The smallest style offered—mostly used for shorter Jon style fishing boats, V-hull fishing boats, and inflatables—is the 2 bow bimini top.
See full version: How to make a bimini top frame
The smallest style offered—mostly used for shorter Jon style fishing boats, V-hull fishing boats, and inflatables—is the 2 bow bimini top.
Lastly, check the top for stability, ensuring the front of the top is angled downward. If it isn’t, pull the front hold-down straps tight in order to change the angle. As always, check all straps and fittings for tightness before using your bimini top at speeds higher than 35 MPH. here
First choose where you want to mount your bimini top. The most common mounting point is at the widest part of your boat. If this won't work, then move the bimini mounting points forward or back to accommodate. [links]
2) Oil your machine: Watch Sailrite’s “Maintenance & Lubrication” video and do as they say by lubricating your machine beforehand if you haven’t in a while. more
If you’re thinking of trying out Sailrite’s kits or if you’re considering a different DIY option, we highly recommend watching Sailrite’s video tutorials because they’ll still offer insights about the process.
13) Zippers: When ordering zippers for your bimini, make sure to get the appropriate zipper pull (Vislon vs coil). We mistakenly ordered a coil one when we needed Vislon. Doh!
4) Riveting: Before riveting stainless steel pieces to each other, make sure to sand off any burrs from the ends. After trying out a couple of crappy rivet guns (the ones sold in big box stores, for instance), we finally found one that we’re happy with now: Marson 39000 HP-2 Hand Rivet Tool.
If you find that our Bimini Skin Kits are missing something essential to your unique project, just let us know and we would be happy to customize a kit for you! Every Sailrite Bimini Skin Kit features zippered tubing sleeves for easy removal/storage and the Sunbrella fabric ensures that you will have a professional-looking bimini durable enough to last season after season. [links]
Before you can get started on the bimini top, you’ll require a bimini frame to pattern on. If you need a new bimini frame, Sailrite carries 2-, 3- and 4- bow frame kits in both stainless steel and aluminum. If you have a new Bimini Frame Kit and want to learn how to assemble it, be sure to first watch the “How to Build a 3-Bow Bimini Frame” video (300193XHT). It is important to understand what size of bimini frame you are working with because the number of bows in the frame must match the number of bows in the Bimini Skin Kit. For example, a 3-bow bimini frame is only compatible with a 3-bow Bimini Skin Kit. The same is true for our 2- and 4-bow frame and top options. The 3-bow skin kit featured in this video is designed for 3-bow bimini frame with a 106 inches maximum width and 84 inches fore and aft spread.
A bimini serves as a protective barrier against the sun, rain and spray that you may encounter while on the water. A bimini top made with Sunbrella ® Marine Grade Fabric is durable enough to combat these elements and serve as a lasting addition to your boat. Our Bimini Skin Kits are great for replacing the fabric top on an existing bimini frame or it can be paired with one of Sailrite’s Bimini Frame Kits to build a new bimini from start to finish. Choose from Standard Color or Premium Color Skin Kits to find a perfect match to your boat.
In this video tutorial we will show you, in detail, patterning on the frame, sewing, installing a backstay slit, sewing zippered pockets and more. By the end of this project you will have a custom, high-performance bimini top fit for your next boating adventure! [links]
A Bimini Frame Kit and Bimini Skin Kit together from Sailrite gives you the great opportunity to customize everything from the material of the frame to the color of the canvas! Our frame kits come with all the hardware and supplies needed to assemble and install the bimini frame, while a paired skin kit includes the fabric and supplies needed to sew the bimini top.
With our help, you can adapt any Bimini Frame Kit and Bimini Skin Kit to fit the unique specifications of your vessel. You’ll also be able to customize everything from frame material to the color of the canvas. Our frame kits come with all of the hardware and components needed to assemble and install the frame. They are designed to pair with the Bimini Skin Kits, which include the durable Sunbrella Marine Grade Fabric and supplies needed to sew your bimini top after the frame is complete. [links]
Before starting your frame, there are a few important decisions you’ll need to make. First, conclude if you’ll be installing the bimini on the deck or rails of your boat, since this will determine the height. You’ll also need to choose the frame material, as Sailrite offers frame kits in both stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel is sturdier and better for saltwater, while aluminum is a lighter, less expensive option. In this video tutorial, we will be building a stainless steel 4-bow bimini frame. It features a maximum spread of 98 inches, a maximum height of 51 inches and a maximum width of 106 inches. However, if you find your boat does not require this much coverage, we recommend choosing a 2- or 3-bow Bimini Frame Kit. Sailrite offers the highest quality kits to help you create your own 2-, 3- and 4-bow bimini frames. Once your frame has been constructed, make sure to check out our “How to Make a 4-Bow Bimini Top” (300198XHT) video to complete your project!
A bimini makes for a dependable addition to your boat when you need protection from the sun, rain and spray. Of course, a stable frame is the first step in creating a lasting bimini. With our Bimini Frame Kits, you can build a custom bimini that will serve you season after season. In this step-by-step video tutorial, we’re going to show you how to measure, cut and properly assemble your 4-bow Bimini Frame Kit from Sailrite.
In this video, we built our bimini frame on a wooden platform on the floor instead of on the boat. This is a practical option if you don’t have your boat nearby or need protection from the elements and it allows full access to every angle of the frame. This video includes instructions and materials needed to make the wooden platform if you wish to follow our example. Choosing your Bimini Frame Kit and Bimini Skin Kit together from Sailrite guarantees you a custom, high-quality addition to your boat. [links]