We have a bimini currently but we are considering adding a full eisenglass enclosure on the flybridge of our 1980 GB36 classic. Are there standard frames and canvas that we can buy to do that, or do we have to have a custom job done? Any suggestions for what works best?
One of our recent boat projects was to re-canvas our own Bimini, Tonneau, side cloths, hatch covers, dinghy cover with new, so I paid close attention to others whenever I got the chance.
Here in SW BC, there are many GB36 and 42s. Many have an enclosure, almost all at least a Bimini. Some are on Aluminum frames, some on Stainless. Of those on SS, some are on 7/8", some on 1", some on 1.25".
Without exception, the ones that are on stronger frames are better.
Some have the frames to enclose a minimal portion of the upper deck, some the entire upper deck, most cover all of the seating area, some with a rear door across the boat behind the rear-facing seat, others with a sloping rear panel at that location.
If your Bimini frames are SS, and your Bimini covers all of the area you would be happy to have enclosed, and if when folded down, it lands in a position that is not too awkward to manage, you should re-use those frames.
None that I have seen on any size GB would appear to be the same as any others on a GB, so clearly not a mass produced item. Any vendors of mass produced covers that I have seen on the internet are for smaller vessels than yours.
Be careful what you order from a custom shop, as unless you have seen their work on a boat that is as complicated as your own, you will be asking them to re-invent an enclosure for yours. You need to know that you have considered all of the possibilities before you restrict yourself to what the shop's interpretation of your order will produce.
If you are considering DIY, see sailrite.com, especially their videos.
Good Luck.
