Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

[MAXXIE]

I've searched everywhere I could think of looking for the convertable top I would like for my bowrider. I'm at the point of making my own with the help of a local canvas shop. My question is where would I find the brackets & bow's? Would I need to make my own of those as well? Would a top from another brand of boat fit or even come close enough to "make it fit"? My boat is a 1985 Bayliner 17' bowrider with 85hp O/B. I see other boats with this type of top & think, that would fit with a little mod. here & there. Any other ideas?

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

You can buy hardware, brackets, supports etc online from a variety of boating supply places. I'm not sure this site's policy on linking to non-sponsors, but outfits like Jamestown and West have them.

However. . .

Any decent canvas shop that has experience with boat tops will know how to source this stuff. If they don't then I'd question if they know enough to actually make the top. I'd find another shop that specializes in boat canvas. It'll be a better investment in the long run to get one made by a high-quality shop that knows what they're doing.

BTW, if you just want a sun top, you can buy pre-made bimini tops that include the top and hardware. These don't provide the weather protection, but are great for sun protection.

Grouse

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

I have a pair of brackets that fit on the side windows that support the vertical pole if you are interested.

Joe

 

[Thad]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

My local upholstry shop makes bimini tops from ctting and bending their own frame work, to stitching the fabric, to putting it on. 100% custom made and installed.

Of course I found this out AFTER the one I bought and put on tore because the bolts chewed through the fabric in areas. (And no, it was not a cheapie)

I took it in to be mended and it came back with the frame all reworked and riveted with strong reinforcing "patches" at ALL rub points. Had I known this BEFORE I bought one, I would have had it made.

I strongly suggest looking for someone around your area to have one made.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

Ya, I was looking at those stand alone sun tops in the Overton's catalog. I don't really like the look of them, they don't follow the lines of the boat & look out of place. I'm sure they do a very good job of providing much needed shade, but it's still the look that gets me. I'm pretty sure the local shop I'm thinking about is more or less all boats, I've seen many boats in his lot over the years. Even thinking about making my own bow cover, how hard could it be? I just replaced a few snaps on my cover with a "snap kit" I got from the guy that lives next door. The bow cover is just a triangle & the male part of the snaps are already on the boat from whenever, should be a snap (pun intended). I'll PM you re: "brackets" for the side windows. Those would get me one step closer if I go the do-it-yourself route. Thanks, MAXX

 

[mtrainTurbo]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

LEtas Top Shop in Washington has the original Bayliner patterns, and can reproduce what came on the boat stock.

Check the Bayliner Owners Club for more information.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

Two different boats I have owned in the past(80's circa) the snaps that ran along the top of the windshield werent fixed in place they sat in grooves that were part of the frame. The snaps were attached to little brackets thus allowing them to slide. That seems like it would allow much easier make other brands fit install. Most boats of that time were quite similar as far as windshield design was concerned, I think it could be done, you may have to add some snaps to the fabric but it sounds like you already know how to do that.

 

[NapaBavarian]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

I actually want to do this with my Invader, but it seems to be a buch rarer boat, it would be so much easier if I had the old worn out top!

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Convertable top for 1985 bowrider

Ya, having the old top as a pattern would be great. The snaps on my windshield are fixed & don't slide. I wish they did, that would surly make the entire job that much easier. As far as Letas Top Shop, I've sent several emails requesting information on this boat & the factory tops- Bow cover, cockpit cover, & a travel cover for the whole boat, & have yet to get a single reply. Maybe there just that busy,?? I don't know, maybe I'll send another email today. BTW: JAL51974, I sent you a "PM" about those brackets, If you want to dump them let me know what you want for them. Are they black plastic about 3" long & mount to the window frame 3 or 4" before the frame meets the boat??