New Bimini Top

D

dlevitt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
58
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Aberdeen, NJ
I am planning on purchasing a Bimini Top for my '81 Bimini 220. From what I understand, this was very similar to the seafarer at 22' long with an 8' beam and a cuddy/walkaround.

I am measuring the width to be about 67". However I have to choose bewteen a 6' or 5' length. If anyone has purchased an aftermarket top, what size did you order? I don't know if this matters, but I am not planning on adding sides or front - just the top. Thanks.

David
 
One thing too consider is height. I replaced a bimini an the new one was set up a couple of inches higher than the old. It would block the windshield mounted nav light. Ended up buying a new light as the top and curtains could not be adjusted.
 
Thanks. When I replaced my light, I made sure that I got an adjustable one. I will also measure a couple more times for the optimal height. I want to make sure that taller people will also be comfortable.

David
 
If you go with a 5' top, the top will be good for side curtains, it will have a taper in the canvas good for run off, it will taper about 3.5" from top to bottom. I would prefer a top to taper down so it runs off, but it is not a necessity, also think about walking forward. The bigger top will stick out about 3" on each side, not sure if that will make walking forward awkward or not. If you are not getting side curtains, a larger top will block more sun, the smaller one will not shade the helm area well enough, but I would recommend having side curtains also. More importantly, you need to figure out how much space you want under the top, and are you going to leave it up all year long or not, will you be purchasing side curtains for it?
Are you having the top made, or are you buying one already prefabed? Also, what material are you planning to use? Sunbrella or a similar material, or a standard canvas material, the sunbrella and other products will last much longer and stand up better.
If I am correct, the Bimini is not a walkaround, it has a fluch deck? I think my buddy Doug who has the slip behind me has the same model. The dimensions of that cabin and a 22' seafarer are a little different in width if I am correct.
Where are you taking the 67" measurement from? Your bimini top poles will be mounted about 6-10" below the windsheild and there is a slight taper in the cabin, so it may measure different.
 
Tom,

Believe it or not, the '81 Bimini is nothing like the current Bimini's. It is my understanding that it was the same boat that became the 22 foot Seafarer. It is a walkaround with an 8' beam. You may have even seen the boat as I am also in the same marina as you. However, I was only there September and October last fall. The boat name is SeaClusion. Also you were kind enough to give me advice late last year regarding my transom.

Anyway, I have decided not to go custom on the top since I don't know how long I will keep this boat and don't want to put too much money into it right now. This is my first boat and I'm still trying to figure out if this is the right boat for me. I just want some basic shade and will not be purchasing side curtains at this time. I only plan on fishing in "very local" waters. I found a manufacturer that can get me a top with an aluminum frame with Sunbrella fabic for about $250.

The 67' is the width from the mounting points. I was just trying to figure out the best length for shade. I may just opt for the 6' anyway. Since I"m only 5'9" tall, I should be good with a height that would give headroom up to about 6'6" or so. Is is a bad idea to have a top that's higher? I would think that it would catch more wind and also give less shade. Is my logic correct?

I look forward to meeting you in May. I'll be the one with a beer in my hand... Thanks.

David
 
You are correct, going higher would not benefit you. It will offer slightly less protection, but more importantly, when the sun shines the wrong directions, especially heading into the sun, a lower top will stop the direct sunlight into your eyes quicker. That is a very good price for just the top. I understand your reasoning for not gettign a 3 sided enclosure, but just a front drop down might be worth it to connect from the top to the windshield, my 22' seafarer would take spray on nasty days, and even some calm days where the wind blew hard. It is nice to keep the salt off your body and more importantly, your electronics. Someone might be able to make a cheap front drop that uses your windsheilds snaps and a zipper off the top. I am sending you a pm with a link to it, check it out. I will be down at the marina just about every weekend prepping the boat starting March 29.

Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.