Hard Tops

Bluejacket

Bluejacket

Active member
Joined
Dec 18, 2021
Messages
36
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2715H112
Vessel Name
Bluejacket
Dealing with an aging bimini and considering a hard top replacement. A quick web search has not been productive. Has anyone in the Mid Atlantic installed one? 2012 R-27.
Thanks and wishing you all a short mild winter.
Bluejacket
 
Hey BlueJacket, we are getting a quote from boat fiberglass/marine repair in Seattle for full aft cockpit hardtop. 30CB. Wonder why Cutwater does not offer this as an option.
 
I have been working on a hard-top replacement for our R-23 as well. I'm not a fan of the Sunbrella, as we store uncovered, and it's looking pretty nasty. We've already had to replace the stitching, as the orig was not very UV resistant, and it started falling apart and unraveling.

I had looked for a manufacturer in the Seattle area, and had no luck. I even considered taking a fiberglass tonneau cover for a full size pickup and modifying it (the dimensions were pretty spot-on). But I (and by "I", I mean my wife 😀 ) decided it would look scabbed-on, so I'm back to trying to find a fiberglass manufacturer to make one.

Can I ask who you found in Seattle?
 
Hello, I posted an inquiry about that and someone came back with a great idea with a plastic tee and pipe that will lift the canvas. Look up yogolferjim post and see his YouTube show; I would love a nice hard top. However, it's terrible when it puddles and ducks swim in it. It's the design Ranger Tug needs to address this ASAP!!!!!!!!!
Please keep me updated on the hard top I have a R27
Thanks

Jim
 
There are dozens and dozens of canvas shops in the USA and Canada that make Bimini tops and canvas enclosures. In the past Ranger Tugs worked with King Marine Canvas of Seattle to supply Bimini tops as an option for those customers who wanted one. I do not believe Ranger Tugs had any direct involvement in the design, fabrication or installation of Bimini tops on their boats. It was 100% outsourced just like the bottom painting.
I’d suggest finding out which canvas shop did your Bimini and contact them with your concerns. King Marine Canvas puts a tag on the canvas identifying their product. If your Bimini is not labeled by the canvas shop then I’d suggest calling your dealer or Fluid Motion to get the canvas shop’s contact information.
The canvas Bimini and side panels for our C-28 were included when the boat was sold by Cutwater. Unfortunately, it was not tagged by the canvas shop and neither the dealer or FM know who did the work. Fortunately for us, it’s a quality product. As it ages we have a local canvas shop in Southern Oregon doing minor repairs, maintenance and upgrades for us.
 
Hello My point is they need a hard top because the canvas doesn't work I have a replacement from king marine and its worse then the one that came on the boat everyone that has a canvas Bimini has a problem with this they need to step up and get a better solution then a canvas top……..
Thank you

Jim
 
Hello, NOW WHAT I JUST POSTED KING MARINE MADE A REPLACEMENT TOP FOR ME AND THEY DID A GREAT JOB AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS OUTSTANDING. IT IS THE DESIGN FROM RANGER TUG
THANK YOU

Jim
 
Just a thought. You might consider having a stainless tube frame made up to support a couple of solar panels that would extend over the cockpit. You would be getting the added benefit of a solar upgrade for less money than the cost of having a custom fiberglass cover made.
 
There's a guy here in Southport, NC who had a hardtop installed on his 2014 R31CB that replaced an older canvas bimini.
 
Thanks to all for your input and ideas - AND The Answer Is . . . that there is no satisfactory answer.
I found this site: https://boathardtop.com/ Which looks very interesting - fitting a hard top to existing bimini frames - great idea. So, who will be the first to order one - from halfway around the world? Seems a bit risky - but maybe after few beverages - who knows. Thanks again everyone. I'll keep looking and share any good finds.
Happy New Year to Everyone. Keep Well, Travel Safely and Keep On Tuggin' - Bluejacket
 
summer wind":1teow9ka said:
Just a thought. You might consider having a stainless tube frame made up to support a couple of solar panels that would extend over the cockpit. You would be getting the added benefit of a solar upgrade for less money than the cost of having a custom fiberglass cover made.
Click to expand...

I did this on my R-23. I still get puddles on my canvas. The solar works great at that location.
 
Come on Ranger tug company!!!!!! this is a BIG problem for all of us put a bulletin on how we can fix this. I have called two times and got no callback. You guys are great, but this one ??.........
 
yorangerjim":39gg1vbu said:
Come on Ranger tug company!!!!!! this is a BIG problem for all of us put a bulletin on how we can fix this. I have called two times and got no callback. You guys are great, but this one ??.........
Click to expand...
What problem?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Guessing water pooling on Bimini. I had that issue originally but Kenny at factory showed me how to carefully install and tension it which prevented this. Takes methodical approach but worked for me.
 
I'd just go to someone locally who makes aluminum or SS towers for center consoles or sportfishing boats. They will be the guy to make the struts and probably knows a guy who can form your hardtop.
 
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