Is a bimini top worth it??

[stevewolverton]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

What do you use to sew the canvas?

I use the cheapest ($70) sewing machine I could get my hands on. I've sewn two biminis & marine vinyl seats for two boats with the thing. I've done a lot of canvas jobs with the little machine. Everyone I talked to before doing these projects said it wouldn't work - it's still going strong.

 

[DavidD]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

huh,I thought you had to use a commercial sewing machine for canvas.

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

huh,I thought you had to use a commercial sewing machine for canvas.

I thought the same thing.

 

[DavidD]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

What kind of thread do you need to use?

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

Upholstery thread is what I use for marine vinyl seats and canvas.

 

[DavidD]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

Did you use the same thread in the bobbin as the main thread?

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

Did you use the same thread in the bobbin as the main thread?

Yes I did. No problems.

 

[Marcq]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

I would recommend Sunbrella because I've used it before and had good results. There are many good marine canvas fabrics out there. I used cheap Walmart duck canvas because I wasn't sure how well my bimini would work. Now that I know it works well, I'll get around to making the real one out of Sunbrella.

Here's a bimini I made for my other Larson - it's a trampoline style, and the color held very well in the Texas sun. It also uses the grommets and rope for the trampoline style similar to the Toyota boats.

I purchased the EMT conduit at Home Depot.

As for sewing, I think that's a good idea. I tried that originally, but I couldn't get all of the slack out of the bimini when it was pulled taut. I'm not good enough on a sewing machine to figure out all of those angles and curves.

Yeah, the more I look at it, the more I like the trampoline style look
Thanks for sharing
Marc..

 

[Marcq]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

If you like building stuff - you could always build your own. I built a simple one for my boat for less than $20.

1/2" galvanized EMT conduit
3/4" plastic bimini fittings
1 yard duck canvas
camping straps

It took me 1/2 day to build it because I'm kind of dumb and it took me awhile to get the hang of the conduit bender.

The bimini supports on the rear of the bimini are also made out of EMT so I can fold the bimini back while trailering and it holds it off the deck.

Steve

What's the black stuff surrounding your vertical 1/2'' EMT conduit ?
I like the look of that too
Marc..

 

[cbavier]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

I've use Sumbrella and it seems to be the best. BUT you cannot sew it with even a home heavy duty sewing machine. It must be sewed with a Commercial Heavy duty machine. I took mine to a sewing shop and they tried four different heavy duty machines,the needle wouldn't penetrate the fabric properly. I wound up having to take it to a Canvas place where they made Boat covers and such. Sumbrella is just too heavy of a material for a home heavy duty sewing machine.

 

[zach103]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

kinda looks like that padding that they put on basketball hoops and stuff..

does anyones top cover their seat.. in mine i have a lounge seat. an d was wondering if anyones actually goes back that far

 

[zach103]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

I bought the conduit today.. pretty pumped.. cant wait to get started...

 

[imported_Jimmi]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

Yes Worth it to stay cool!!! STAY REALLY COOOL when you add a Boat Bimini MISTING system to it. Found mine online after trying to build one myself. Works great. > www.boatmisters.com

 

[cbavier]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

kinda looks like that padding that they put on basketball hoops and stuff..

does anyones top cover their seat.. in mine i have a lounge seat. an d was wondering if anyones actually goes back that far

Mine doesn't. I have the old back to back seats and they are covered when the top is up and thats where it ends. Folded down mine ends at the engine cover and renders the two back or jump seats useless. Mine snaps to the windshield. Mine has the zippers for side curtains and the back enclosure but I don''t have the side curtains or rear enclosure either one. I sure wish I did though, for fowl weather use. That would save me from having to put the Bimini top down and put the cockpit cover and bow cover on if it rains. My top does store under the back seat Head Rest. That I do like! So if you make yours. I think I would make it long enough to reach past the back seat when you put it down so it is out of the way of the inside cockpit. Down past the inside of the boat resting on the stern gunwale. Up of course it will be forward of the back seat the length of the poles when up. Others might be able to explain it better than I have.

 

[kenscore]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

i think definitely.especially if you have pets.or you get caught in a downpour.i do have to deal with it in the winter when it is down but you can always store it.if your thinking enclosure they are great in the winter. just make sure you spend the extra for good 'glass' and screens.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

kinda looks like that padding that they put on basketball hoops and stuff..

does anyones top cover their seat.. in mine i have a lounge seat. an d was wondering if anyones actually goes back that far

Home Depot or Lowe's water pipe wrap will work just fine.

 

[zach103]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

started looking for the hardware.. what exactly do i need?? im thinking about braceing it to both sets of rails but then again im not sure if it will get in the way when im trying to get on the boat

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

What's the black stuff surrounding your vertical 1/2'' EMT conduit ?
I like the look of that too
Marc..

That is foam pipe insulation. I had a little material left over from the bimini so I sewed some covers that attach with velcro. It's only cosmetic - it serves no practical purpose.

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

started looking for the hardware.. what exactly do i need?? im thinking about braceing it to both sets of rails but then again im not sure if it will get in the way when im trying to get on the boat

You can search for bimini hardware and get a lot of results. I also PM'd you the place I found mine.

Pic of the bimini folded back. This is also how I trailer it so I don't have to worry about the bimini rubbing on the paint.

 

[zach103]

Re: Is a bimini top worth it??

the thing im worried about now is placement..heres a pic of the boat any suggestions on where to place it would help. you can see the \top of the bench seat right infront of the engine.. thats where we usually get in.. the picture isnt the best but its been raining all day and with no breaks so this is what i have