bimini top?

S

smallboatlover

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Ok i don't plan on speding a crap load of money bimini top does any one have any ideas or any thing to help me i was thinking of making my own and suggestions or ideas to help me out
 
dockwrecker

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Re: bimini top?

smallboatlover said:
Ok i don't plan on speding a crap load of money bimini top does any one have any ideas or any thing to help me i was thinking of making my own and suggestions or ideas to help me out
Click to expand...

Our sponsor here has bimini rigs from $180 up for the smaller sizes. (maybe less I didn't look too hard) I think you'd be hard pressed to make one yourself as nice with appropriate hardware for much less. Time has value...:cool:
 
LippCJ7

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Re: bimini top?

For the price they are, theres no way you could build one cheaper when you consider time and materials. Can't be done. Just buy one and be happy!!
 
S

smallboatlover

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Re: bimini top?

LippCJ7 said:
For the price they are, theres no way you could build one cheaper when you consider time and materials. Can't be done. Just buy one and be happy!!
Click to expand...

ive seen some done with pvc and theve built them for 60 bucks
 
B

blifsey

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Re: bimini top?

If its for shade while anchored, maybe use a large beach umbrella until you can do the bimini.
 
DaNinja

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Re: bimini top?

dockwrecker said:
Our sponsor here has bimini rigs from $180 up for the smaller sizes. (maybe less I didn't look too hard) I think you'd be hard pressed to make one yourself as nice with appropriate hardware for much less. Time has value...:cool:
Click to expand...
Yep. Shop around with some basic measurements.
Or...start three threads about a bimini for a Chrysler boat.:p
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: bimini top?

Please do not make multipule posts on the same subject. Your other 3 bimini posts have been closed, all those questions can be asked in one thread in order to keep all the information in one place instead of scattered in several threads.
 
CheapboatKev

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Re: bimini top?

If you can't afford new..Try craigslist...Seen some killer deals on them before
 
M

mfgniagara

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Re: bimini top?

I saw a guy over the summer who made his own T top for a center console using PVC and a cheap blue tarp from Harbor Freight. It actually didn't look all that bad . He ran the PVC down through the console, clamped it at the bottom, sealed the gaps with 5200, and used two T fittings and four 90 degree elbows. I suppose you could do something similar with a side console or runabout as well? I've seen plenty of bimini tops made using an existing frame and tarp material for a cover too.
 
LippCJ7

LippCJ7

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Re: bimini top?

smallboatlover said:
ive seen some done with pvc and theve built them for 60 bucks
Click to expand...

ok how much time did they invest in this endeavor? I can see the $60 in materials (PVC) now lets talk about the time involved to make it. Figure an hour at the hardware store and 3 hours to make and implement the idea, sound fair? so we have $120 left in the budget if we go with the $180 Bimini that means that you got paid $30 an hour to build a PVC Bimini top that isn't as durable nor professional looking nor stainless or aluminum.

Up to you but I think the Professionally built Bimini tops are a pretty good value sir!

If you do build your own please post pics though I would be interested in your idea!
 
DaNinja

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Re: bimini top?

Don S said:
Please do not make multipule posts on the same subject. Your other 3 bimini posts have been closed, all those questions can be asked in one thread in order to keep all the information in one place instead of scattered in several threads.
Click to expand...

Or smallboatlover should keep the kids away from the keyboard.:cool:


And bimini tops can be made for any boat. Older boats may just require some custom work or some modification.
 
5150abf

5150abf

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Re: bimini top?

There is alot of structural stuff to think about, you may get one that works well in your drive but the first time you open up the boat it gets ripped off, so it needs to be pretty stout.

Obviously your best bet is to buy an actual top, since they are made ot be on a baot underway.

Even with PVC, you still need to figure out how to attach it to the boat.

As I always say, draw it out first, if you can't get it down on paper you probably can't build it either, I'm not saying you can't do it just consider everything it has to put up with and get a good solid detailed design on paper before you head off to the hardware store.
 
produceguy

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Re: bimini top?

I bought a new one a while back but didnt get support poles. So I made them with pvc and painted them the color of the boat. Its ok , but will have to buy real poles in the future. BY the time and money involved in makeing your own you will be disappointed in the end results. Buy the new one. (spellcheck)
 
R

reelfishin

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Re: bimini top?

I've seen a few work boats out and about during the summer that had tops made from water pipe, they took those 4 bolt flanges, bolted them to the gunwales and built a 4 post canopy over the whole boat. It worked pretty good but I'd be afraid of what a good strong wind might do. I'd bet money on it that it would act like a parachute and upset the whole boat.

Functionally, it was probably pretty cool but no doubt it would get in the way of casting a rod. It sort of reminded me of those thatch boats you see in Asia, only with a blue or green tarp top.
 
TJDave

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Re: bimini top?

Home made, mooring only, bimimi top we made for our old boat. Works great. Very inexpensive.

1280234426.jpg
 
produceguy

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Re: bimini top?

TJDave, thats good stuff.

Sbl, (fyi) I used 3/4 inch pvc 2 3/4ft long with end caps, eye hooks screwed into all four end caps to secure it to boat and to bimini poles,I will post pic soon. cost about 10 bucks.
 
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