need bimini help

[longshanks]

I am looking to put a bimini top on my aluminum OB skiff. It has a beam of 76" and I am looking for a simple top to keep the rain/sun to a minimum. It has to be something that is relatively light, and goes up/down quickly. I live in northern British Columbia, so chances are good that I'll have to order it somewhere and have it shipped here, unless I can find someone that will make one locally at a competitive price.

I am seeking advice on what I should be looking for in a quality bimini top, and how much I should expect to pay. Someone suggested getting stainless steel fittings instead of plastic ones. Also, I've heard that sunbrella is the best fabric? The first quote I got was $550. does this seem reasonable? Anything I'm missing?

thanks

Shane

 

[robert graham]

Re: need bimini help

You can order Bimini tops from most any boat supply house, the width needs to match your beam and the length can suit your needs from a 3 bow to a 4 bow type top. You probably want the height to allow you to stand up and walk around under it. The top materials vary from least expensive to "better" to "best", depending on your wants, needs, pocket book$$. Biminis come with Stainless Steel($$$) or Aluminum support poles. The top on my 1999 jon boat is a coated turquoise green Sunbrella fabric, 3 bows, aluminum support rods, black nylon fittings, the entire thing is mostly like new and has held up real well. Mine came with a zip-on boot that covers and protects the Bimini when it's down and I'd highly recommend one of those. Mine was about $500 in 1999, but maybe you can find one for less in Boater's World, Cabela's, Iboats, etc. The Sunbrella is considered the best, top-of-the-line fabric, but there are plenty of others that would provide good service. Installation is really pretty darn easy if you just take your time! Good Luck!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: need bimini help

I recommend buying the boot, too.

As for strength, consider whether you will drive at high speeds with it up, or not.

Rig it so that when it's folded down it's not blocking the interior--a favored method is to have it lay on the splashwell as close to the motor as feasible.

Since you have a short season, yours will last longer, it might not be a necessary to buy the best quality that will survive year-round sun. Can't advise you on which fabrics may get gnawed by a moose.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: need bimini help

There are numerous places to get them as said, I found mine for something like $110 on ebay. Material is not the best but I use 303 products to protect the fabric and so far no fading or rips after all of one season.

 

[hostage]

Re: need bimini help

Just measure it yourself and buy one off iboats. That is what I did and I love it. It wasn't all that difficult to mount and I paid a little over $300 for Sunbrella, a boot, and rigid supports to keep it stored. It takes about 1 minute to setup.

1) take boot off and stow it
2) Pull bimini forward and clip onto each clip
3) Enjoy