bimini top fitment

[ScottinAZ]

Picked up the "original" bimini top for our boat today from the previous owner. Its in good condition, but I am not sure about the fitment on it....... first off, every top I have installed on other boats, you didnt have to stretch the bows nearly 4 inches to get them into the mounts. This top uses side mounts to the inner trim..... Im not a fan of that.... It also appears to be mounted either too far forward, or is just too short for the boat to be aesthetically pleasing.... and it provides nearly no shade for the sunpad/swim deck or the rear jump seats abreast the engine..... Im a bit torn as to whether to use this top, and get the new mounts and straps it needs, or just get a new top that may fit better..... whaddya all think?

 

[cyclops222]

Sell the top. Buy correct one.

 

[briangcc]

From factory, my Bayliner, FourWinns, and Chap tops never, ever covered the swim platform or sunpad. Main cockpit only and generally just the captain & first mate seats.

Looks about right once you tension out the bows to stretch the canvas.

I think you're looking at custom to do what you want.

 

[airshot]

Looks about right for a factory original style

 

[ScottinAZ]

From factory, my Bayliner, FourWinns, and Chap tops never, ever covered the swim platform or sunpad. Main cockpit only and generally just the captain & first mate seats.

Looks about right once you tension out the bows to stretch the canvas.

I think you're looking at custom to do what you want.

I was thinking more along the lines of moving the mounts back, and going with a 4 bow for a longer style. May still do that, but if this looks "correct" then we will leave it alone for this year.....

 

[airshot]

Another thing to consider is adding a sliding rail so the top can slide forwards or backwards. On my boat, a 36" long rail is attached to the gunwale then the top deck mount can slide forwards or rear wards to create the best shade. Had rails on my last three boats, will never be without them again, makes the bimini more user friendly. Never know what angle that sun is gonna be...