www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 1997 Four Winns Horizon RX 180, that I am wanting to purchase a bimini to for. I have looked at numerous companies but believe I am going to go with TaylorMade. My question is, what is the best size / most common size of bimini top for this size of boat? 4 ft or 6 ft.? Also, where is the best place to mount the deck mounts? A couple of the companies recommended mounting them on the outside of the windshield for maximum coverage, others recommended mounting them to the inside of the windshield. Any help will be much appreciated it. I just want to make sure to order the correct size.

As far as mount points, consider whether or not the top you choose folds down against the back for towing. If it does, you might be ahead to mount outside the windshield so it doesn't rub the top rail when raising/lowering. The bimini on the '04-'05 230 is complicated and mounted inside the windshield. As a result, it's a 2-person job to raise and lower it in order to not tear up the windshield, gunwhales and coming pads. In '06 they switched to an outside-the-windshield, simpler design and as a result it can probably be done by one person.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I ordered my Sunbrella bimini from GMI Top Designhttp://www.gmitopdesign.com/ a couple of years ago and it has worked out well.

In fact, since we have the same boat, here is exactly what I ordered:

Length: 6 feet
Height: 40 '' to 46''
Width: 85 '' to 90 ''

Sunbrella Captain Navy #6046
1 adj support pole (pair)
1 SS hardware upgrade
2 quick release hinge

I have since added quick releases and shims to the side mounts as well, since the side mounts that came with the top were weak. There should be another post under accessories that will have more detail. If I can find the link, I will post.

Also, I created my own trailering legs out of additional materials. These provide a lot better stability when towing down the highway.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

Thanks for the reply's. Robbo3 did you mount yours on the outside of the windshield? That is pretty much what size I was thinking I would need to order. I just wasn't 100% sure.

Yes, i mounted on the outside.

This thread has a picture of my original mounting setup. http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3262&p=35049&hilit=bimini#p35049

I would recommend the quick release one, which is what I have now. It is much more stable. I don't have a close up yet, but can try to get one for you.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX