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Aftermarket Bimini Top
Have a 1994 z220 Talari.....don't like the factory bimini - snaps on the windshield.
Has anyone installed an aftermarket bimini? Wondering what size to get (6 or 8 ft available....seems 7 would be about right..??). I'm thinking 25-35" rise if I can mount to the existing mounts....barely tall enough to stand under providing max shade. |
Hi dharby,
The top you have is typically referred to as a convertible top where as the Bimini is relatively flat front to rear and from what I have been told, is designed for running at slower speeds. Any good canvas shop can make a Bimini top and support bows to your specifications while using your existing mounts. With a top that long, you will need a second set of bows and mounts in the rear. I suggest you use only Stainless Steel poles and components; they last almost forever as compared to plastic or aluminum. Another thing, if you do go long with the top, you might what to invest in the larger diameter 1" tubing verses the 7/8"as well. You also have quite a choice in materials but from my experience, I'd choose Sunbrella. We have a 1996 Z240 Talari and I am working with a local Canvas shop that did my bow and windshield covers. I'm looking at going about 8' long and just and about 74” from the floor to the underside of the top so I can stand under it and still have shade all the way back to the sun pad. Now because I plan to go with a long top, I too will need will need to have another set of mounts installed towards the rear for the second set of bows as well. Regardless of whom you have do the job, first ask to see their work on other customer boats to make sure quality, fit and finish is up to your standards and inquire about the warranty they offer on their work as well. Good luck, WetWilly |
Thks for the advice WetWilly. For front & rear mounts I was thinking steel poles on the rear (allowing me to stowaway/foldup the top in the upright position) and ties for the front. Was considering doing this myself as it seems I only have 4 mounts to attach - and then some assembly. Is it going to be tougher than I think? I'm a so-so DIYer...did install stereo and some other small stuff, yet have a pro winterize me and do anything engine/drive related.
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Biminy Tops
Hi, What WetWilly said is accurate. Bimini tops do not fasten to the windsheild but sit above it. Wind gets under the top. (So does rain) You can buy a bimini top from places like Overton's and, depending on your budget, they are probably cheaper than having a trim shop make one custom. They are not what I would call difficult to install but may be a little flimsey for speeds above about 35 MPH. My 18' Mariah Diablo factory convertible top covers the driver and passenger seats well and lets everybody else bake in the sun. I have installed biminis on two different boats.
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Geno: What year Diablo do you have ?
On the topic of tops, I would be interested in getting a support pole for my top so that the top can stay up and above us, rather then stored along the side of the boat OR left back at the dock The photo below basically is the idea I had for mine: http://www.craftcoverings.com.au/ima...t_envelope.jpg OK .. .gotta get back to work now ... ROFL! |
My Mariah
I have a 1993 Diablo 180 in the outboard model. I have found that outboards have some very definite advantages in terms of lighter weight, easier service and greater fuel economy with the right one. I have a Suzuki 140 4 stroke efi on this boat.
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Ryan - your picture is exactly what I want to do. I think I need a 36" tall by 79-85" wide top. The length is my dilemma...8ft seems too long, 6ft too short (only covering front 2 seats). Can't find a 7ft top. Have seen the metal polls to hold the top up for storage (as in your picture).
Almost ready to pull the trigger and try this myself. May take the cheap route (aluminum and white vinyl) in case I don't like it. I think my Mariah top is aluminium and white vinyl anyway. |
Installed aftermarket bimini this weekend.
I bought and installed the $250, 8ft x 74-78" x 36" 4-bow Marine white vinyl cover from Overton's. It was simple - only took an hour - and looks to be just right. Now I wish I had sprung for stainless hardware :(. I have pics if anyone interested (email me at [email protected]).
I put it on a 1994 Talari z220. |
Did the 8ft top and it turned out well (I think it did;).
Pictures of the top (and new bow teak floor) uploaded to 1994 dharby's talari z220. |
Bow mount location?
The factory mounted the top bows to the windshield frame, which does not appear to be too strong of a place to use for the mounts. I have spoken to bimini installers and the message I get is that they also discourage using the windshield frame and suggest mounting directly to the hull. They have said glass breakage and windshield frame flex becomes an issue with amount of stress from a bimini at higher speeds and also with winds. Anyone had any experience on this choice?
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Hi dharby,
Thanks for the pictures! I really like the teak floor cover, it is definitely something you don't see on a power boat, and it should last for many many years. The picture of the top, it looked like you just got it on and hadn't had a chance to tension it up to smooth out the wrinkles, is that right? Anyway, it looks like a factory top from the pics, good job! :wink_thumbup: Hey Rick, Thanks for the info about not using the windshield mounts for the Bimini top, That was just what I was going to do :eek_animated:, now I'm going to really have look into where I'm going to mount it because I want to add a wake tower in the near future and it would be a shame if the two got in each other's way! Thanks again, WetWilly |
Wetwilly - I did just get the bimini on, however I did have the front straps tightened down and couldn't get those wrinkles smoothed out. Any tips for me?
I was running out of time and have a hunch that moving the location of the 2 small center bows up or down will tighten it up,? |
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Hi dharby,
Since you have the vinyl, it's easy, a little heat will smooth things out so you have a couple of options here... 1) Just let the sun do the warming and keep tightening it as the vinyl gets softer, just don't over tighten. 2) Take a hair dryer and being careful to monitor the temperature, slowly heat the creases while you use your hand to smooth it out (using your hand allows you to feel if the top is getting too hot). Stop every once in a while to tighten the top as you go. #2 is the faster way but just be careful not to get the top too hot and melt the vinyl. It'll take a little time but after a little while, your Bimini will be nice and smooth and tight! In the end, you want your Bimini to look as relatively flat as possible across the top. I would adjust the center bows as wide as you can, then go back and tighten the outer bows, after that, use the inner ones to take up any slack. Here's a small picture for reference. Good luck, WetWilly |
thks WetWilly!!
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Re: Aftermarket Bimini Top
Just wanting to know if you ever found support poles? I would like to do the same for my 2001 z212 shabah.
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Re: Aftermarket Bimini Top
Sure did. Taylor Made Adjustable Bimini Support Poles. Sold many places, I think I bought from here:
Taylor Made Adjustable Bimini Support Poles 11995 - iboats.com |
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