars]

Re: bimini misfit

Yes, you can shorten the bows. I did the exact same thing just a few weeks ago. Mine just had a plastic end cap on each end held on by one pop rivit (or is it spelled rivet? not sure.) Drilled this rivit out, cut each side pole down by about 8 inches with a hacksaw, drilled a new hole for the rivit, and reattached the end cap. In fact, my Bimini even came with 2 extra pop rivits in the kit, exactly for this purpose. For that reason I think it's an acceptable and common modification.<br /><br />You don't need to buy a thing, except of course maybe 2 pop rivets.

 

[mikestein]

Re: bimini misfit

Thanks for all your suggestions. If it doesn't work, there's always a hat!

 

[gewf631]

Re: bimini misfit

Take a look at Re-sizing a Bimini Top <br /><br />It's a short post, but the link to Sailrite's instructions is what you need.