new bimini?
 

Hi all,

I need to pick up a new bimini top this spring. New baby, other pressing needs... I don't have a huge budget (under $300 would be nice). The hardware on my old one (probably the original), is fine. Any recommendations/input from anyone who purchased one online semi-recently?

Thanks!

This may not be directly applicable since I bought a new frame too (I wanted a longer top than the original one).

I used https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/ and asked for the THT discount which got me 5% or 10% off the lowest price I could find online.

I got the Carver 4A5487UB which fits the V20 nice if you want a 4 bow 8' long top.

Jeb,
Do you have your original top?
Do you think is usable?
What is the conditions of the canvas?

Where or what is failing on the old canvas?

If your top just needs restitching or maybe a patch maybe I could help.

I have some leftover pieces of sunbrella lay around (not sure they would match).

Send me a few photos here or email to me at pingmarinecanvas @ gmail .com

Thanks fellas

Thanks! I'll do this. The old bimini has some tears, discoloration, zippers are about to fall off.... It's pretty banged up. Not sure if you'd consider it salvageable.

She's all wrapped up for the winter fo course, but I'll post a pic or two if I can find them.

This is probably the only photo I have of the old bimini. It's a little worse for the wear now than it was when I took this last Spring. Any thoughts on a possible cost-saving restoration are appreciated!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7299/2...4f4bb35c_h.jpg

Jeb,
I can restitch any failing seams and put patches over any tears. This would make it usable as far as getting you out of the sun. I would do my best to get something close in color to make the patches. I know I have some white,gray,tan pieces of material laying around. If you want you could send it to me UPS or USPS. I'll do whatever I can to make it usable for you and your family and send it back to you.

I wouldn't want to replace zipper on this top due to the fact that it's probably not worth putting them on it. Just by looking at the top I'm thinking this is a pretty light weight material with a limited life.

If you want to replace the top you can get a replacement top for $215.
These tops look pretty nice made with 9 oz Sunbrella. As long as the radius of the curve on your top matches the curve in the patterning of the top it should fit (i can't say that it would or not). They are a 6' long top and you would have to measure the width of you top to order the correct one. The new top will not have the zippers to attach the side enclosure. The zippers can only be added to the top once it is put in position and marked not only where it sits in height and mounting points but also center line so that everything lines up. The patterning the new side curtains/panels and zipper placement can be done then.
https://www.coverquest.com/bimini-to...s-in-sunbrella

Barry,

I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful response and the great info. I'm going to think it over and make a call in the coming month or so.

Thanks,
Jeb

Jeb,
Sent you a PM.

Since we're talking about replacement, rather than repair, I'll offer the same solution that I've made on these forums before. I know of at least 2 members that have these tops and are well pleased with them.
1) they are cheap in price (Usually less than $125 including shipping)
2) they last. My top is going on it's 4th season and at that price I can well afford to replace it every 4 years if it fails this year (although there are no signs of it)
3) the frame is 1" tubing. (much stronger than the normal 3/4" found elsewhere)
4) All tops come with all necessary hardware and include a boot. :head:

http://stores.ebay.com/Marine-and-RV-Direct?_rdc=1

Yes! Thanks

Jeb
Would you mind posting on here or DM'ing me a few more pics of your new bimini? Particularly from the rear and/or the front of the boat? I'm interested in the width in proportion with the width of the hull. I see that you got the 79-84 inch width. I was just wondering if that is the widest you could go, or possibly could go wider with the 91-96 inch model. The beam on our v20's is 8ft or 96 inches. I just assumed that would be the correct width, but then I saw your post in the other bimini thread about the size that you ordered, and am now second guessing myself.
Also, is yours black or navy blue?
Thank you!

Here ya go...
 

Hey,

Mine's a shade lighter than navy. I took a pic from the other day (we never had the bimini open). Not sure if this helps...

It fits the V20 well.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1737/...d7f5d0d9_b.jpg

more pics
 

Some shots after I installed it last season...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/955/2...ff00ca44_b.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/977/2...fe8ef05d_b.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/947/4...d1f26768_b.jpg

Jeb,
Thanks so much! Those were perfect! Your V20 looks great! I'll keep you posted on a bimini for mine, should be ordering it this week