www.iFourWinns.com

My 99 H200 doesn't have a bimini currently, so I'm starting to shop around. I have a quick question for the experts...does anyone know if an '05 H200 bimini would fit properly on my '99?

Edit: The 05 catalog says that top is for 04+. The beam on the 05 is 8'6" compared to my 99 at 8'1". So I'm guessing the width is not going to be correct.

TIA
-Scott

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'99 Horizon 200

I'd think you could make it work. The support poles have some flex to them, the diffeirence in beam you mention does not sound insurmountable (to me).

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

A lot depends on the end fittings used; the forward pair on mine are basically a ball and socket, a very forgiving design in terms of side top side variation in width. The rear pair are a hinge design though, and will not tolerate side to side variation much; they hinge in the front to rear plane only. There's nothing to stop you though from drilling out the rivets and remounting the hinge end couplings at right angles to original; they would then hinge in the side to side plane and allow for a narrower beam ! A lot of the flex in the frames comes about due to the sloppy fit of the tubes in the end fittings; I wouldn't recommend fitting a frame where the actual tubes were being flexed and the end couplings/ deck fittings being under strain.

Graham

Thanks for the replies guys! I don't want to have any flex on the bows/frame for the exact reasons you point out Graham. Any ideas if the bows are adjustable? I have noticed that several aftermarket biminis have a fairly wide range for thier width, more than the difference in beam here. I don't know if they are a cut to fit or adjustable width frame allowing them to work on different width boats.

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'99 Horizon 200

The frame on my 2004 Sundowner is not adustable. The tubes are stainless and are quite stiff ( and heavy, as I found out again last weekend when lifting it on board for refitting!). The tubes on the bimini frame on my '99 Sundowner were aluminium and more flexible; the mountings were different also ( with removeable pins if I remenber correctly)

I have no experience I'm afraid with aftermarket ones.

Might be worth you asking if anyone on here has a 1999 H200 that they could measure the spacing of the bimini frame mounting points. Also, if anyone has a post '04 they could do the same on. Comparing the 2 might give you an idea whether the '04 on frame mountings would fit within your beam.

Graham

Thanks again for the input. I think that I"m going to pass on the 05 Bimini. It is not likely to work out so probably best not to risk purchasing. I'll probably just end up ordering from greatlakesboattop or overton's as has been recommended by other forum members.

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'99 Horizon 200

Overton's has some nice options for a great price if you aren't worried about a full enclosure.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

My bimini is off and hanging in the garage. I just measured it and it is 8' across the main mounting points which are as described above a ball and socket type. When up it is secured forward with straps and a rigid post in the back that is also at 8'. The rear supports are flexible in the joints enough that you could adjust an inch or so either way.

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2005 Four Winns Horizon 200

Thanks for the notes jm...I decided to pass on this one. There is too much unknown to spend the money and risk it won't fit.

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'99 Horizon 200

Just put a new bimini on this weekend. Got mine from GMI tops http://www.gmitopdesign.com/, and it was really simple to install

Great quality and a very competetive price. Suggest you go for the stainless mounting kit also if you go this route..

Cheers
Dave