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Old 04-01-2013, 02:19 PM   #1
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Bimini Top Material

I am curious about a product that I found on the web at Hard To Top | Home. My canvas needs replacing on the flybridge as well as the aft deck and was wondering if anyone here has used this product. They have a ten year warranty, but I am concerned about the shade issue.
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Old 04-01-2013, 02:39 PM   #2
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We absolutely love it and will never go back to a cloth bimini again. The Trawler Beach House: From A Fabric Bimini To A Hardtop In One Day . Chuck
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:14 PM   #3
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Chuck, do you just leave that up when preparing for a hurricane, or is it easy to remove and store? I've seen a few boats with those and they look pretty slick.

We have Stamoid as our bimini fabric and been very happy with it. Holds up extremely well and rolls up / removes like Sunbrella. I am not sure when the PO installed it but we are going on 6 years now. We got a tear in ours when caught in a micro cell and one of the stanchions in the frame tore out of the FB console, after one of the stainless bows bent! Tough stuff. Sewed back together in a jiffy.
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:18 PM   #4
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Looks like it may be just what I need. When I get down to the boat I'll measure and then call for a quote. Thanks
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Old 04-01-2013, 05:16 PM   #5
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We have left it up so far but did put lines across and tied it down for a tropical storm. If a hurricane was coming in our direction we would take it down. It's just a matter of taking the bimini frame loose. The thing is very light. Chuck
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Old 04-01-2013, 05:38 PM   #6
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We absolutely love it and will never go back to a cloth bimini again. The Trawler Beach House: From A Fabric Bimini To A Hardtop In One Day . Chuck
Chuck, I didn't see anything about UV protection for the material and the people under it. Obviously light comes through it, which is nice, but can you get a sunburn while sitting under it? My canvas for the cockpit is done and I would like to replace with a hardtop with the option of side curtains for the spring and fall. Cheers!
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Old 04-01-2013, 06:02 PM   #7
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Sunburn under a bimini, cloth or our type, comes from the sun shining under the bimini or reflecting off the water. There is plenty of shade under the hard top. Chuck
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Old 04-01-2013, 06:47 PM   #8
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We have left it up so far but did put lines across and tied it down for a tropical storm. If a hurricane was coming in our direction we would take it down. It's just a matter of taking the bimini frame loose. The thing is very light. Chuck
Thanks Chuck. So all in all what do feel are the major advantages vs fabric? I personally haven't seen anyone put a hatch with lid in one or mount stuff (antennas, radar etc) on one... is that doable?
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Old 04-01-2013, 07:18 PM   #9
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It won't rip, tear, fade. mildew, blow out stitches, have to be replaced every 5 years or less, cleans effortlessly in place. allows light through while providing shade, is 100% waterproof for its life, and probably a few more things. They can make hatches and just about any configuration you would like. Chuck
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Old 04-01-2013, 07:28 PM   #10
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Interesting! My boat has fairly new canvas right now, but when the time comes to replace it I most definitely will look at Hard To Top! Thanks!

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Old 04-01-2013, 07:40 PM   #11
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I saw the LED lighting option but does the material itself come in any other colors?
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Old 04-01-2013, 09:52 PM   #12
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I looked everywhere on their website, but couldn't find it - does anybody know where they're located, or if they have a dealer network?

When a company doesn't show this info, I tend to be sceptical about their longevity and support.
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Old 04-01-2013, 10:25 PM   #13
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I looked everywhere on their website, but couldn't find it - does anybody know where they're located, or if they have a dealer network?

When a company doesn't show this info, I tend to be sceptical about their longevity and support.
Did a phone number search and came up with this:
Hard to Top in Westland | Hard to Top (734) 895-7765 & , Westland, MI 48185 | <Recreation & Sporting Goods/Boating/Equipment & Accessories> - Yahoo! US Local
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Old 04-01-2013, 10:47 PM   #14
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bimini top material

WOW that looks great be much better if we could get something like that here in Australia.
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Old 04-01-2013, 11:10 PM   #15
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I'll be interested to see how it holds up. I've been working with coroplast for the last 10 years or so and it's a great material. Some of the early stuff broke down under UV pretty badly, but they've gotten the science down these days.
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Old 10-24-2013, 05:58 PM   #16
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I will not recommend Hardtotop. I have been waiting for a quote for a month...they obviously don't need my business. I want to build a 10x14 top. It looks pretty basic (Famous last words) Anyone know where I can access plans, a mold, materials?
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Old 10-25-2013, 08:45 AM   #17
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Do they have wind screen and side curtains. As on a conventional Bimmini enclosure? If so anybody here tried them?
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:43 PM   #18
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I don't understand. I got a quote in 48 hours and feel quite comfortable with them. Sorry you are having trouble. Email is such a flat way of communication. I say try one more time. Reading Chuck and Susan's blog I can't see a problem with Hard to Top.
HTH, S
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:44 PM   #19
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They have the side curtin rails listed on web site. Home | Hard To Top

HTH,
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Old 10-28-2013, 04:32 PM   #20
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Quote:
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Do they have wind screen and side curtains. As on a conventional Bimmini enclosure? If so anybody here tried them?
As far as trying them I cannot speak to that... but on the web site they have a gallery of pictures of different types of boats and quite a few have wind screen/side screen/Bimini type enclosures depicted...
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