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Bimini top to the radar arch?
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Author:  702Steve [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 12:11 am ]
Post subject:  Bimini top to the radar arch?
Has anyone reconfigured their Bimini top to attach the radar arch? Can you put zippers on the arch? I would like to add/have lights on the arch with the top up.
Author:  jgreve75 [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 6:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
My 268 Canvas attaches to the arch front and rear. It is held in place by two tracks mounted to the arch with zipper halves that slide into the tracks. The front bimini and the rear camper top then zip to those. Both sides also have about a dozen snaps that hold the edge of the top securely to the arch to prevent it from flapping.
Author:  Bliss36 [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
702Steve wrote:
Has anyone reconfigured their Bimini top to attach the radar arch? Can you put zippers on the arch? I would like to add/have lights on the arch with the top up.


I would think just about any reputable canvas shop would be able to reconfigure your canvas to attach to the arch, but it would more than likely require a complete replacement of your camper top.
Author:  acguy [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
There are a few in our marina that have done it. It is an expensive adventure. I know a 328 in our marina did it and i thunk it was around 5k. And yea they had to replace all of it including the stainless frame
Author:  Lakebum [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 11:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
I was never a fan of the way our bimini top was routed below the arch, always admired the newer models that just seemed to look cleaner. It was time for new canvas last year, so I upgraded to the arch attachment. Called Four Winns to confirm that a 2004 factory top would fit a 1999. Great Lakes was running 25% off last feb, so I ordered the entire camper enclosure, bimini, and cockpit cover. I think it was just shy of $4K. Had a local canvas guy make a few adjustments, but over all I'm happy with the final product.
Image
Author:  acguy [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 11:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
That's good to know never thought of going at it that way
Author:  702Steve [ Mon Feb 17, 2014 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
Thank you for all the info. I went ahead and emailed Great Lakes will see what they say. Last year I added a screen enclosure. Would I be able to add more material or have to redo a new enclosure?
Author:  weather [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
We did the same last year. Since we never take the bimini off, we had the support system re-created to use a lot less poles and all new canvas. All in it ran ~$6k.

Image
Author:  NiagaraChillin [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
^ That looks very sharp!
Author:  acguy [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
Yes defiantly sharp. Just out of curiosity I email Great Lakes and got a price for 3k for updated canvas and then would still need a local shop to fit it onto the arch.
Not in the cards for me this year :-(
Author:  weather [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
NiagaraChillin wrote:
^ That looks very sharp!


Thanks! My only complaint is that the forward section bar is a bit lower than stock, so if I want to look to starboard when standing I need to duck ever so slightly to see under the canvas. Other than that, I'm very happy with it, particularly the lack of stainless bars all over the place like the original top had, so that it could fold.

If you do decide to get new bars made, my suggestion would be to 'test fit' by standing at the helm, before any canvas is cut.
Author:  702Steve [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
I received an email from Great Lakes they claim they cannot do alterations but they can sell the valance that connects to the arch and top two separate pieces for a little over $200. I might just cut a section of the Bimini out and replace it w isinglass and install the lights above that!! :) :) :) just kidding!!!!

I've done enough work on the boat this year it sounds like a winter project for next year.
Author:  weather [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
702Steve wrote:
I received an email from Great Lakes they claim they cannot do alterations but they can sell the valance that connects to the arch and top two separate pieces for a little over $200. I might just cut a section of the Bimini out and replace it w isinglass and install the lights above that!! :) :) :) just kidding!!!!

I've done enough work on the boat this year it sounds like a winter project for next year.


You laugh, but that's exactly what my original top had - lights in the arch and two 6"x6" sections of isinglass where the lights were. It worked, but it is much nicer to have the bottom of the arch exposed. Keep in mind when adding bits to the arch that the arch is aluminum, not FG so if you don't tap every screw hole, your going to want to be careful not to snap screws as you install. This is the reason my installer didn't want to install the long sections that a zipper or canvas would slide into - so mine is a combination of snaps, with an adhesive channel after the snaps. Never had a leak there yet. Wish i could say the same for my windshield!
Author:  702Steve [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bimini top to the radar arch?
Thank you weather I will keep that in mind if I decide to proceed with this project in the future. This year I had 2 - 20" LED light bars installed on the main walkway one underneath where the batt switches are and the other underneath the side panel before the cabin doors I'm going to try these out this year and see if I really need more lights. My mechanic hooked the lights up to the acc light switch on the dash.
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