Double Bimini?

[Bearfan]

My family all pretty much sunburns instead of tanning, so we do the sunblock and shade when it gets too hot here in TN. The 2008 Bennington 2277 RFSI that I have has a Bimini that covers the back seating area with LED lighting and the whole shooting match.

Question is, does anyone have any experience replacing the single with a double with similar design, and if so, how much could I expect to drop on it? I'm just thinking that more shade would be better than less.

I'm also open to other suggestions. It would have to look nice.

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Double Bimini?

I put an additional single on the front of our 24' and it helped immensely. Can't help on the double question.
Mike

 

[smclear]

Re: Double Bimini?

I think most mfg.'s offer extended tops now. You might look at what your mfg. offers although I'm sure there are less expensive alternatives. They just may not look "stock". Don't know how important that is to you. I have attached pics of my JC with an extended top. My mom is allergic to the sun so it's always been important to the family to have an extended top. We've had one on our pontoons for nearly 15-20 years.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Double Bimini?

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll look into both options.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Double Bimini?

It's much cheaper to go with the extra single up front. That arrangement is equally effective.

You may also consider my solution to this problem if you have the time and mechanical skills. I permanently enclosed the rear section to include a walk-in head. I then moved the rear bimini frame forward and had a sunbrella enclosure made for the front.

 

[smclear]

Re: Double Bimini?

It's much cheaper to go with the extra single up front. That arrangement is equally effective.

You may also consider my solution to this problem if you have the time and mechanical skills. I permanently enclosed the rear section to include a walk-in head. I then moved the rear bimini frame forward and had a sunbrella enclosure made for the front.

Got pics (or a link to a previous post that has some)???? Sounds pretty innovative.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Double Bimini?

I hope the pictures get attached. If not, I'll send them to you via personal mail.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Double Bimini?

Hardtop in the front and bimini in the back

click for big pic

The full enclosure is really nice in the spring when it rains

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Double Bimini?

Nice boat Jeff. I don't think I've ever seen a console that far forward.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Double Bimini?

isaw a picture yesterday of a toon with standard rear top and huge umbrella in the bow. looked like it would work nicely.

 

[PGFISHER]

Re: Double Bimini?

We got a tarp with grommets and a grommet kit, and matched the grommet spacing on the front of our bimini. We used shower curtain rings to tie the tarp to the bimini.
Put rod holders on the front corners of our playpen fence, and cup holders screwed in the deck beneath them to hold 7' aluminum tubes. A hook screwed to the top of the tubes stretches the tarp to the front of the boat. We can also use the grommets on the side of the tarp to hang netting for see through shade.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Double Bimini?

We got a tarp with grommets and a grommet kit, and matched the grommet spacing on the front of our bimini. We used shower curtain rings to tie the tarp to the bimini.
Put rod holders on the front corners of our playpen fence, and cup holders screwed in the deck beneath them to hold 7' aluminum tubes. A hook screwed to the top of the tubes stretches the tarp to the front of the boat. We can also use the grommets on the side of the tarp to hang netting for see through shade.

how about post up a few pics of this sounds like a great idea, I sometimes need a privacy curtain across the back

 

[pontoonscott39]

Re: Double Bimini?

Who makes the extended top you have on your boat?
Cheers

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Double Bimini?

Bearfan,
Try these guys out. They are a manufacture that sells direct and can make almost anything in the bimini world you want at very low prices.

http://northstarproductsinc.com/

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Double Bimini?

This is an older thread but I'll add to it.

We are going to try out using our 7' beach umbrellas on the front half of our pontoon that needs shade. I'm going to cable tie PVC pipe to the inside of the fence and drop the umbrellas inside. I'll do this when we are anchored or beached.

Just trying to save a buck and put some of these expensive uni-taskers like beach umbrellas to more use. If it looks too hillbilly the admiral tells me I have to come up with a better idea.

 

[Micahhaase]

Re: Double Bimini?

When i opened this thread today I didnt even look at the first post date and I was digging the pictures and then I saw a post from TashasDaddy and was like huh? Then I looked at the date. Anyway that Northstar products seems to be a pretty decent price for a double bimini top. I might have to go with the 635 dollar one!