denwatson
Member
- Aug 3, 2010
- 74
- Boat Info
- 2007 240 Sundeck and before that 1988 Sea Ray Sorrento 23
- Engines
- 350 MAG MPI BravoIII and before that 5.0 Merc 260 with Alpha drive
We love boating, but not the sun. Seems like the whole family spends lots of time at the dermatologist getting burned, cut and biopsied. So the hunt is on for more shade on board. First stop the Bimini top. After studying the Sea Ray top I came up with an plan to extend the top forward. First replace the original tie down straps with new SS arms. Attach the arms to the existing bow and the original strap tie down point on the deck. Then, attach a new bow extending forward to the new arms. In this case about four feet. In order to maximize new shade tilt the new extension down similar to a visor. To hold the new bow in place insert two new rafters extending from the original bow to new bow.
Only problem was will it work? We consulted with Curt, owner of West Coast Canvas at Tower Park Marina in Lodi, CA and he immediatly said "yes"! In fact, he gave us two choices. One, fabricate the new "visor portion" and zip it to the existing top or two, do the entire top new. We opted for the whole job since our top was six years old and showing wear. Curt used all new SS ball hardware and installed zipper pockets for the support bows a nice feature. The top will still fold into the storage position but is too large for the old canvas boot. Included with the top was a new boot minus the Sea Ray logo. We requested that the top be rolled down on the sides as far as possible and the new top is about two inches lower on the sides. So far a dramatic difference in shade, especially noticeable at the helm. Total tab $1100. Using the visor option $800. For those of you who boat in cold weather this is not an option since it messes up your camper canvas attachment.
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1) The old top, helm in sun as usual. 2) Looking aft at new top. 3) New top showing new SS bracing. 4) Deck mounting for new arms that replaced straps. 5) Closer view of new hardware. 6) New rafters and zipper pockets. 7) Rafter attachment to existing bow 7) Finished product.
Only problem was will it work? We consulted with Curt, owner of West Coast Canvas at Tower Park Marina in Lodi, CA and he immediatly said "yes"! In fact, he gave us two choices. One, fabricate the new "visor portion" and zip it to the existing top or two, do the entire top new. We opted for the whole job since our top was six years old and showing wear. Curt used all new SS ball hardware and installed zipper pockets for the support bows a nice feature. The top will still fold into the storage position but is too large for the old canvas boot. Included with the top was a new boot minus the Sea Ray logo. We requested that the top be rolled down on the sides as far as possible and the new top is about two inches lower on the sides. So far a dramatic difference in shade, especially noticeable at the helm. Total tab $1100. Using the visor option $800. For those of you who boat in cold weather this is not an option since it messes up your camper canvas attachment.
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1) The old top, helm in sun as usual. 2) Looking aft at new top. 3) New top showing new SS bracing. 4) Deck mounting for new arms that replaced straps. 5) Closer view of new hardware. 6) New rafters and zipper pockets. 7) Rafter attachment to existing bow 7) Finished product.
