Bimini top seems to have shrunk

[aspeck]

Maybe it isn't your top? Maybe your boat grew?

Okay, maybe not ... but one can always hope ...

 

[Chris1956]

What Donald describes is commonly known as a Navy Top.

Sunbrella doesn't shrink as much as some other outdoor fabrics, but it does shrink a bit.

 

[Donald0039]

What Donald describes is commonly known as a Navy Top.

Sunbrella doesn't shrink as much as some other outdoor fabrics, but it does shrink a bit.

I am beginning to think it's not the fabric but the clear plastic panels going from the top to the windshield that may have shrunk.

 

[crazy charlie]

I am seeing your eisenglass/clear plastic windows are attaching to your windshield.Plastic windows will shrink when not installed and will cause problems in your case with you taking them down after every use.My setup is very similar to yours and it is very difficult to set up for the 1st time of the season.A struggle that needs to be done on a sunny warm day for plastic flexibility.On 1st of the season install, I put all of my plastic windows in my car on the dashboard directly in the sun with all car windows closed. You want it hot as heck in there to have the plastics soft and pliable to help you instead of fighting you when installing. Snap the windshield snaps with only having the zipper on the top closed a few inches and then as the day progresses zip it closed a little at a time. Charlie

 

[crazy charlie]

I am beginning to think it's not the fabric but the clear plastic panels going from the top to the windshield that may have shrunk.

Duhhhh ,ya think???

 

[Donald0039]

Duhhhh ,ya think???

Reading the specs on the clear plastic material. The premium ones shrink less that 1%.

 

[nola mike]

Duhhhh ,ya think???

Not helpful

 

[crackedglass]

I've got a black bimini that attaches to my windshield on my Starcraft, every spring I have to soak it with warm water to get it to reach the corners. Its got a Sunbrella tag and is roughly 10 years old now.
The comment about the boat growing isn't all that far fetched but the boat would only grow with heat not in the temps we've been having lately.
If it were 100°F in the sun and the top was cool maybe.
Wet the tip down with warm water, it should stretch to fit where it once was. Some warm sun also helps. When I first take my top out of the garage every spring its nearly 2 inches shy of the corner snaps every time. Warm water and persistence has worked every year so far.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I don't think fiberglass expands much in the heat, so it's pretty unlikely your bimini isn't fitting because the fiberglass is moving.

My Sunbrella mooring cover is always a bit tight after it has been sitting for a while, but the fabric tends to relax a bit when it's being used regularly. Being in the sun probably also affects the fabric (much more than the fiberglass).

 

[crazy charlie]

Maybe it isn't your top? Maybe your boat grew?

Okay, maybe not ... but one can always hope ...

This statement is a Joke....funny....sarcasm....I can't believe there are replies referencing fiberglass expanding.

 

[garbageguy]

The order in which they're installed and ultimately snapped makes a difference. I wonder if the every couple years cleaning and spraying with water repellant has helped in this regard

 

[jlh3rd]

I have a several year old Bimini type of top that is fitted to the windshield and has side panels, etc. Boat is 27' sport cruiser. Top is not ripped or beat up.

I am unable to pull it hard enough to get it close to the windshield to snap it.

It's Sunbrella or a similar fabric.

I asked a boat canvas shop about making or sewing an extension and the lady (not trying to sell me as she is busy) said I need a new top.

Sunbrella company says to thoroughly wet the top and stretch when wet. Unsure if it will stretch enough. I need to fold down the top every time I am done with the boat so it can be stored in it's rack. Not wanting to wet the top every time I want to put the top up.

My understanding is Sunbrella or its cousins should not shrink. But here I am with a top that has shrunk.

deleted