homemade bimini

javelin · Post by **javelin** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:32 pm

A while back I saw a picture of a bimini for a 26. It had red canvas and I printed it off. However there are no measurements. Has anyone made their own bimini ? What kind of braces did you use ( single pole like a tree or rectangular fore and aft poles ?) I want to be able to stand up at the tiller. The measurements I took were length 50 ", height 68" and width 74". I would also like to brace it attached to the toerail rather than put any more holes in the hull ( or coaming ). With taxes, the pros from Toronto wanted close to $ 2000.00 THAT'S NUTS !

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:39 pm

Ron made his, thread is here

viewtopic.php?t=929&highlight=bimini

I bought a cheapie from www.safeguardcovers.com, $169. I mounted it to the toe rails, but am thinking of mounting it to the top of the stern rails for stand up room as you say. Not sure if it is feasible yet to have the bimini up that high.

frankyd · Post by **frankyd** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:24 pm

I made my own bimini. It almost looks store bought. I spent $40 total. I got a large random bimini frame used for $19 and cut it down in height and width until it suited my needs. Then I got a waterproof cloth tarp, maybe a polyester or denier fabric? I fitted it in place and thought i would sew it in place but ended up pulling it tight on the frame and shooting self tapping screws through it and into the bimini frame. The screws are installed on the inside of the frame where the fabric almost begins to wrap over on itself. Plan on modifying whatever you buy, remember youll have to cut it for the back stay. Next for me will be a dodger but I havent decided if Im doing a hard or soft dodger.

javelin · Post by **javelin** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:50 am

Thanks I order one from safeguard. Cost was $213 with shipping. Thanks for the tip. Russell

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:22 am

EE,
How is the quality of that bargain bimini? I know it's not Sunbrella fabric, but is the frame OK?

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:56 am

javelin · Post by **javelin** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:37 am

For the backstays, thought I would cut the back crosspiece, get pass the backstay and reconnect the crosspiece using an internal tube inside the original back crosspiece. The canvas would be cut down the middle until the backstay has passed through. The " cut " would be reconnected by velcro or grommets and rope threaded through the grommets. I will have a better idea when the bimini arrives and will post what happens. Thanks for the tip about connecting the braces to the toerail. Russell

javelin · Post by **javelin** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:38 am

For the backstays, thought I would cut the back crosspiece, get pass the backstay and reconnect the crosspiece using an internal tube inside the original back crosspiece. The canvas would be cut down the middle until the backstay has passed through. The " cut " would be reconnected by velcro or grommets and rope threaded through the grommets. I will have a better idea when the bimini arrives and will post what happens. Thanks for the tip about connecting the braces to the toerail. Russell

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:40 pm

Actually you won't need to make that cut in the frames - they come in halves you put together !

I made a set of instructions of how I installed mine with some graphics on EE's site. Click Here for them.