Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

[SDSeville]

I have been shopping for a 36" tall bimini top for my 19' Sea Ray BR. I found a local company that sells biminis for cheap ($139), but the lowest they make is 46". I will likely buy the 46", but can it be cut down if it turns out to be too high?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

I have been shopping for a 36" tall bimini top for my 19' Sea Ray BR. I found a local company that sells biminis for cheap ($139), but the lowest they make is 46". I will likely buy the 46", but can it be cut down if it turns out to be too high?

absolutely, in fact its pretty common.

Need parts?

http://www.iboats.com/Bimini-Top-Ac...3353603--session_id.301136645--view_id.216563

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

Yes...

Most upholstery shops or someone who makes boat covers should be able to do this. If you have a pop rivet gun you could remove end- fittings, cut and re-attach... Good to go!

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

Yes...

Most upholstery shops or someone who makes boat covers should be able to do this. If you have a pop rivet gun you could remove end- fittings, cut and re-attach... Good to go!

So, if you cut anything but the middle mounting pole (only to the 1st support) you will need to cut the fabric to keep it tight, right?

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

Just did some measuring and it looks like the 46" will work if I mount it to the gunwales instead of the windshield frame, where the stock mounts are. Is that an acceptable place to mount it? Most that I see are mounted to the windshield.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

I am not drilling into my gelcoat unless there is no other choice, but my boat is 12 years old and in mint condition, if your ok with drilling into the gel then go ahead but I prefer my bimini mounted to the windshield frame. I don't see where you will need to cut the fabric for anything, the only thing that will change with a height change is the length of the straps and you can get them sewed shorter just about anyplace.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

I don't mind drilling into the gel. I just finished a down to the hull restore (transom, stringers, deck, upholstery,...), so that won't bother me.

Although you have a good point -- why do that when you can just lower the top?

 

[V153]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

Sigh ...

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

Decided to go with the gunwales. Gives a little more shade...and I won't have to mess with the height.. I will post pics when I get it installed. Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower?

So, if you cut anything but the middle mounting pole (only to the 1st support) you will need to cut the fabric to keep it tight, right?

Yes, as you say. Cutting the bows otherwise will change their angle to each other causing the fabric at the center to be tight long before the sides ever get tight. Don't ask how I know. :redface:

-- Jeff