Bimini top snaps to windshield

[joenapier]

I need a bimini for my 1977 Century Arabian. I have snaps along the top of the windshield, ostensibly for a boat cover, and I would like to get a bimini that was made to snap along the front of the windshield.

Other than a custom built bimini, anyone know a manufacturer that offers this?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

I know of none, sorry. That said, have you priced custom? Custom canvas work is not very expensive.

 

[mike-the-cobra]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

Typically a bimini is more of a "awning" type that has poles and straps that secure it to the boat.

The snaps along the front of the windshield while used for a cover are also used for what they call a convertible roof, snaps to the winshield and raises slightly as it goes back. Usually has a pivot type point on the sides of the windshield.

Such as this picture of my old boat

If you already know all this, my apologies...

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

Canvass roofs that snap to windshields are called "Navy Tops". Bimini tops are not usually attached to the winsshield, but allow you to stand under them.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

If you install a zipper in the front of the bimini top, and add a piece of clear plastic that connects the bimini to the windshield, you call it a "camper top".

 

[QC]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

They are also often called a convertible top, but that is definitely not a bimini . . . I seriously doubt you'll find anything off the shelf, but a local boat canvas guy could do that in a snap . . . pun intended

 

[superbenk]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

The convertible/navy cover that I found tucked in the back of my boat was literally the nicest, cleanest part of the whole thing I'd love to find the back half that zips into this cover & snaps into the other button snaps on the gunwales:

I've tried looking up the manufacturer, but haven't had much luck.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

Our navy top (I always just call it a bimini) attaches to the front windshield via snaps, and has the zippers, too. I haven't hardly seen any boat from the 60/70/80's that has the navy top and the plastic windows that zip onto it. (crusiers not included)

I don't think I'd ever use them even if I had the windows.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

Our navy top (I always just call it a bimini) attaches to the front windshield via snaps, and has the zippers, too. I haven't hardly seen any boat from the 60/70/80's that has the navy top and the plastic windows that zip onto it. (crusiers not included)

I don't think I'd ever use them even if I had the windows.

Honestly, sometimes I wish I had a regular bimini top instead of the convertible/navy top. It's pretty constricting and if you're doing anything other than puttering it can be very difficult to see what's coming up in front of you. I often find myself opening up the middle & the windshield and standing up in the middle of the boat to drive when I have the top up

My wife likes it though for the kids so they're not in the direct sun all the time.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

I found a convertible top on ebay for $19.99 a couple of years ago ($19.99 shipping). It came with a nice boot too. I like it because it does snap to the windshield and I can leave it up at full speed. One thing about it on my boat that makes the top work so well even with the relatively short support frame is that my boat has high gunwales especially at the front of the **** pit, and the windshield is high also so no one has to duck under the top. It acts like a rally neat porch for the cuddy cabin too, keeps everything nice and cool. I can fit under the back of the top without ducking and I am 5'10".

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

You should think very carefully about how you want this done -- look at examples, other boats, talk to the canvas guy, etc. There are many options, heights, clear panels, zippers, material, etc. choices.

It's one of the best investments you can make. Period. Do it custom.

 

[joenapier]

Re: Bimini top snaps to windshield

Thanks, everyone, for the input.