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!

Getting close to ordering one, I will have tons of questions, when I get ready to drill my first hole in my boat. But for now I have a question on about sealing the hole. I was thinking sealing the holes with 3M 4000, is this sufficient or should I use something else or is it not required?

3M 4200 would probably be best.

You will want to be able to remove the screws if necessary. 5200 could make that impossible.

Thank you SB

OH -

Just a suggestion, but I found having the rear poles instead of the rear straps very usefull. It allows for trailering and lets you set it in the " radar " position so you can run over 25 mph in stead of taking it down all the time.

I also spent a few $ for quick release mounts - JMHO but well worth the money for the convience.

Do you have any close-up pictures of your top? It looks like that would work perfect on my boat. The cover I currently have is a PITA and way to low. I am mostly interested in the mounting system in the front and back I like the ones that have rods vice straps in the back.

Thanks

Thanks for the heads up on the quick release and helping me spend more of my money. .

OH,
GMI Top Design in Canada had the best price. I got the rear poles and all stainless hardware. I wish I sprung for stainless poles- they prob are more rigid at high speeds. I have an eight foot top and my boat is 21' 4" bow to stern. Maybe with the dollar's drop in value GMI won't be as competitive. Their service was great.

GMI

GMI

GMI

GMI

My GMI has been great. Got upgraded to all stainless hardware even though I only asked for stainless pole hardware. I've had it for 3 summers with lots of use, it still looks practically new.

GMI

GMI

GMI

You've gotta do the assembly and install yourself, but it's really not that hard. Just measure a bunch of times before you drill. I rigged up a 2x4 to attach the mounting brackets to so we could test fit the top to determine final placement.

I've been accused more than one of getting enjoyment out of spending OPM BTW did I mention you would enjoy you Bimini much more if it were constructed of stainless steel vs. aluminum

The rear poles are available for any bimini top. they are used instead of the backstraps.





You can see where they are mounted in this picture.





The front straps just clip on to small "Pad eyes" in the front.




On Holiday did you get my PM?

I put these on the Supra when I put the bimini on it. They were worth it and made it so easy to put on and take off the top. Also, when you don't have the top on, you can accidentally sit on them on not rip you suit or arse open!!!

You won't be sorry.

Drilling hole for the bimini are a breeze. It's the below water line holes that are really un-nerving!!!