Bimini Questions

[swe67]

We just picked up a 2014 Cutwater 28 and had a few questions for seasoned owners about Bimini usage...

We put up the Bimini and now realize there is no easy way to tie/secure it open back up if you want to enjoy the sun on a good day or try and fish off the stern....It appears there is no zipper solution to allow me to "close up" the Bimini without completely removing it....We can "rig a tie", but it is less than ideal.....Anyone have a solution or a modified Bimini?

Thanks

Scott & Karen
Greenwich, CT

 

[pugtug613]

I am having an enclosure made with a re-designed top. In my opinion the canvas used is too thin anyway, probably only last 3 years. (just my opinion) But, you could add a zipper just behind the hard top??

 

[TonyM]

Hi There,
I am sorry that I can't speak to a design for you, but as far as a material to use I would not use canvas.

Sunbrella is the fabric that I would use.(I believe Sunbrella is what the factory uses) My 28' Newport sailboat has a dodger that I had built 15 years ago and it still looks in excellent condition. The boat has lived outdoors in the water continuously. Just keep it clean and follow maintenance suggestions.
http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/marine/

GoodLuck

 

[pugtug613]

When I say canvas I mean Sunbrella. It's like a Kleenex when you mean a tissue. There are different grades of Sunbrella and what the shops by me use is a little thicker then what comes with the boat. I guess on a large scale you can save some money by using a less expensive grade?

 

[SGIDAVE]

I am having an enclosure made with a re-designed top. In my opinion the canvas used is too thin anyway, probably only last 3 years. (just my opinion) But, you could add a zipper just behind the hard top??

Make sure you have your canvas maker use TEFLON (or PTFE) type thread...Tenara, Solarfix, or Helios are a few name brands. Standard bonded polyester will not hold up well in the sun...it is degraded by UV rays. The total cost of the thread upgrade will be miniscule compared to the cost of the whole canvas job.

And please post pics of the new design!

/david

 

[HRowland]

I am having an enclosure made with a re-designed top. In my opinion the canvas used is too thin anyway, probably only last 3 years. (just my opinion) But, you could add a zipper just behind the hard top??

Mine has been in the sun from early April to the end of October for 3 years now. I brought the top home this year and cleaned it per Sunbrellas instructions then reapplied the suggested protectant (303 Hi Tech Fabric Guard). It is still in near new condition and should last many more years. Granted this is New England sun, the tops on boats in the south may have shorter life.

http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/how/clea ... covers.php

Howard

 

[swe67]

Thanks....Sounds like I should use the factory one until it needs to be upgraded

 

[wtsawyer]

I haven't taken the time to fully explore my canvas, but it appears there exist all but one zipper that'll allow us to fold the Bimini back to the supports (not all the way to the cabin) with the exception of one, short half-zipper installed on the 'standing' portion of canvas and using the 'movable' center section.
This would expose about half the cockpit to the elements.
Anyone else reach this same conclusion?
Thanks.
Tom