Will this bimini fit?

[black magic]

I found a good deal on a bimini top, but it is for a 195 and I have a 185. Plus, I have the factory tower and the 195 bimini is from a boat without the tower. I looked up the specs and the 195 is 3" wider than the 185, which translates to 1.5" inches difference on each side. So, is the size the deal breaker or the tower? If the tower is not going to be an issue, can I modify/bow the frame to fit the 185?

Thanks,
Jake

 

[rcknecht]

If I where you, and the deal for the larger bimini was very good, I would take off the sunbrella off the frame, cut three inches of the frame, and put a slightly smaller aluminum rod inside the two pieces and pop rivet the frame to the rod. But canvas should just wrap farther down on the sides...

 

[Lazy Daze]

The issue probably won't be the width. There's usually enough flex in the length of the legs to allow for it to fit. If it was, Rod's suggestion would work just fine and be easy enough to do.

The problem will be the height. You won't be able to open the bimini with the tower there. The bimini may clear the tower once it's open, but since the bimini opens in an "arc", it would hit the tower. And, I see that you have speakers so that would cause even more of a problem.

If you cut any length off the bottom of the legs, you'll need to move the mounts that are on the boat (if they're already there).

If you're not aware of this, you can get a factory bimini that attaches to your tower, but it's not quite as big (long) as the normal bimini. I don't think your speakers would get in the way, but I'm not positive.

 

[jmlloyd526]

Don't think you will have much luck here. I have the 195 with tower and Bimini. The bimini only stretches from the tower to the front of the windshield. The standard non-tower top is much longer.

 

[black magic]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't even take the speakers into consideration. That pretty much makes this a no-go even if I could adjust the frame for the difference in width.

I got the boat used and the previous owner did not have the canvas, but they did have a single u-shaped frame member. I'm not sure if the the only thing missing is the canvas itself. I even have the boot/zip on cover... just no top. :huh::huh: I know that Great Lakes can provide me the canvas, but boy it sure is a nice chunk of change for such a small piece.

Again,
Thanks

 

[Lazy Daze]

I got the boat used and the previous owner did not have the canvas, but they did have a single u-shaped frame member. I'm not sure if the the only thing missing is the canvas itself. I even have the boot/zip on cover... just no top.

Is the "U-shape" piece about half the size of a normal bimini frame? Do the legs of this piece have a ball at the end?

It could be the tower bimini. Do you have bimini mounts on the front side of the tower - about where that horizontal bar is? The mounts would accept the "ball" at the end of the legs.

 

[black magic]

Is the "U-shape" piece about half the size of a normal bimini frame? Do the legs of this piece have a ball at the end?

It could be the tower bimini. Do you have bimini mounts on the front side of the tower - about where that horizontal bar is? The mounts would accept the "ball" at the end of the legs.

Yes, that is what I have and the tower does have the mounts.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes, that is what I have and the tower does have the mounts.

In that case, if it was me, I would try getting a quote from a local upholsterer (auto or boat, doesn't matter). You can make it out of whatever material (and color) you choose.

 

[black magic]

I may have to go that route. I just know that the tower bimini is pretty small and I was hoping that this one would work. For $200 AND the correct color, I had to at least consider it.

Regardless, I do appriciate all of the advice. Now to find a good upholstery shop and a good pic as reference.

 

[SeaRay]

You will probably be able to make the one you are looking at work.

But as Lazy Daze already mentioned you may have interference folding it up and down. But it looks like that tower is pretty tall.

I have a Monster Tower that gets really narrow up top. I also have speakers on it. I ordered a Bimini from Overtons and was able to get it to work. I had to modify the tubes but it wasn't too bad.

I cut out a section from the top to make it narrower. Then bent the angles out a little to get the bottom width I needed.

I also took a couple of inches out of the overall height. I had to drill out the rivets in the fittings to do that but if you have a pipe cutter, a rivet gun and a drill it was really easy to do.

Mine still hits the speakers while folding it up and down, but that doesn't bother me. I just pull one leg out and lower it to get it to fold.

I am SOOO glad I put the bimini on, it was definitely worth the work.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just another thought for you...

If you really have your sights set on the larger, "normal" bimini, can you put your speakers above the tower instead of below? That would at least give you more clearance to work with.

 

[black magic]

I guess what I'm going to do is get a quote to have a top made using the existing hardware and then see how that price stacks up to the used full top. If the price is pretty close I may go for the used one and do some modifications to make it work.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Jake