Bimini Top Help
 

Hey Wet Willy or anyone else that can help,

The guy I bought my boat from (1995 Z202) said the Bimini Top was never used. The top is stored in the engine hatch and I have a bag of parts that go with it. Is there a diagram or instruction sheet on how this thing goes up, and what parts are needed? I have not gotten the top out yet, but plan on it in the coming weeks.

Thanks,

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

If he never used it he dont know if it is a Bimini Top... Take it out and look at it.. Unwrap it and look to see if it has zippers, if it does it is most likely the camper shell thing like mine.. My Bimini will not fit back in the engine area your talking about. That area was made for the camper rain fly I think... The Bimini I have layes between the back headrest and the edge of the sun deck. The aluminim fram wont fit where your's is.. Check it out.. It might be what he said but It's hard to say until you take it apart.

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Hey thanks dlowings-When I get the boat back I will let you know what I found.

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

i have a 1996 202 and my top is also stored in the engine compartment. Tight fit.

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

If it any thing like my talari 94 210 the parts should be flat sheet metal with a snap on each metal part. the parts fit into the groves on the top of the windsheild and on the bottom of the top chrome strip . bottom part of the clip goes on metal so you will have to push the rubber down a little on the bottom edge.
hope i did you some good. let me know it you want i can get a picture of mine. so you can see how mine fits.

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Thanks for the help guys,

I will let you know what I have when I get the boat home. The boat spent two weeks in the body shop and is now at the mechanic getting new seal boot thingamabob for the out drive and a shift cable as well as a trailer bearing check.

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

i have the cockpit shade on mine

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Hey guys,


I have a cockpit shade. It looks like I'm missing a couple things. I will let you know if I get it together. Does anyone have directions?

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

There really isn't much to them or to setting one up. Here's how we do ours:

1. Pin the poles to the bases that are attached to the windscreen frame (pins should be on the bases)
2. Snap the canvas to the windscreen frame
3. Attach the straps to the loops on the gunwales (or windscreen frame)
4. Adjust the tension via the straps

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Hey thanks Dredd.

Can you drive around with the convertible top up? I plan on getting it up this weekend.

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

You can at 'in the city' speeds but at highway speeds you are putting a lot of stress on the bimini structure.

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Hi Danny, all tops, their frames and the attachment points will be subjected to a lot of stress but the convertible top can be used at most speed as it has more attachment points than a Bimini top and because the front of the top is attached to the windshield, it doesn't catch air inside like a Bimini top does.

I have used ours at near top end for short periods of time, but mostly while parked or cruising at medium speeds.

WetWilly

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Great-I'm going to try it out this weekend. I'll let you know the results. It is 80 degrees here in Madison, WI without a cloud in the sky. The next three days have the exact same forecast. I will be out in my Mariah loving life.

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the help and information. I now have all the screws and pieces I needed to use the top. We used it yesterday (85 and sunny) and it worked fantastically.

On my Z202 it stoes away beautifully under the back hatch. The trick is to unpin one of the hatch rams and it slides right in or out.

Thanks again guys.

Danny

Re: Bimini Top Help
 

I know this is an older thread but I thought I would see if I could get any replies. I have a 97 z272 and I have a cockpit shade. I believe the cockpit shade was part of a camper canvas package that (was supposed to) come with the boat as it has zippers on the side and back of it. I am missing the center section that I would consider the bimini. I have the sides and the rear piece that goes down over the sun pad. I believe these were made by Taylor but was wondering if anyone had any ideas other than having a new one made?

Thanks
Doug