Bimini Question

[NautiqueJeff]

I am planning to put a bimini top on my 95 Ski Nautique this spring. Does any one have any tips on good brands or ones to avoid? Also, any tip on installation would be appreciated.

Thanks, Blue

This post was missed durig the website conversion. Just moving it over.

[NautiqueJeff]

I purchased one from www.gmitopdesign.com made of Sunbrella, its the only fabric to use imho. Mine is logo red and it really looks great with my red stripe. GMI was the best price for sunbrella and it arrived in less then 10 days.

I upgraded to stainless hardware and used suport poles for the back instead of straps. The allow you to fold the top and prop it up if you dont want to use it.

[legmaker]

Check this out.

I put these on my 99 SN last year. They are great. Had to use the deck mount attachments because of the odd angle of the side of the wind shield. Mount them on the on the side of the top part of the window frame about an inch from the hull. It is only about 3/16" thick and there is a rubber gasket between the wind shield and the hull. Be carefull when drilling. Use a drill bit mounted stop if you can. Here is the cheapest place I have found them 19.99 +shipping

http://www.cabelas.com/

[tryan]

hollywood is harping on biminis. look out.

[Hollywood]

I'll sell you the bent canopy off of our '78 Harris Flote-Bote for $10 + shipping. Kinda bent, and needs some welding, but still works.

I don't have a problem with biminis as long as they aren't 10' off the deck of the boat and don't snap onto the windshield.

[skinautique]

Biminis are a life saver here in Florida!!! By the way, the new CC biminis are AWESOME!!!!

[wake_fun]

http://www.towerbiminis.com/

[morfoot]

Bought my 88' 2001SN from my old roomy and ski buddy. When I installed the top ( bought it from overtons.) I installed all the hard points on top of the rub rail through the rope insert. I didn't want to drill through the Gel coat so as to keep the boat as close to original as possible. Not to mention tripping or sitting on the mount points when top isn't in use. Also considered if I needed to replace the top in the future and the same mount points wouldn't work? Then I'd only have a couple of holes in the rub rail instead of my beautiful gel coat.
You also may need to account for an extended pole going through the top or not. I mounted mine so that the top is just in front of the skylon and the cable runs through the seam in top to the proper attach point. I had to rip the seam to allow the cable to run through but I reinforced the stitch back after final adjustments were made.(allow clearance for a shock tube.) I've had the top on it for two years and have NOT had any problem with loose hardware or seams ripping. Hope this helps you and any one else.

[dan1166]

Biminis are a life saver here in Florida!!! By the way, the new CC biminis are AWESOME!!!! You are correct. The new bimini tops from CC are very impressive. I tried to install one on my 1999 Ski Nautique. Well it fit, but it would not fold down in front of the windshield. The top had to be completely removed when not in use. Where do you put the top after you remove it? You know how crowded the ski nautique's are with a couple of skis and life jackets and 3 people.

I contacted the manufacturer of the top, not CC, and they said they only made tops from 2003 to present. Does anyone know a better way to mount the top? I really like the quality of this top.

[Christopher]

I am hoping to mount mine to the tower. It will then strap to the back of the tower when not in use.