Wayward Sun
Member
- May 5, 2022
- 32
- Boat Info
- 280 Sundancer 2004
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 Alpha Gen 2
Greetings - Just purchased our first cruiser. 280 DA Sundancer 2004. Twin 4.3 Apha Gen 2. Trying to get boat ready for season. While we were trying to figure mounting and deploying the bimini tops we ran into a few issues.
1. The braided cables that tether the quick release pins were broken or close to breaking. I have ordered new parts and have that under control.
2. Bimini's not fitting correctly. The canvas is in great shape. Snaps are all in working order as are the zippers. Both biminis attach to the attachment points (windshield & rear of arch) perfectly. Unfortunately, on the starboard side (helm position) of the forward bimini it will not "stretch" far enough to "click" into place. This is with all snaps snapped to the radar arch. It's short about 1/4 of an inch of clicking into place. Doesn't matter if the zippers are zipped or not. The port side of the forward bimini clicks into place. It's taunt, but I think it should be. The aft bimini will "click" into place on both sides under the same conditions, however on the starboard side there's an 12 - 14" section where the "valance" pulls out of the channel.
I'm surmising that the boat was exposed to more sun on the right side while docked and it shrunk (?) What are my options short of having all new canvas made for the the boat? Would also like to know about towing with these biminis in place as well as the bimini for the camper enclosure. Is that an option?
Sorry for the long post, but wanted to give as much info as possible. Thank you for any advice you may have.
1. The braided cables that tether the quick release pins were broken or close to breaking. I have ordered new parts and have that under control.
2. Bimini's not fitting correctly. The canvas is in great shape. Snaps are all in working order as are the zippers. Both biminis attach to the attachment points (windshield & rear of arch) perfectly. Unfortunately, on the starboard side (helm position) of the forward bimini it will not "stretch" far enough to "click" into place. This is with all snaps snapped to the radar arch. It's short about 1/4 of an inch of clicking into place. Doesn't matter if the zippers are zipped or not. The port side of the forward bimini clicks into place. It's taunt, but I think it should be. The aft bimini will "click" into place on both sides under the same conditions, however on the starboard side there's an 12 - 14" section where the "valance" pulls out of the channel.
I'm surmising that the boat was exposed to more sun on the right side while docked and it shrunk (?) What are my options short of having all new canvas made for the the boat? Would also like to know about towing with these biminis in place as well as the bimini for the camper enclosure. Is that an option?
Sorry for the long post, but wanted to give as much info as possible. Thank you for any advice you may have.