Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

[kwikk9]

My recently purchased Whaler came with a rodent chewed Bimini top. It's original Wm. J. Mills. I'd like to replace it. Per what I can read from the tag it's Part #52574901, in Pacific Blue (#4601?). I'm going to call Mill's 800# tomorrow for further info. <br />Has anyone had any luck replacing original canvas with the TaylorMade product shown in the Iboat store? I'm seeing fabric, w/o frame for around $49. from TaylorMade (60-66"W x 72" L). I have a useable frame, only need the canvas. Would that work on my frame? The existing canvas is about 63" square.

 

[JB]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

See what Mills would charge, Kwikk. I expect it would be a lot. I have used Mills stuff and it is strictly top quality but very expensive.<br /><br />The TaylorMade is also good stuff and the price is attractive. I don't know if it would fit, but an inquiry might tell.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

JB: I will check out Mills for local dealers (it doesn't seem that they sell on-line)and post the cost/info for reference. The TaylorMade may be sort of a semi-custom fit. But, for $50. might be worth a try. BTW, West Marine quotes online a price of $369 to replace the whole top (way to much). Maybe I should just buy my bride a larger sunhat!

 

[JB]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

Try twincitiesmarine.com, kwikk. They are a big BW dealer and sell online a lot. The gal there may be able to quote you a price for the Mills canvas.<br /><br />FWIW, I have patched a number of Mills pieces with iron-on canvas repair material and a sewing machine. Worked fine.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

OK, here's where I'm at. I found the correct web site for Wm.J.Mills original canvas. It's http://ww2.millscanvas.com. Note: it's not your typical "www" prefix. They have all the original Whaler patterns. Pick your boat and pick your part. I was able to give them the original '89 part number and they have it! However, you must e-mail or call for the price. I did and received a prompt reply.<br />Would you believe $360 plus shipping? That just for the approximately 28 sq.ft.of Sunbrella fabric. No frame(which I don't need).<br />Were I restoring a '53 Corvette I might say go for it, but I think that's ridiculous.<br />Bottom line is I bought a fabric only Bimini from TaylorMade via IBoats for $50. May require some modification. We'll see and I'll let you know how it works.<br />JB: My wife is impressed with your skills. Says she never met a man who could both iron and sew.

 

[JB]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

Hahaha. <br /><br />Tell the better half that living alone for 25 years will bring out skills in the worst of us.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

The TaylorMade BiminiBoa Top arrived on Tuesday. Very quick from order to delivery. The fabric and color are just what I wanted. Looks to be quality workmanship. I am concerned about the length but my wife thinks she can modify it, if it's close. We're a little off schedule on outside chores due to severe rain and flooding in coastal New England, so we can't test fit yet.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Mills Canvas for '89 13' S/S

Weather related issues in the Northeast delayed the test fitting, but this weekend things dried out, more on that in a minute. The TaylorMade top is a pretty decent fit. Length of 72" works well. It's slightly wide, so I have a 3" "flap" on either side, but not enough to restrict visibility. Bottom line is,for the price, it does the job.<br />Unfortunately, we haven't tested it at speed. I'm on a man-made lake (Little Ossipee River Flowage) and 2 weeks of torrential rain caused our flood gates to collapse (this is what they are supposed to do). We are now down about 4' and all the ramps are out of the water so I'm not launching.<br />One of these days we'll get the season underway.