would 1 inch ss bimini tubing support a light weight hard top?

[lime4x4]

Recently picked up this grady white. Would like to make a hardtop for the boat. I was thinking of using 1/2 plywood with 2 layers of 1708. I don't need to stand or mount anything heavy on it. Basically want it for shade and some weather protection. The back will be supported by the radar arch which is 2 inch alumn. I have a couple of 1 inch ss bimini tube laying around that i was thinking of using for supporting the front. This stuff is pretty heavy and doesn;t flex when trying to bend in half. 6 foot long peice.

 

[BWT]

Re: would 1 inch ss bimini tubing support a light weight hard top?

It would, however I don't know that 1/2" ply with 1708 would really be 'light weight'.. Depending on the size it could actually be quite heavy. A couple of alternatives; either try a foam core or no core at all (3 layers of glass; 1708 sandwiched between 1.5oz mat). It's the same concept that dodger and bimini manufacturers like Wavestopper use.. They keep the edges thin so they are able to be bent around stainless framing and are riveted in place. They work pretty slick and are easy to make. Just a thought....

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: would 1 inch ss bimini tubing support a light weight hard top?

I didnt think GW made a 79' with a Alum radar arch on that.. Is that an addon ? ..

I would not put a hard top on that unless you ...

1. Mod your arch to bed to the Sole..

2. Mod your Deck glasswise to properly attach much more top load than what is currently there ( I would check this anyway ).

3. Canvas

Id go for # 3 myself..

YD.

 

[jonesg]

Re: would 1 inch ss bimini tubing support a light weight hard top?

Fabric but I'd be more concerned about aerodynamic stress than weight.
A couple of degrees neg angle of attack would help push it down rather than try to rip it loose,
the concern would be more related to trailering at highway speed than on the water.
You might arrive at the ramp to find the top took a different exit.