Bimini tops that attach to radar arch not fitting properly

Wayward Sun

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.
 
Long posts are good, provides more info. Kevin is the canvas man and will eventually respond. Where located? Usually best have a local canvas guy come out assess the situation. That’s what I do.
You really don’t want to tow with canvas up. It’s can handle 20 maybe 30mph winds stationary in a slip, boat canvas cannot handle road speeds.
 
Illinois. Short tow distance < 10 miles. I've owned boats before and towed them with the biminis rolled up and the boot on. I assumed that would be okay with this boat as well - maybe not. We have a great local shop close to the lake that does excellent work. I'm willing to take it to the pros - if it comes to that, but I'm hoping that I can do something short of that to get through a couple of more seasons. Thanks for your input !
 
Snap extenders are your friend! And yes @KevinC will be here soon to set us straight :D

816WIi4xBAL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
Phil - Thanks so much. I already knew about the zip extenders, but did not know about the snap extenders. That might help - thanks!
 
Wayward Sun said:
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.
Click to expand...

1) The stainless steel lanyards all seem to degrade over time. I personally cut mine off and would rather not have them. This works for me because I rarely take them out - maybe in the beginning and end of season to take off the canvas and store.

2) The Biminis are designed to fit tight. What you are running into is somewhat normal and canvas will shrink - especially the Seamark canvas if that is what is on your boat (Sunbrella with the vinyl coating on the inside). It seems that the vinyl will shrink more in the cold than the canvas. There should be some stretching when the canvas is warmed up in the sun. The trick I use is to wrap a line around the frame to use to pull down. Then I can put some weight into it and usually get it to snap in to the "tight" position.

3) Flex-a-rail track. If there is a lot of stress put on the track in the track will deflect and open slightly overtime. Replacement it determined by how bad it is and if it causes any problem. Both the Bimini top and sunshade will zipper to the valance slid into the track. You should then snap the Bimini or sun shade to the arch. This is what gives the main support. Then when you tension the bimini or sunshade it is the snaps that are holding it in place. What's the top snapped neither should pull out of the track that much. If you want to try to close the track a little bit you could try hitting it with a heat gun and pinching the channel closed a little bit.

4) Visors not reaching. The eisenglass (clear vinyl) will shrink when cold just a mentioned above. They will stretch a little and you may need to do it over time getting a little more closed each day. You may want to enlist the help of a tool called the topsnapper as it will allow you to get leverage when stretching.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

-Kevin
 
Thanks so much Kevin. I failed to mention in my original post about the possibility of the sun stretching it out a little. The canvas is black in color so that might help a little. I purchased some snap extenders just now from Amazon. I figure either way I might need them in the future depending on what happens with the other attempts on the other suggestions. We still haven't put all canvas up and checked for fit. I'm suspecting there will be more challenges. Thanks for the tip on the track. I might try that too.

Thanks EVERYONE !

I've been fixing a lot on the boat and have enjoyed it so far. Looking forward to getting it on the water soon. It's nice to have my hands in my toolbox again LOL.:)
 
yobub said:
@Wayward Sun things shrink when they get cold. It's going to be 80 degrees next week. Heat it up in the sun and give it another shot, then start making adjustments if needed.
Click to expand...
Hoping the weather will turn and stay warm. It's been a miserable spring in the midwest. Thanks for your suggestion.
 
Wayward Sun said:
Thanks so much Kevin. I failed to mention in my original post about the possibility of the sun stretching it out a little. The canvas is black in color so that might help a little. I purchased some snap extenders just now from Amazon. I figure either way I might need them in the future depending on what happens with the other attempts on the other suggestions. We still haven't put all canvas up and checked for fit. I'm suspecting there will be more challenges. Thanks for the tip on the track. I might try that too.

Thanks EVERYONE !

I've been fixing a lot on the boat and have enjoyed it so far. Looking forward to getting it on the water soon. It's nice to have my hands in my toolbox again LOL.:)
Click to expand...

If you have more questions post some pictures and I will try help.

BTW, when I purchased my 260DA it came with a camper. When I put upthe canvas i swore the camper sides were never gonna fit. Well it took a couple weeks and one snap at a time we stretched it. After that it was fine until I sold her.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
If you have more questions post some pictures and I will try help.

BTW, when I purchased my 260DA it came with a camper. When I put upthe canvas i swore the camper sides were never gonna fit. Well it took a couple weeks and one snap at a time we stretched it. After that it was fine until I sold her.

-Kevin
Click to expand...

Will do. Thanks again!
 
Wayward, can’t add anything to the canvas discussion. I have a 2001 280DA. Looks just like yours. What kind of refurb work you doing to yours?
 
DWABoat said:
Wayward, can’t add anything to the canvas discussion. I have a 2001 280DA. Looks just like yours. What kind of refurb work you doing to yours?
Click to expand...
Oh Boy, that's a loaded question - LOL. Here goes:
Replaced trim senders/limit both lower units
Lower part of lower unit - port engine
Shifter cables - Port side
Rebuilt stereo cabinet where head unit was installed. Previous owner replaced head unit and it did not fit at all. Cut HDPE board and installed. Also installed USB charger with VDC readout on it, added usb cable and ran feed for ipod classic
Removed Clarion 6 cd changer
Replaced all three batteries
Replaced all bulbs with LEDs
Repaired cabin door that was really hard to open/close
Replacing all tether and pins for biminis
Repaired and fixed multiple snap studs in deck and radar arch/hull
Replaced every snap on snap in carpet. It would not fit. The carpet was in nice shape - came from Corinthian Marine. Has the hydro-lock backing, but would not stretch. I totally reworked it and I'm very pleased with the outcome.
Filled holes on deck with epoxy in cockpit and covered with matching gelcoat
Replaced all bungee straps on rear of cockpit cover
Changed all fluids in lower units
Had boat completely buffed out
Generator fully services - oil, impeller and sparkplug (236 hrs)
Gimbal's, bellows and impellers replaced on both engines within the last 30 hours
Replaced all 8 trim hoses on both lower units that run from trim cylinders to transom bracket
Cleaned everything - cabin, cockpit, head and upholstery etc.
Brand new fridge
Bottom paint - 1 year old
Replaced nozzle at the wet bar
Lots of trailer work too

Things I still need to do:

Replace covers on windlass foot switches
Finish getting the biminis installed
Check camper enclosure for proper fit
Replace davit rollers
Replace navigation lights (both) - want LED and the lenses on original fixtures are foggy/sun faded
Replace rubber stopper for windshield
Fix drooping trim piece on swim platform
Fix/repair bent track on rear facing seat that folds down for sun bathing
Permanently hook up underwater leds. Previous owner had them directly wired to batteries posts with little alligator clips. Going to try to hook them up to the EIM next to helm. I think there should be a wire coming off there that I can use ACC 2 on the heal switch to turn on and off. At least that's what I've read
Check and replace carbon monoxide detector

Some of this list is simply getting the boat to my standards and "making it my own". Other items are "needs repaired or appearance isn't up to snuff. It's a lot of little things that in my opinion should have been replaced/repaired a long time ago. I don't let things go like that. If it needs replaced I get on it, especially safety things.

Thanks for asking
 
Pirate Lady said:
Dang Phil. I got snap extenders. Never knew about zipper extenders. Thanks for tip. When I put the boot cover over the rolled up Bimini and camper top it’s tight. This will make it easier. Amazon?
Click to expand...

This is the link I have bookmarked

https://www.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com/ez-xtend-boat-zippers.html

I just spent a small fortune on all new canvas this winter, can't wait to get it on.

But up until last year, one place a zipper extender would have been great is on the front windows. Mine shrunk so much I needed the snap extenders on all the bottoms to snap to the windshield. But with the snap extenders there was a gap where rain could get in .... and same with the bottom of the camper sides. These zipper extenders would hopefully let you keep your bottom snaps.
 
Wayward Sun said:
Oh Boy, that's a loaded question - LOL. Here goes:
Replaced trim senders/limit both lower units
Lower part of lower unit - port engine
Shifter cables - Port side
Rebuilt stereo cabinet where head unit was installed. Previous owner replaced head unit and it did not fit at all. Cut HDPE board and installed. Also installed USB charger with VDC readout on it, added usb cable and ran feed for ipod classic
Removed Clarion 6 cd changer
Replaced all three batteries
Replaced all bulbs with LEDs
Repaired cabin door that was really hard to open/close
Replacing all tether and pins for biminis
Repaired and fixed multiple snap studs in deck and radar arch/hull
Replaced every snap on snap in carpet. It would not fit. The carpet was in nice shape - came from Corinthian Marine. Has the hydro-lock backing, but would not stretch. I totally reworked it and I'm very pleased with the outcome.
Filled holes on deck with epoxy in cockpit and covered with matching gelcoat
Replaced all bungee straps on rear of cockpit cover
Changed all fluids in lower units
Had boat completely buffed out
Generator fully services - oil, impeller and sparkplug (236 hrs)
Gimbal's, bellows and impellers replaced on both engines within the last 30 hours
Replaced all 8 trim hoses on both lower units that run from trim cylinders to transom bracket
Cleaned everything - cabin, cockpit, head and upholstery etc.
Brand new fridge
Bottom paint - 1 year old
Replaced nozzle at the wet bar
Lots of trailer work too

Things I still need to do:

Replace covers on windlass foot switches
Finish getting the biminis installed
Check camper enclosure for proper fit
Replace davit rollers
Replace navigation lights (both) - want LED and the lenses on original fixtures are foggy/sun faded
Replace rubber stopper for windshield
Fix drooping trim piece on swim platform
Fix/repair bent track on rear facing seat that folds down for sun bathing
Permanently hook up underwater leds. Previous owner had them directly wired to batteries posts with little alligator clips. Going to try to hook them up to the EIM next to helm. I think there should be a wire coming off there that I can use ACC 2 on the heal switch to turn on and off. At least that's what I've read
Check and replace carbon monoxide detector

Some of this list is simply getting the boat to my standards and "making it my own". Other items are "needs repaired or appearance isn't up to snuff. It's a lot of little things that in my opinion should have been replaced/repaired a long time ago. I don't let things go like that. If it needs replaced I get on it, especially safety things.

Thanks for asking
Click to expand...
Ok. That is a list to keep anyone busy for a good while. Fortunately, I didn’t see any major engine work on your list.

Did you replace the Delrin balls in your door track when you made that repair?
 
Phil S said:
This is the link I have bookmarked

https://www.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com/ez-xtend-boat-zippers.html

I just spent a small fortune on all new canvas this winter, can't wait to get it on.

But up until last year, one place a zipper extender would have been great is on the front windows. Mine shrunk so much I needed the snap extenders on all the bottoms to snap to the windshield. But with the snap extenders there was a gap where rain could get in .... and same with the bottom of the camper sides. These zipper extenders would hopefully let you keep your bottom snaps.
Click to expand...
Last winter 2021, I had the new front top made. It is so stiff wrapping it around the frame, it’s very hard to get it wrapped tight, not very flexible, guess it will take a few summers to break in. Putting the boot on is tough, hence the zipper extenders.
We actually left the top up most of last summer because it was such a fight to wrap around frame and put boot on.
 
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