I tried searching and couldn't really find anything related to this topic. If any of you do know of a link, please include it in this thread.

I am looking to add a bimini top to our 2001 Sea Ray 180. We always talked about getting one but now that we have a newborn, now is the time.

My plan is to go with the Sunbrella type fabric and use 3 bow frame 6' long. I plan to use an aluminum frame as we do 99.99% of our boating in fresh water. BUT I am looking for suggestions on what sizes others have for this size of boat. It doesn't have to be a Sea Ray but would like it to be similar in LOA. I even thought about an 8' long top but think that may be just too long for our boat.

I talked with a tech person, at a boating supply company, and he suggested that I don't go any taller than I really need to as it will act like a big sale. Plus if I have to cut the poles down, then I will need new ends. I am right at the point of going with a 40"-46" tall top or the next height of 48" to 54" tall top. I am about 6'1" and don't want to have to duck or feel closed in while standing under it.

Today I stopped by the SR dealer to see what their tops looked like and they tried selling me the boat. I already know that I wont be buying from them but it doesn't hurt to see some tops in person. It was a good trip because I saw that the tops had a diagonal brace that supports the top while it is folded up and does away with any rear straps.

Thanks for any insight you may have. If you have a picture of your bimini, please include them as well.

Have you priced these ?

several people of this board recommended http://www.gmitopdesign.com
We bought a bigger top for our boat from them and have been very pleased. Great price too

I'd sure buy the biggest top I could get. Tops that essentially shade just the 2 bucket seats don't do much for the rest of the cockpit.

I bought my boat used, sans top, and put one on right away. Best money I ever spent. I bought mine from FW, and had the choice of 2 sizes. Getting the larger top was the second best money I spent.

O.H.,

I was just at a place in Exton on Monday (on 100 just south of business 30) called Futureline. I knew he specialized in marine vinyl repair/replacement, but I stopped in to see what other marine services he provided. I spoke to Mark, the owner. Any rate, he also does custom fabrication of bimini frames, canvas (he uses Sunbrella), eisenglass, etc. Not sure of pricing, probably a bit pricey, but it's a place locally to start.

The Searay dealer near you, especially if you have some sort of relationship with him, check there first.

Ask them if they have any ordered or warranty-replaced biminis in their "old parts" storage area, usually referred to as some upstairs room that no one likes to visit.

My local Chap dealer had 3 brand new ones with order numbers/customer names on them that were more than a year old. They had not been able to get the customers who ordered them to come in and were more than happy to sell me one at less than 50% of list price. I think $100 cash did the trick.

It's worth a try...

Thanks for the leads on places to get one. As for pricing, I have a quote for a brand new 6' long top, as noted in my first post, for what it would cost 4 people attending a sporting event with tickets costing $50 each (installation not included). This is a brand new top and yes it is a totally legal purchase.

My point is to see if an 8' long top would make my boat look like a pontoon boat and not a bow rider and therefore be better off going with a 6' long top. I realize that at some parts of the day, the shade may not be under the top at all.

OH - As I said earlier, I'd really encourage you to consider the larger top. I have a friend who chose the smaller (of two) tops on his BR, and he regrets it. I'm less concerned with looks than I am getting shade for as much of the cockpit as possible, on those really hot days.

Also -- I wouldn't be too worried about the dealer saying the bigger top would be more of a sail. I have the large top on my 24ft Four Winns and love it -- I had the smaller top on my last 21 foot boat --it was ok, but the bigger is definitely better -- I also really don't see where the bigger top flaps any more than the smaller top. Just make sure it seems to be well designed and well supported. Go with the bigger one - as other people have said -- you won't be sorry ---

Sometimes is acts like a sail. That's when the front one gets collapsed. Around here a big bimini can be a great thing to have, especially when it's 120 in the SHADE.

Sometimes MarineMax clears out inventory on eBay.

I got one from http://www.websweeper.com/ and was very satisfied with the price and quality.

Ok, I am going to remeasure and see how the 8' looks.

18' boat with 8' bimini is 44% protected
18' boat with 6' bimini is 33% protected

I have a 6ft. top on my 18ft. boat and it works great. The shade coverage is dependent on the angle of the sun. The higher the top the more the sun will shine through the sides. I suggest getting the lowest top you can comfortably move under (not just walk, but move around with fishing poles or skis.). The ends that came with my top from GMI are removable for cutting the poles to the size you need. They just slide back on to cover the cut edge.

20 foot boat with 17 foot bimini is 85% protected!