How would i make a water proof seal for bimini top to radar arch?

One way would be like the newer boats. They use a zipper - one part of the zipper gets permanently (relatively) attached to the arch. If you want, stop by the store sometime and I'll show you. I don't recall if it'd be easily adapted to an existing arch, or not. There might be a groove built into the arch.

Maybe someone with a newer arch can clarify.

You could just snap the bimini canvas onto the top, horizontal surface of the arch - using a rubber gasket material under the edge of the canvas.
 
On top of the arch they use snaps BUT the main part is a long piece of metal that runs port to starboard only on the top.It is called a valance track.It has a slot in that runs the width of the arch.That slot accepts a hard rubber type tube that is sewn into the bimini.This simply slides right in the slot and the snap just make it more durable.

Just take a look at one and it will be obvious how simple it is.
 
shore said:
On top of the arch they use snaps BUT the main part is a long piece of metal that runs port to starboard only on the top.It is called a valance track.It has a slot in that runs the width of the arch.That slot accepts a hard rubber type tube that is sewn into the bimini.This simply slides right in the slot and the snap just make it more durable.

Just take a look at one and it will be obvious how simple it is.
Click to expand...

Is that how it is on the newest ones, too? I've just never looked that closely at it, but I do recall zippers. What you're describing sounds familiar, too.

Here's another idea... How about keeping things simple? Sew in some clear vinyl where the lights would shine through. Use some nice, thick stuff. You'll probably want to switch your light bulbs to LED, though, since the halogen bulbs might yellow the vinyl from the heat.
 
I was thinking about the clear vinyl idea as well. But i thought i would loose to much light since the boat of the radar arch is about 2.5 inches away from the bimini top
 
lime4x4 said:
I was thinking about the clear vinyl idea as well. But i thought i would loose to much light since the boat of the radar arch is about 2.5 inches away from the bimini top
Click to expand...

If it's clear, it's clear, right? :smt001

The thicker vinyl will be less likely to have wrinkles in it. The stuff SR uses with their sport cruisers is good (better than most), but you can get stuff that is much better (thicker).

Just size the piece of vinyl large enough to allow for the "spread" of the light. Heck, while you're at it, install a "sun roof" in the other part of the bimini!
 
Lazy Daze said:
Is that how it is on the newest ones, too? I've just never looked that closely at it, but I do recall zippers. What you're describing sounds familiar, too.

Here's another idea... How about keeping things simple? Sew in some clear vinyl where the lights would shine through. Use some nice, thick stuff. You'll probably want to switch your light bulbs to LED, though, since the halogen bulbs might yellow the vinyl from the heat.
Click to expand...

The newer ones have a white plastic track that is screwed to the arch and which the zipper valance slides into. They use many small stainless screws on the track as it has to withstand significant force.
 
I just remembered the reason why i didn't want to add a clear section is water leaking in. When it rains water would have a tendency to sit in that little pocket then probably start to leak onto the deck thru the seams
 
Just do the valance track, it's pretty simple and would now give you the option of leaving one section of the top up.
 
We have the 6" round clear vinyl windows. They don't leak because there is enough slope to drain away from them. There is enough light too. But one benefit of having bimini attached directly to the arch is the added height in the cockpit that you would get. We'll probably go the valence route the next time we need to replace the bimini so would be curious where to get them.
 
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