Marinette Boat Forum

I recently got a frame, but am looking to buy/make a top for an aft Bimin (see picture).

Any one have a source, an old one, pattern for such an animal for my 1990 32 Sedan?

Will be a daunting task, but more than worthwhile!!!
Source on "how to":
Sailrite.com
1. -https://www.sailrite.com/How-to-Make-a- ... Bimini-DVD
2. On the main page, scroll down to and click on "Learn" - TONS of videos which can be parsed into various videos on how to make a Bimini enclosure.
3. UTube - search for how to make a Bimini frame.
4. Sailrite is also an excellent source for materials (fabric, tools, other sewing necessities)

Things to consider if you do it yourself -
- a 'walking foot' sewing machine is almost a must.
* I have 1 of their LSZ-1 machines and it's been a godsend (sews thru heavy fabric (folded seams, etc) with ease.
- a local metal supplier for SS 7/8" or 1" tubing. Get it in20' lengths.
- you'll need to bend the tubing somehow. YouTube shows various ways on the "how to". A standard tubing bender can do the job but you have to be extra careful - kicking the tube ruins that bend.
- you can bend the bimini's bends at the end and, if using 1" tubing, use a 7/8" short pc to join 2 pcs together.
- I can send you a source for SS snaps (caps, male & female snaps).
Questions? - ask away

Also, if you want to go 'whole hog' on your project, consider making ....
- zippered screens AND windows for your project.
** helps immensely with keeping bugs out and protecting against sudden squalls while out on the water or in port wanting to extend liveable space on the boat.

Bill

Excellent, Bill! A lot of good information here!

I have a friend in the marina with a heavy duty machine who made a nice top for his Sea Ray.

Here is the frame I picked up a few years ago off an earlier M. I believe it will fit well.

I can’t remember if the stantions sat in the deck or the aft cockpit aluminum bulkhead caps.

I also can’t remember how the canvas made up to the flying bridge deck.

You should be able to "dry fit" the frame to the cockpit area to determine what the correct fitment should be. (Totally recommended!)

You can go to Sailrite's website where they list the necessary materials for attachment of the Bimini to the boat chassis.
There are at least 2 ways:
- sewing, in at the attachment end of the bimini, a cord-like item which allows the Bimini to slide into a "C" channel that's been attached to the boat frame. This is a more 'permanent' attachment method (the fit of the sewn in 'cord' into the "C" channel is very snug - which is what's intended to ensure water tightness.)
- installing Dot SS marine snaps which will allow removal of the Bimini top when desired.
--> search the web for a supplier- prices can vary wildly.
You would use a male snap with screw to attach to boat.
Sailrite sells the tool (with interchangeable button type inserts).

Threading:
- you're attaching a small diameter shaft screw to an aluminum alloy. You'll want to pre-drill a hole AND then use a hardened steel screw (hex head, Allen head...) to carefully work in the threads. Do this and you won't have an 'oh, snit!' moment trying to screw in the M buttons.

Bill

Thanks much, Bill!

I have one on my 79 32 sedan bridge and could get you some measurements when it warms up a bit. The way mine connects is by snaps[/img]

I can only hope to find a rear Bimini for my 37’, but I did find a place that makes Bimini frames and fabric for house boats, that’d be the right width. https://northstarproductsinc.com/
It will cost a little bit would worth it in the Florida sun..

Thanks Knotty! I think I will have a buddy at the marina make one for me. In the meantime, I have rigged up a triangular sun sail I had from Coolaroo, which works well, let’s me get up to the bridge and cuts down the sun. It doesn’t look too bad, I think.