any alternative to a Bimini?

[smallboatlover]

i would really like a Bimini for my boat or a convertible top and suggestions to get one cheap or even make one?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

Try your local marine store or look for a close surplus marine store. You can usually find new ones pretty cheap. If you have the measurements, you order one through the internet.

 

[blifsey]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

If you just want shade for hanging out on anchor and not running/moving, I've seen big umbrella type things in different marine magazines.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

beach umbrella in a rod holder

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

Hat

 

[nikon]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

I've seen a bunch of these at my local sandbar.

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/NAT-22030/Anchor+Shade+II+Portable+Canopy.html

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

thanks for ideas i might look into the link above or just a beach unbella or might work my but off for a bimini if i do get that kind of money i would get a convertible top instead seeing it fits the style of my boat.

 

[jgl1962]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

I bought a Taylor Made Anchor Shade through the Iboats store last year. $100 +/- on sale. Bit of a pain to set up but works well as shade...but doesn't like wind at ALL though.

We thought we'd like it vs having a bimini in the way when we weren't using it and it does serve the purpose but saving for a bimini now.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

I got mine from here: http://stores.ebay.com/safeguardcovers Can't comment on the quality yet as I haven't installed it but it seems pretty nice for the price.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

You know that your a redneck if... beach umbrella. Haha.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

You know that your a redneck if...

You use a utility tarp...

I've done it before and while it doesn't look the best (looks like *ell), it's better than baking in the sun. Slip the tarp grommets over the front 2 cleats, tarp up over the windshield, figure out a way to hold it up at the stern and you are good to go.

Heck, I even made a tent top for the boat, out on an actual tent fly! Took our old cabin tent rain fly, measure/cut/sew and now have a top for when we are sleeping on the boat. Ugly but keeps us dry if it's raining.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

thanks i might just do that ^^^ until i get enough money for the real thing.

 

[dellsboater]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

ezmobee
Great prices, is the material of the top pretty heavy, or flimsy? How does the hardware look?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

I didn't check it out very carefully and haven't installed it yet so I'll have to get back to you on a full review. Now, making a big assumption.......I ordered a cover from them at the same time as I ordered the bimini. If that's the same fabric, which I think it is, I am super pleased with that. My cover support collapsed a couple weeks ago and my cover ended up being filled with a HUGE hunk of ice and water. The cover supported it fine and didn't leak a drop. Seems pretty tough.

 

[QC]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

I see used Biminis of all shapes and sizes show up on Craigs List fairly often.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

Hat

+1!

 

[dellsboater]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

ezmobee

Gotta love winter!

This is what they state on ebay, but several people left feedback stating the covers were not heavy at all....
600 DENIER HEAVY DUTY CANVAS
Would you say its more like a polyester or canvas?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any alternative to a Bimini?

Kinda in between. It's definitely not canvas but it's not like that thin whispy crap may old Wal-Cover was made out of. I think it's nice for the price. I could buy 4 of them for the price of an iboats cover.