185 and bimini top

C

capt tuna

New Member
Apr 18, 2007
4
ahoy mates, first time poster and new member,soon to be owner of 2005 185 sport, was wondering about the bimini option and does it store nicely when not in use or a stumbling hazard,since its about a $ 600 option would like opinions and whether others feel it is a have to have...thanks in advance
 
I wish my 99 190 had come equipped with one. I like basking in the sun as much as the next guy, but it sure would be nice to have some shade from time to time on those cloudless summer days.

Obviously, I can't help you with your other question, but I'm sure someone else will chime in shortly.

BTW, welcome aboard, my friend!!! :grin:

Paul
 
I live in Florida, and with the blazing summer heat and sun, I can't imagine not having a bimini to hide under when the sun gets too much.
 
Welcome to CSR!!! Only you can answer that question. Personally we have only had it out opened up twice on our boat. But I do like the way the boat looks with it closed. I actually thought it was standard. It does not get in the way at all. If you are looking at a 05 does it already have the option on it or are you going to have to purchase the option? :huh:

Wesley
 
thanks for the input gang and know the summer sun isnt healthy anymore,main concern would be kids and relatives using the support arms for their own support,does it prohibit access to the eng. and sunpad when fully reclined....would also like any recommendations on the best dock protection on med size lake ..ie whips, dock shocks, mooring arms.... this sweetie doesnt have a blemish on her and I would like to keep it that way, wishful thinking eh?
 
We use ours mostly to keep the sun off of our son. It stores out of the way. You wont even know it is there. I like the looks better with it down, but it is nice to get out of the sun sometimes. They are quick to unfold and put away as well. If you have kids, you will be glad you have one. you can see in this pic. it is not in the way.
boat2007034.jpg
 
thanks Sport, got a grandson I hope to get out boating soon,I was 8 weeks on my first ride ( now 40ish) so the top looks like money well spent,how about the best way to minimize scratches at the dock,had bumpers on other boats and the will leave marks eventually, your ride looks mint!
 
Capt tuna,

Each area is different, so you may want to look at what other boaters in your area do. It depends on what you have do deal with for docks, etc. Where I boat in OR, the docks are new, well made, and I normally don't use fenders. The docks are padded. But I know that is not the norm, so look at what you need.

You need to look through this web site, and look for cleaning, polishing, waxing threads. Also Porter-Cable would be a good search term.

I think with proper care, the fenders should not leave you boat worse for wear. You should be able to keep the hull in better than show-room condition if you make the effort.
 
My boat looks mint because it is new. I have trouble at the dock as well. The boat sits down so far in the water that the bumpers dont work like they should. I tie both ends of the bumper to the boat so I can make it sit higher. When I can, I put the boat right in the middle, and tie off on both sides so the boat never touches the dock, and board from the bow.
 
Oh. Now the problem is very clear. Boat is too low compared to the dock. You just need to upgrade to a 260! :thumbsup:

I read about all the people upsizing boats and think I never did that. But in reality, at the first visit to the SeaRay dealer, I looked at the 240 sundeck and decided it was perfect for me. The salesman offered to let me look at the sundancers too, but I declined. I knew I had already found the right boat.

But I look around a bit more, at other dealers, on the internet, we all know the routine. Looked at some 270 Sundancers, started comparing them, checking what they really could be bought for. Looked at one at the dealer, but it wasn't cleaned up very well.

Then was on the phone talking to the salesman, 200 miles away, about the boat. He tells me a price, they want to move the boat. After a few minutes of talking, I tell him "you better put my name on it".
 
ahoy mates,padded docks will certainly help, Ive padded my own, but with a smaller boat and a any good wake or chop coming ashore it can get bounced pretty good, sometimes under the pad rails or on top depending on the wind strength, and I do see alot of boaters with the whips, there seems to be quite a selction ,was just wondering if anybody had any experiance, with good, better ,best, ease of use etc. probably go thru all this trouble keeping the boat from the slightest contact with the docks and wife will probably ram the dock first chance she gets, that is if I ever let her at the helm, maybe a massive heart attack or stroke and she 'll get her chance :smt043
 
The bimini is well worth the money plus you can put zippers all the way around it and have a place to hang your custom made canvas so you can use the boat in cool weather. I say custom made canvas because unless Sea Ray has changed you cannot buy it factory made.
 
How about foregoing the option and purchasing an aftermarket bimini? $600.00 it a lot just to have a Sea Ray logo on it.

Anyway, we always use ours (purchased last season from Overtons, Sunbrella material). Ours stows fully down, lying on the rear sunpad. I purchased slider rails (from Taco marine through Boaters World)) so that it can slide backward and forward wherever it needs to be positioned. Works great.

Tom
 
midway said:
The bimini is well worth the money plus you can put zippers all the way around it and have a place to hang your custom made canvas so you can use the boat in cool weather. I say custom made canvas because unless Sea Ray has changed you cannot buy it factory made.
Click to expand...

I am pretty sure searay make them.
 
I think all that they have for an enclosure is the convertible top with a full enclosure for it, which is ok, but you can not stand up under the convertible top where with the bimini and full enclosure you can move around like you want to behind the windshield.
 
I received the optional bimini when I purchased my boat and I never regretted it. It doesn't get in the way and the Texas sun does get hot in the summer!
 
As Gunn suggested above. Why not just get an after market top. It's what I did. :grin:

I just ordered a 3-bow, 6' top w/ the support poles from Overton's for under $300. (more $$$ if you want stainless instead of plastic mounting hardware)

Granted I am going to have to install it myself, but it definitely doesn't look to be to monumental of a task to install it. I am actually lookig forward to being able to set what part of the cockpit the top covers as opposed to having to live with the factory installed location.
 
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