Hneal741
22.05.2021 4:10:16
Finish the metal tubing for the frame by drilling the holes necessary for attaching the fabric on the top pipes. First mark the places for the holes and then use a power drill to make the holes. more
See full version: How to Make a Bimini Top
Finish the metal tubing for the frame by drilling the holes necessary for attaching the fabric on the top pipes. First mark the places for the holes and then use a power drill to make the holes. more
Slide the sleeves of the fabric on the frame tubing to finalize your Bimini top. If necessary, secure the fabric in its place with screws and finishing bolts or tighten it with ropes and lines. Now your Bimini top is finished and all that is left to do is attach it to your boat with some mounting brackets and then enjoy the ride.
Decide on the shape and dimensions of your Bimini top. Draw a detailed plan for the metal frame and then for the actual shade made from fabric as well. Then purchase the necessary materials according to your plan and your needs. It is best to buy stainless steel for saltwater and aluminum for freshwater when it comes to the metal frame. Choose approximately a ¾-inch perimeter pipe or tubing for the frame. Check out websites and magazines that deal with boats, marine hobbies and custom made equipment for boats to get some inspiration for the final shape and overall design of your Bimini top.
Tighten the screws that hole the fittings in place with a screwdriver and make sure that all the joints are firm and strong. Try to shake the frame vigorously to see if the fittings move or are loosened. [links]
High quality hardware is important too!
Fantastic Results "I wanted to thank you for the fantastic results I have with the EZ-Xtend zipper solution you provided for my Sea Ray. The isinglass had shrunk to the point that installing it was an all-morning job, with some snaps totally unusable due to the material shrinkage. I really was preparing to purchase a complete new canvas set, but hated to spend the money-especially since the canvas is still in excellent shape. The EZ-Xtend zippers have made the canvas/isinglass installation and removal about a 10 minute job! (and looks great too!) Thanks again for the quick solution and the reasonable cost, I really do appreciate it." Steve Donovan - Georgia[links]
Made Our Boating Season Very Enjoyable! Our boat was 10 years old when we purchased it and the canvas was stored all rolled up in the boat. When we tried to put the canvas together the force required to zipper the canvas together was making the canvas split on the seams or causing the zippers to tear, so we had to leave parts of the canvas unattached and every time it rained we would get water in the boat. With your zippers in place we could button up all of the canvas and make a very nice weather tight space which made our boating season very enjoyable. Phil R.
Maybe the original owner wanted to stand up in it. Like the other poster said: how much are you looking to drop it? more
The ends are probably pop riveted on, drill them out, cut to your length and go to a store like Harbor Freight and buy a pop rivet kit to re-attach the ends.. Around $10 I think, works great. more
It doesn't really look like you have a lot of room to shorten that top. You can generally cut the poles but you don't want to change the angle too much, although you could use a little chop on thos support poles. How much do you want to bring it down? Can you mount it outside the windshield on the gunwale? Probably not which is why they mounted it there.
Here is a picture of what I've got.
I would check to see if it is possible but they may not quite fold down properly.I do bending as a trade so it would be easy for me.
I woudl stick with your original idea, cut a bit out of the middle, way less to go wrong with this method.
Re: My bimini is too wide. How should I shorten it? here
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. here
Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower? here
Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower? [links]
Re: Can a Bimini Top be Cut to Make it Lower? [links]
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. [links]