Bimini top size

john55c · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 7:13 am

Hi everyone! What size bimini top does everyone have for their Sundowner? I am looking at ordering one, and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. (boat is covered, I will measure once uncovered hopefully at end of March). I want to be able to stand underneath it (I'm 6'1"), but don't want it super high so it looks weird. Any recommendations on where to order one? Or should I go to local canvas shops?

Right now I have an original convertible top with enclosure, but as it snaps to the window, won't be useful on hot summer days. It will be perfect for Spring and late Fall though.

Thanks!
John

PackLeader · **Joined:** Tue May 28, 2013 6:04 pm **Posts:** 18

This reply may be a little late but I just discovered the thread. If it's of any use to you, check out the photos I uploaded here:

http://netwinn205.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

I have a 205 Sundowner and ordered a Bimini with a height of 44" for a clear height of 74" from the cockpit sole (floor). We're on the short side (5.5ft) but the higher clearance is more accommodating for taller friends. I've got no problem with the aesthetics of a taller bimini. I decided on a 6ft span of coverage for the aft two thirds section of the cockpit. We can raise the original bimini (which mounts atop the side glass frame) for the forward third. When the sun is high and too hot we erect both biminis simultaneously. I did this on my 1971 Chris Craft Lancer and copied it here. Works well for us. BTW- we are on the Cape too (Cataumet).

john55c · **Posted:** Thu Jun 27, 2013 5:50 am

Thanks for the reply. Interesting that you installed the bimini so far astern, I think that a cool idea. Thanks for the dimensions, I am 6'1", so i think those dimensions would work. I think I am going to wait to buy it this winter, because I am going to get an enclosure built by a canvas shop. Nice looking 205!

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:54 am

My previous boat was a 20' cuddy, and I had bought a 4-bar bimini from overtons that was called 8ft long (was really about 7.5'). Sorry I don't have any pictures, but it was mounted so the front edge was a few inches in front of the windshield top. It did a nice job, and at 6'1 I had plenty of room to stand anywhere under it. However the material was lightweight and did not compare to a sunbrella top.

PackLeader · **Joined:** Tue May 28, 2013 6:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Sunbrella solution-dyed fabric costs more but is the way to go in my opinion. Good color selection too.

PackLeader · **Joined:** Tue May 28, 2013 6:04 pm **Posts:** 18

BTW- while the original folding tops for both our boats attach to the windshield and stifle some air flow, we can open the center glass in the Lancer and the cuddy hatch in the Sundowner to compensate. Of course, we don't do this (or have to) while bouncing through the Buzzards Bay chop. If I could attach a .jpeg file I could show you quick pic. Looks like I will have to post Lancer pics to Shutterfly to further communicate however as I'm still fumbling with this Forum's methods.

john55c · **Posted:** Sat Jun 29, 2013 8:39 am

PackLeader wrote:

BTW- while the original folding tops for both our boats attach to the windshield and stifle some air flow, we can open the center glass in the Lancer and the cuddy hatch in the Sundowner to compensate. Of course, we don't do this (or have to) while bouncing through the Buzzards Bay chop. If I could attach a .jpeg file I could show you quick pic. Looks like I will have to post Lancer pics to Shutterfly to further communicate however as I'm still fumbling with this Forum's methods.

Yes, we have that original top and no airflow when attached to windshield. Other issue is that on the older Sundowner, the windshield is fixed and doesnt open in the center. I want to have it built taller with isinglass for the front and sides, but when removed, is a regular bimini top. I want to build the back enclosure as well and screens too for sleeping overnight here on Lewis Bay. Still waiting for a mooring..could be another couple of years.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:39 am

IF you're going to have an enclosure made, then there is some difference in how you want to mount it vs just using it as a Bimini. Most of the time the bows are mounted inside of the windshield frame if you want an enclosure, not on the outside of the gunnels as is more commonly done. Look at boats that have Biminis and enclosures and you will see 99% of them are that way. So that changes the size because you will need a narrower one. I put mine on that way and the way I did it was mount slider tracks on the inside of the coaming panels. That allow me to move it fwd or aft when fishing so its out of the way. I have not had the enclosure made yet but thats a future addition. Last years big job was the red Imron paint job (no more buffing gelcoat). Maybe next year for the enclosure.

john55c · **Posted:** Sat Jun 29, 2013 4:46 pm

Sounds good, thanks Lou. I was planning on using the original mounts from Four Winns which are on the inside of the side windows. Thinking about it, I think the slides along the combing may be a better idea. added strength and less pressure on the windows.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:43 pm

I had that same convert top on mine (hated it, too hot and could not see anything). I didn't consider using the OE mounts for a Bimini because it would flex that frame too much. Next I thought about mounting it on top of the gunnels inboard of the side windows...
If the windshield and top of the gunnels where the side windows on your boat are the same as mine or similar, the problem with putting the mount on top of the gunnel (my initial idea) is that the side window angles in and makes it impossible for the main bows to fit right. So that's why I came up with the idea of the slider mount on the coaming panel. The wood there is very thick and its much better than mounting the Bimini to the weak aluminum windshield frame these boats have. The glass is tempered glass and if you flex it too much or get a screw too close to it POP into a gazillion pieces. If you look at boats that have a Bimini mounted to the windshield frame as OE the frames are much stronger than the ones on these boats.
Mounting the OE convertible top to the windshield frame was OK because it does not move like a Bimini does.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:22 pm

My boat 99% of the time I keep the front and sides of the camper canvas zipped in. The rear stays off unless it storms.

PackLeader · **Joined:** Tue May 28, 2013 6:04 pm **Posts:** 18

My Chris Craft has the slider mounts so that the original top can slide back and stow at the transom. Very nice idea. I hear ya about the air flow, but unless you are in warmer waters, if it is stormy and the OEM top is set is air (cooling) flow a great concern? The OEM "bimini" is quite sufficient at shielding the elements during inclement weather. Certainly the OEM has lower head room (at least in the 205 Sundowner) and many taller folks desire the additional clearance at the helm. My suggestion was for a different kind of use for a different kind of boat too. You'll have to weigh what will best suit you.

The aluminum frames on these boats are poorly structured indeed. Which reminds me to post a different topic of inquiry...glass weatherstrip replacement.

neutron · **Posted:** Wed Jul 03, 2013 7:58 am

here is my 98...plenty of headroom from the windsheild to the back of the sunpad

neutron · **Posted:** Wed Jul 03, 2013 8:00 am

ric · **Posted:** Wed Jul 03, 2013 11:09 am

Taylormade bimini/camper sides. The rear panel has a zip down window with a screen too.

www.iFourWinns.com

Bimini top size

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