How much for a new Bimini top?

[Jack380AC]

3-4K? seriously? are we talking the bimini or the entire surround?

Yes, for your size boat (helm), that's about right depending on the number of panels, zippers, etc. I agree it a long term investment and it will enhance your enjoyment of the boat so here are some tips...

• Go custom, have them make a template specific to your boat
• Get minimum 3 quotes/designs
• Get references from boaters you know
• Go look at the work they have done on a similar boat
• get detail description of what they are going to do
• Be very specific about what material they will use
• Do your own homework on the material options, call Sunbrella and talk to them
• MAKE SURE they use the better, longer lasting thread. There is cheaper options that some fabricators use and it does not last 2 years - literally falls apart!
• Ask how the corners of the window panels will be made. If they take straight line zippers and just crunch them around to make curved corners - they WILL leak. Curved zippers are available and better. Trade off is you have to go with the sizes available.
• There are different thicknesses of plastic and some new varieties. Go thicker/better if you can.
• Most folks I know that included screens in the panels wish they hadn't bothered.
• Dark colored canvas hides the dirt but also fades and attracts heat.

Hope this helps. Jack

[BOXERDOGTY]

If you're near Tampa, I HIGHLY recommend Shumake's Custom Boat Tops. 30 years in business. I've used them multiple times on multiple boats. Like the other guy said, long lead times and not cheap, but quality brings a lot of repeat business.

[rblatter]

I had my bimini replaced, front and rear of the arch. Great Lakes tops, including shipping and zippers: $1200. canadian. Wait for the sale in the fall...

R.Blatter

[AMFM3]

Yes, for your size boat (helm), that's about right depending on the number of panels, zippers, etc. I agree it a long term investment and it will enhance your enjoyment of the boat so here are some tips...

• Go custom, have them make a template specific to your boat
• Get minimum 3 quotes/designs
• Get references from boaters you know
• Go look at the work they have done on a similar boat
• get detail description of what they are going to do
• Be very specific about what material they will use
• Do your own homework on the material options, call Sunbrella and talk to them
• MAKE SURE they use the better, longer lasting thread. There is cheaper options that some fabricators use and it does not last 2 years - literally falls apart!
• Ask how the corners of the window panels will be made. If they take straight line zippers and just crunch them around to make curved corners - they WILL leak. Curved zippers are available and better. Trade off is you have to go with the sizes available.
• There are different thicknesses of plastic and some new varieties. Go thicker/better if you can.
• Most folks I know that included screens in the panels wish they hadn't bothered.
• Dark colored canvas hides the dirt but also fades and attracts heat.

Hope this helps. Jack

I agree with Jack's sentiments 100%. It really depends on what you're looking for really. I agree that you have to use quality stuff. Sunbrella without a doubt. If you use existing structure, you're going to save money. The price goes up if you need new stainless fit and bent.

I worked with a local guy who has done work for me before. He's very good and we customized a whole new top with a camper addition. For our 370, to replace the 2 tops and new windshield clear pieces with the draped rear panels was 5k. The camper with top, 5 side / rear pieces with screens and 2nd screen pieces for summer was another 2k. That included the new framework at the stern for the canvas.

It is all custom and warranted for 5 years. There's a blog on my site with pics in the Pic and Video section on this site. Look for Canvas replacement - custom as the topic ... if you want a peak at it.

Mark

[Metabo]

I had my new canvas custom made. Got 2 quotes one for $4200 and one for $1600. The guy with the low price was highly recommend and I gave him the job. It only took him a couple of days to do and when I picked up the boat he showed me how to care for the covers and how to store them when not in use. I feel that I got a very good value for my dollar. The photo shows the new canvas. I have more photos under a thread titled 1977 SeaRay srv220 Hardtop.


Metabo

[Creekwood]

Here you go. On ebay $2270 plus $99 shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Searay-...087546&vxp=mtr

I bought one of these sets for my 97 330 last fall. They are made by Great Lakes who made the original ones on your boat. They are complete with all pieces including the isinglass. The snaps are not installed ( but they are included) so you do need to install them yourself or pay a local shop to do it. He sells a really good snap tool, which I recommend you get.

I suspect if one part is failing, the rest will also be not far behind. I would just replace them all at the same time. I am going to have a local shop turn my old isinglass sides into screens and the old slope back into a BBQ cover and helm cover since the fabric is still reasonably good.

[thompsdw]

I am just wrapping up a custom made bimini (just the top, no camper canvas) for just under $2,000. Just to compare, Great Lakes on sale would have been $750. They just didn't have my pattern.