BIMINI TOP - Highest quality possible

[XpressJeff]

I see advertisements for Bikini Tops in lots of places but I am hoping to hear from someone who has had some experience with the products. My wife is more than willing to spend time on the boat with me but she can't take the sun at all. Yes, I actually do like spending time with the old girl!

 

A well designed top would still allow access to both decks while giving her a break. The sun in NC is quite a bit different than Wisconsin. Better fish too!

 

I have a tin boat and installation is straight forward. Can anyone help me out with a quality manufacturer?

[slonezp]

Have one custom made from a reputable canvas shop. I just had a new custom cover made for the Lund. Canvas has a 7 year warranty, and turned out better than I was expecting.. 

[XpressJeff]

Never thought about a custom shop. I wish 'll have to see what's available around here.

 

Thanks!

[Jig Man]

There was a time when my wife had her own boat.  She had a deck boat with a bimini top.  I found it to be a pita.  Every time I found a place to fish the angle of the sun would be wrong for her to be in the shade.  Boy was I glad to see her finally get rid of it.

[XpressJeff]

I understand completely JigMan!

 

I am also understanding that if I want to keep the boat I make certain condolences!

 

Seriously though, we are not kids and we can work this out. (I actually like her)

[NHBull]

Jeff, sunbrella fabric is your friend and will last a decade if you clean and retreat it annually.

Also, if you have a custom one made, have them brindle the sides down 12 inches. This helps as the angle of the sun changes.

[slonezp]

3 hours ago, NHBull said:

Jeff, sunbrella fabric is your friend and will last a decade if you clean and retreat it annually.

Also, if you have a custom one made, have them brindle the sides down 12 inches. This helps as the angle of the sun changes.

I want to say the guy who made my cover says the fabric he used was superior to Sunbrella. I can make a phone call after the holiday to get the name of the fabric if the OP likes. I will say it appears superior than the fabric from Lund and the Lund cover lasted only 4.5 years. I contemplated having a bimini top made as well but the cover cost a little more than I expected. I can't imagine a custom top would run more than $200-$300 which is what I think the store bought ones cost.  

[WRB]

Carver is a top quality Bimini top co and makes customs.

Tom

[XpressJeff]

Gentlemen, 

 

Thank you all for your input and suggestions.

 

Next week I'll be heading to the MOPAR NATIONALS in Carlisle PA to dispose of all my available currency. The wife and I have become interested in a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS resto mod that needs some parts. I am replacing the F & R suspension kin so it handles like a modern car. Putting a 512 low compression stroker in it with an auto.

 

Sorry, rattling on about my other toy, but I will buy a top as soon as the bank recovers!