1995 Bayliner Capri 1800LS bimini suggestions

[mecelprimo]

So I wanna buy a bimini top for my boat, and it looks like the last owner had one cause there's some hardware still install in the boat. There two little plastic mount in each side (picture) so looking to possible to reuse does bracket cause I don't want to drill more holes, or is I got no choice, any recommendations on witch one works for my boat?
Thanks in advance

 

[JASinIL2006]

Those may or may not work with a new bimini, depending on what size you get. I personally won't use the nylon brackets anymore after on broke while I was trailering (with the bimini folded and lowered, or course). I almost lost the entire bimini. The stainless steel brackets are much stronger.

In any case, you can size the bimini to fit your needs; for example, if you're tall and you like to drive the boat while standing, make sure there's clearance for your head. Most biminis are sold based on how high they will stand over the gunwales, and how long they are (front to back). Depending on how long the bimini (i.e., how much you want shaded), your existing brackets may or may not be placed correctly. My guess is that you could make those brackets work if you wanted to.

 

[southkogs]

More likely those were the connectors for the convertible canvas. That's roughly where mine are located.

 

[Stinnett21]

Mount the bimini so that the rain top can be erected underneath the bimini. That way when a rain blows up you don't have to double up on work. Also the wider the bimini is the more likely it will shed water off to the sides and not into the cockpit if you don't want to put up a rain top.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

I’ve got a 16ft 93 Capri. Southkogs is correct. The hardware on the side windshield is for the convertible top that was kinda a roof but is very low. It was canvas and snapped to the windshield. I assume you no longer have it.

Going big vs. small is better with the bimini. Better rain deflection, more sun protection etc. Easy installation if you are somewhat handy with tools. Start be measuring several points on your boat to be sure you know what size you’ll need/want. there will be variations on the canvas material. For instance, color and thickness of material will vary. The hardware will also have different configurations. When i did mine I actually incorporated those hardware pieces shown on the side of the windshield. I fabricated for only a couple bucks a extra aluminum piece on each side that came down from the factory piece. It added extra support to the back end of the Bimini. The front connected to the bow with straps.
Bottom line you’ll have options.

My Bimini came with the following.Very simple
2- side mounts (similar to what you have in you picture) to be mounted on the outside ledge of the window. One port and one starboard. A couple screws on each.
2- clips for the straps that went from the Bimini top to the bow area. Clips are mounted at the base of the front wind shield. Again, a couple screws. One clip port one clip starboard.
Once mounting hardware was on it was a matter of adjusting the poles with the top “semi” in place. There are screws that allow you to adjust the frame of the Bimini to suit your needs. It was a fun project. Sorry I dont have the boat with me or I’d take pictures of what I did. Good luck!

 

[Scott06]

I went through same exercise on my sea ray 170, had a factory bimini that was part of a multi-piece cover, was low as the front snapped to the top of the windshield. Was nice with the side curtains when it was raining but too small and low for sunny days.

I got a unviversal fit bimini from Overtons and used the siting mountings you reference. They are sized by how many bows in the bimini and boat beam.

This worked really well both fit and cost wise. There certainly are other places that can provide similar overtons just had at that time a big selection to chose from

 

[JASinIL2006]

There are lots of good places to buy biminis (including iboats, of course!). Mine is made by Carver with Sunbrella fabric and it has proven extremely durable.