www.iFourWinns.com

HI Guys;

Last year I bought a 2000 180 Horizon which came with full cockpit covers but no bimini or convertible top. I have been looking around at the various options and would like to know what other people think is the best option for protection etc. during the summer. I am over in the UK so unfortunately will not have to deal with as much sun as you guys in the US or Australia but probably still need some form of protection, and I am leaning towards getting the canvas convertible top.

Is it best to get the top directly from Four Winns, or some of the independant retailers on the web - any recommendations?

Thanks.

My suggestion for sun protection would be to get a bimini top. You can get it high enough so that you can stand under it. Also, you can get it in varying lengths to cover more of your seating area. A convertible top is typically needed for bad weather and usually only covers the captain/first mate area. You can typically only sit under a convertible top which has its limitations. With the bimini, if you get it with zippers, you could add front windows and side curtains if you wanted at a later time. There are all sorts of places to get tops and from what I have read many members go with other companies. From what I can recall, you have Greatlakesboattop (makes the current FW tops), GMI, Overtons, a few others that I forget and your local canvas shop. Do a forum search and you will find many suggestions.

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'99 Horizon 200

Firstly welcome
Secondly post some picx
thirdly + 1 to what yrless11 said
You will find LOTS of helpful people with loads of information here
enjoy your boat

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Welcome! I ordered my bimini through GMI and have been happy for the most part. My only complaint is that the stock side mounts don't work well if there is any type of angle to the side of the boat, but I think any place sends these out standard. I had a few questions in this territory about a year ago, most of which may be posted under the Boat Accessories topic

Since you're in the UK, there may be local places that can avoid the shipping cost.

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-Rob.


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

I would imagine in the UK, you are dealing sometimes with cooler temps and overcast skies. We have the same problem here in northern Ontario for the beginning and end of year parts of the boating season. Around these parts, convertible tops are seen more frequently, to provide protection from sudden showers and cool temps. It can make a huge difference in feeling comfortable when things cool down by snapping on the convertible top and side curtains, as well as having the bow cover on. Yrless11 got it right though, only the driver and front passenger are directly under the cover, so as a sun shelter its a bit limited. It does do a good job of blocking the wind in the entire cockpit.

Hope this helps.

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2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310