How much for a new Bimini top?

[sixtysomething]

Has anyone replaced their bimini? And how much should we expect to pay ? We just got our 1998 330 sundancer and the canvas is rotted, we went to zipp up and our fingers went thru the canvas.. It's never been replaced and I guess it's time but we have no clue how much that would be. We need to replace the entire thing and we also need To replace the closure. Any guess how much ? Thanks

 

[moparlvr4406]

Has anyone replaced their bimini? And how much should we expect to pay ? We just got our 1998 330 sundancer and the canvas is rotted, we went to zipp up and our fingers went thru the canvas.. It's never been replaced and I guess it's time but we have no clue how much that would be. We need to replace the entire thing and we also need To replace the closure. Any guess how much ? Thanks

Alot....
if you just need canvas and your bows are ok look at Great Lakes Canvas
or check with a custom shop and have made exactly what you want.

 

[Quint4]

I will guess 3 - 5 grand depending on the style enclosure you have.

 

[blaster]

I'm sure there are plenty of canvas guys in FLA, get quotes and refrences. 3-5 grand is a good ballpark figure, that's what most people have told me thay payed in the DC area for similar size cruisers. Don't bother with great lakes you need a custom job. Just don't get charmed by the first guy to come along. Its a long term investment so make sure you get a gut who uses quality material and thread and knows what their doing. Hence the references.

 

[wish2fish]

3-4K? seriously? are we talking the bimini or the entire surround?

 

[wish2fish]

Has anyone replaced their bimini? And how much should we expect to pay ? We just got our 1998 330 sundancer and the canvas is rotted, we went to zipp up and our fingers went thru the canvas.. It's never been replaced and I guess it's time but we have no clue how much that would be. We need to replace the entire thing and we also need To replace the closure. Any guess how much ? Thanks

Here you go. On ebay $2270 plus $99 shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Searay-330DA-Sundancer-Boat-Canvas-Enclosure-Set-/360274490694?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item53e2087546&vxp=mtr

 

[blaster]

Here you go. On ebay $2270 plus $99 shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Searay-330DA-Sundancer-Boat-Canvas-Enclosure-Set-/360274490694?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item53e2087546&vxp=mtr

That doesn't include snaps and installation, which would add to the price. Might not be a bad option though if the op is handy with a snap tool and has some time to kill.

 

[Billfletcher]

I had the forward canvas and isen replaced and that alone was 2500 on my 360. Yes I know I could have got it cheaper, but we used the best available stuff, and the heavy grade panels that look like glass, forgot the exact name of it. Worth every penny because it cost a lot for the view.

 

[Phlorida]

I replaced all of my canvas last year and used a custom canvas shop. The 3 bow Bimini with sunbrella fabric and 7/8" SS frame and new strut set was $967. The 2 bow Bimini with sunbrella fabric, 7/8 SS frame and strut set was $832.

If you happen to be on the Space Coast I can give you their contact details. Fantastic quality at great prices. Unfortunately they are in high demand and the lead times are long.

 

[Dasch Boat]

I just replaced the forward and aft biminis in the spring, they also replaced all of the zipprers on my isinglass panels and rear drops, as Great Lakes did not do my boats canvas originally I had to go the custom route and I only paid $1400.00

 

[Jack380AC]

3-4K? seriously? are we talking the bimini or the entire surround?

Yes, for your size boat (helm), that's about right depending on the number of panels, zippers, etc. I agree it a long term investment and it will enhance your enjoyment of the boat so here are some tips...

• Go custom, have them make a template specific to your boat
• Get minimum 3 quotes/designs
• Get references from boaters you know
• Go look at the work they have done on a similar boat
• get detail description of what they are going to do
• Be very specific about what material they will use
• Do your own homework on the material options, call Sunbrella and talk to them
• MAKE SURE they use the better, longer lasting thread. There is cheaper options that some fabricators use and it does not last 2 years - literally falls apart!
• Ask how the corners of the window panels will be made. If they take straight line zippers and just crunch them around to make curved corners - they WILL leak. Curved zippers are available and better. Trade off is you have to go with the sizes available.
• There are different thicknesses of plastic and some new varieties. Go thicker/better if you can.
• Most folks I know that included screens in the panels wish they hadn't bothered.
• Dark colored canvas hides the dirt but also fades and attracts heat.

Hope this helps. Jack

 

[BOXERDOGTY]

If you're near Tampa, I HIGHLY recommend Shumake's Custom Boat Tops. 30 years in business. I've used them multiple times on multiple boats. Like the other guy said, long lead times and not cheap, but quality brings a lot of repeat business.

 

[rblatter]

I had my bimini replaced, front and rear of the arch. Great Lakes tops, including shipping and zippers: $1200. canadian. Wait for the sale in the fall...

R.Blatter

 

[AMFM3]

Yes, for your size boat (helm), that's about right depending on the number of panels, zippers, etc. I agree it a long term investment and it will enhance your enjoyment of the boat so here are some tips...

• Go custom, have them make a template specific to your boat
• Get minimum 3 quotes/designs
• Get references from boaters you know
• Go look at the work they have done on a similar boat
• get detail description of what they are going to do
• Be very specific about what material they will use
• Do your own homework on the material options, call Sunbrella and talk to them
• MAKE SURE they use the better, longer lasting thread. There is cheaper options that some fabricators use and it does not last 2 years - literally falls apart!
• Ask how the corners of the window panels will be made. If they take straight line zippers and just crunch them around to make curved corners - they WILL leak. Curved zippers are available and better. Trade off is you have to go with the sizes available.
• There are different thicknesses of plastic and some new varieties. Go thicker/better if you can.
• Most folks I know that included screens in the panels wish they hadn't bothered.
• Dark colored canvas hides the dirt but also fades and attracts heat.

Hope this helps. Jack

I agree with Jack's sentiments 100%. It really depends on what you're looking for really. I agree that you have to use quality stuff. Sunbrella without a doubt. If you use existing structure, you're going to save money. The price goes up if you need new stainless fit and bent.

I worked with a local guy who has done work for me before. He's very good and we customized a whole new top with a camper addition. For our 370, to replace the 2 tops and new windshield clear pieces with the draped rear panels was 5k. The camper with top, 5 side / rear pieces with screens and 2nd screen pieces for summer was another 2k. That included the new framework at the stern for the canvas.

It is all custom and warranted for 5 years. There's a blog on my site with pics in the Pic and Video section on this site. Look for Canvas replacement - custom as the topic ... if you want a peak at it.

Mark

 

[Metabo]

I had my new canvas custom made. Got 2 quotes one for $4200 and one for $1600. The guy with the low price was highly recommend and I gave him the job. It only took him a couple of days to do and when I picked up the boat he showed me how to care for the covers and how to store them when not in use. I feel that I got a very good value for my dollar. The photo shows the new canvas. I have more photos under a thread titled 1977 SeaRay srv220 Hardtop.


Metabo

 

[Creekwood]

Here you go. On ebay $2270 plus $99 shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Searay..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item53e2087546&vxp=mtr

I bought one of these sets for my 97 330 last fall. They are made by Great Lakes who made the original ones on your boat. They are complete with all pieces including the isinglass. The snaps are not installed ( but they are included) so you do need to install them yourself or pay a local shop to do it. He sells a really good snap tool, which I recommend you get.

I suspect if one part is failing, the rest will also be not far behind. I would just replace them all at the same time. I am going to have a local shop turn my old isinglass sides into screens and the old slope back into a BBQ cover and helm cover since the fabric is still reasonably good.

 

[thompsdw]

I am just wrapping up a custom made bimini (just the top, no camper canvas) for just under $2,000. Just to compare, Great Lakes on sale would have been $750. They just didn't have my pattern.