Bimini top???

[thundercat 9]

Has anyone attempted to fabricate a bimini top for their boat? I would like to try it....I would probably use sunbrella....but what would I use for the tops framework?

thanks
Jeff

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bimini top???

aluminum conduit, i would make a pattern out of something cheap first, then the real fabric.
you also can buy replacement canvas for the tops, and build the frame.

 

[thundercat 9]

Re: Bimini top???

Hey Tashasdaddy,

My boat never came with a top. I will be starting from scratch. Would I use aluminum conduit like electrical conduit or is there something cheaper?

thanks
jeff

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bimini top???

ain't nutton cheaper. a lot of top frames are stainless on the top of the line boats.

 

[mike64]

Re: Bimini top???

I've been thinking about making a homemade bimini top for my boat too. Here's a link I came across for how to bend that aluminum conduit that td mentioned, might be useful for you...
<a href="http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/howto/bimini/index.htm">http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/howto/bimini/index.htm</a>

 

[mike64]

Re: Bimini top???

Oops, looks like I have to figure out how to properly post a link here. Until then, copy and paste this:

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/howto/bimini/index.htm

 

[mike64]

Re: Bimini top???

Okay, NOW I know how to post links. The html is automatic. Duh.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Bimini top???

I have a buddy who made his and you could never tell a difference. Here is the nutshell of it:

He used wooden dowls and duct tape as a guide for the framework and got it all built that way to make sure it moved and folded properly. Once done with that, he used stock aluminum tube and went to bending with a small bender he rented. He bought the fabric and made a template out of cardboard and then got to sewing it all together.

When he was all finished, he said he should have just bought one as it would have been cheaper when he figured in labor and material. He tends to be a freak about things like that so I am sure it can be done way cheaper. For an example, instead of using motor oil to lube the tube while bending, he had to have tube bending oil. He also had everything plated. And all the mounting hardware wasn't cheap either.

 

[thundercat 9]

Re: Bimini top???

Hey Mike64,

Thanks for the link, it was a good read.

jeff

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bimini top???

You should go to this site and post the same question. Also do some searches there.

http://www.get-up-and-go.com/upholstery-forum/

This site also has some info on it:

http://www.sailrite.com/

You have a commercial sewing machine?

If you message me, I have a pdf file on making biminis.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bimini top???

aluminum conduit, i would make a pattern out of something cheap first, then the real fabric.
you also can buy replacement canvas for the tops, and build the frame.

You always want to make the top to fit the frame...not the other way around. Way too hard to bend the frame to the fabric. You will get sags and it just won't fit right.

 

[mtpawn]

Re: Bimini top???

I worked in a upholstery shop 15 yrs ago, we could order frame kits two three or even four bows. all pre bent. then we would trim the cross piece to fit put in the splicers trim the sides to the height desired... they came with all the hardware also. we made the straps out of webbing and then built the tops. I would check with a local upholstery shop even if they don't do boat tops they probably have access to the parts

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Bimini top???

I estimated last summer that trying to do one myself, even using a kit for the frame, buying the material, and the mounting hardware it was almost as expensive as buying one here on iboats. That is what I did and it was a great investment.