Recommended Bimini Top for 2008 H180

Bobaloo · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2011 6:53 am

I would like to order an good quality aftermarket (Taylor Made, Westland, etc.) Bimini for my H180 before the Spring. My boat is currently shrinkwrapped so cannot make any measurements now. I am curious if anyone knows what size (width & height) I would need. I assume a 6' length. Also, I plan to mount it outside the windshield frame (seems the most common from my searches). Would I need a horizontal, vertical or ball & socket type of deck mount? Any suggestions? Thanks.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2011 3:59 pm

I got a factory bimini for my boat, works perfect

Bobaloo · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2011 5:24 pm

ric wrote:

I got a factory bimini for my boat, works perfect

I bet the OEM bimini is at least twice the price of an aftermarket one... not worth it to me since I will not keep this boat for more than 2-3 years.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Aftermarket with stainless hardware- probably around 400ish if you get a sunbrella type bimini...personally, if i was only keeping the boat for two years I would just buy a good floppy hat.

Your best bet would be craigslist....I got one I will sell ya for 300 including stainless hardware - you pay shipping;) It's a sunbrella, but "jockey red" so not sure the color you want. I even have teh support poles.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2011 10:51 pm

Bobaloo wrote:

ric wrote:

I got a factory bimini for my boat, works perfect

I bet the OEM bimini is at least twice the price of an aftermarket one... not worth it to me since I will not keep this boat for more than 2-3 years.

Yes, and also fits perfectly. Looks way better then a generic aftermarket top. The back is aluminum pipe, no straps, so you can keep it up and have full access to the back seating, but the top folded back like a convertible top so you get sun. If you want shade, grab it forward, and just attach the 2 straps to the windshield frame mounts.

Bobaloo · **Posted:** Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:58 am

ric wrote:

Bobaloo wrote:

ric wrote:

I got a factory bimini for my boat, works perfect

I bet the OEM bimini is at least twice the price of an aftermarket one... not worth it to me since I will not keep this boat for more than 2-3 years.

Yes, and also fits perfectly. Looks way better then a generic aftermarket top. The back is aluminum pipe, no straps, so you can keep it up and have full access to the back seating, but the top folded back like a convertible top so you get sun. If you want shade, grab it forward, and just attach the 2 straps to the windshield frame mounts.

Can also get the rear supports with an aftermarket top. I know how they work. I was asking for an aftermarket recommendation.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Bobaloo - you asked for advice and you got it. Maybe i read it wrong but sounds like you are miffed about something. If you know how it all works then go get it! Major brand aftermarket tops are a google search away - enjoy.

Bobaloo · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:50 am

TX H210SS wrote:

Bobaloo - you asked for advice and you got it. Maybe i read it wrong but sounds like you are miffed about something. If you know how it all works then go get it! Major brand aftermarket tops are a google search away - enjoy.

No, I asked for possible measurements, recommendations on aftermarket choices and the type of mount I would need for mounting the main bow outside of the windshield. I do know how it all works but was curious about a few things since my boat is shrinkwrapped and I cannot perform any measurements at this time. No big deal since I will not order a top until the spring time anyway. It's just a bit annoying when I ask for one thing (aftermarket) and I get a dumbass response of "I got a factory bimini for my boat, works perfect". :roll:

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 8:05 am

Quote:

and I get a dumbass response of "I got a factory bimini for my boat, works perfect".

Consider the source.........

ric · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:59 am

A source that uses his boat more hours in a week then most people on this forum in 2 months. A source that does all his repairs and upgrades. I was on my boat 5 hours yesterday after work, what were you doing?

I might only be 29 years old, but this is what I learned in my 29 years of automotive, motorcycle, and boat repair: If you want something to last, buy it from the dealer. If you want to save a few bucks short term and replace it in 2 years, buy aftermarket.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:00 am

A source that uses his boat more hours in a week then most people on this forum in 2 months. A source that does all his repairs and upgrades. I was on my boat 5 hours yesterday after work, what were you doing?

I might only be 29 years old, but this is what I learned in my 29 years of automotive, motorcycle, and boat repair: If you want something to last, buy it from the dealer. If you want to save a few bucks short term and replace it in 2 years, buy aftermarket.

Bobaloo · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:37 am

I never said he didn't know anything about boats or equipment. Geez... what's with you people. I only implied that he could not comprehend the original question of measurements and mounting option. Where did I ask for any comparison of OEM vs. aftermarket???

It's like me asking what is the best way to slice a filet mignon and getting a response of "I like chicken". Get it?????... oh wait... probably not.

p.s. there are many aftermarket products that beat out OEM products day in and day out. That's why some buy a new car and have it ripped apart to install custom engines, leather interior, etc... all aftermarket. :shock:

230 Mike · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:36 pm

What's wrong with chicken?

:mrgreen:

chrisvs · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:16 pm

I like hamburgers... :twisted:

I haven't purchase an aftermarket bimini, but I would probably go for something like this....

http://biminitops.iboats.com/Four_Winns/180_Horizon_(2006-2008)/?cart_id=757762422

the 6 footer in sunbrella fabric. $348 sounds like a fair deal.

Bobaloo · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:52 pm

chrisvs wrote:

I like hamburgers... :twisted:

I haven't purchase an aftermarket bimini, but I would probably go for something like this....

http://biminitops.iboats.com/Four_Winns/180_Horizon_(2006-2008)/?cart_id=757762422

the 6 footer in sunbrella fabric. $348 sounds like a fair deal.

Thanks chrisvs. I like burgers too! :wink:

I was wondering if Taylor Made & Westland were the same quality. They also show 36" height. I wonder if that's taller enough to stand up under. I guess I'll just wait until the shrinkwrap comes off in the Spring before ordering anything.

www.iFourWinns.com

Recommended Bimini Top for 2008 H180

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