Cost for bimini top?

[MichaelB1969]

Anyone know approximately how much a bimini top should be for a 44' boat? I just got a quote for $3,000, which sounds high. But I have no baseline. Any thoughts?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for a place that does this in the San Francisco Bay area, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike

[ksceviour]

Well, we just had several quotes done to fully enclose the fly-bridge on our 35' trawler. None of them were less than $5000 CAD and the comparable installers were all within a few hundred dollars of each other. We finally settled on a $6000 installation. He wasn't the cheapest but then anything good is rarely so.

I would fully expect to pay at least $2000 for a simple bimini top not including the tube work.

I would suspect your quoted price in USD to be pretty close to the mark.

[rclarke246]

Mine, same as yours, is approaching 5 years old so I'm planning to have a second one made in the coming months. I'll let you know the price when I get it.

[Giggitoni]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Anyone know approximately how much a bimini top should be for a 44' boat? I just got a quote for $3,000, which sounds high. But I have no baseline. Any thoughts?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for a place that does this in the San Francisco Bay area, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike

Try Starbuck Canvas in Sausalito. They've done our canvas work in the past and do a great job.

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. 1969. This may be a source.. Carver Covers – Better Covers. Better Service.

[Bacchus]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Anyone know approximately how much a bimini top should be for a 44' boat? I just got a quote for $3,000, which sounds high. But I have no baseline. Any thoughts?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for a place that does this in the San Francisco Bay area, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike

IT DEPENDS!!!

Is this for a Sunbrella replacement of top only (no side curtsains, zips etc??
Does it include new tubing frame? SS? Size (dia)
Does it include side curtains, zips etc?

[BruceK]

Just had mine re-sewn for $250 (Aud). Can`t imagine a new one costing over a boat dollar, but my boat is smaller at 36ft.
If I was spending 5-6K I`d be looking at a permanent hard top.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by Bacchus

IT DEPENDS!!!



Is this for a Sunbrella replacement of top only (no side curtsains, zips etc??

Does it include new tubing frame? SS? Size (dia)

Does it include side curtains, zips etc?

This is for a boat with nothing there in terms of bimini. So would be for sunbrella, 1 inch stainless tubing, installation, etc.

[Capt.Bill11]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

This is for a boat with nothing there in terms of bimini. So would be for sunbrella, 1 inch stainless tubing, installation, etc.

Then $3000 all in is not out of line.

[Bacchus]

Originally Posted by Capt.Bill11

Then $3000 all in is not out of line.

Agree

[Seevee]

If it's JUST the Bimini top, and the hardware if there was nothing there to start with, $3000 is a bit on the high side... but a 44 Beneteau Swift has a big fly bridge and it it covers the whole thing, $3k could be in the ball park.

We would need the dimensions to figure cost exactly.

I'm a dealer for a quality manufacturer of Bimini tops, Eisenglass, etc. We have some patterns which are very reasonable, but some special orders can be difficult and a bit more expensive.

We have done complete tops, sides, campers for smaller boats in the 25 to 30 ft range in the $3000 ballpark.

[Capt.Bill11]

Originally Posted by Seevee

If it's JUST the Bimini top, and the hardware if there was nothing there to start with, $3000 is a bit on the high side... but a 44 Beneteau Swift has a big fly bridge and it it covers the whole thing, $3k could be in the ball park.

We would need the dimensions to figure cost exactly.

I'm a dealer for a quality manufacturer of Bimini tops, Eisenglass, etc. We have some patterns which are very reasonable, but some special orders can be difficult and a bit more expensive.

We have done complete tops, sides, campers for smaller boats in the 25 to 30 ft range in the $3000 ballpark.

Are your frame tubes aluminum or SS?

[ksanders]

This is why I am making my own.

Bought a new specialized canvas sewing machine tools, etc... Plus the materials for our rear cockpit enclosure, for much less than the bid on having the enclosure made.

After that i'll take on the flying bridge enclosure.

[mike50]

Recommend - Canvas Factory - 6200 Bridgehead Rd, Oakley next to Antioch bridge. 925.755.3264
Did excellent work at a fair competitive price, in business since 1981.

[sunchaser]

As mentioned earlier, price is dependent upon size, materials, desired robustness, stitching, adhesives, longevity, see through material used and not to forget capability and warranty offered by installer. A well made enclosure should last 10 years in Northern climes and less in the desert SW where brutal sun and UV takes its toll. Anything less is due to poor materials, fabrication shortfalls or upkeep.

I've been through at least 4 decades of biminis and complete enclosures. The material changes and fabrication improvements are dramatic. My latest, now under construction, is a large complete enclosure suitable for high winds and heavy snow loads. Materials are Stamoid, Lexan, tight sealing tracks and SS framing. It replaces a Sunbrella and Strataglas ten year enclosure and will outlast my remaining boating years.


Don't ask about price

[Scratchnsaw]

I don't think the price is out of line., especially if you are using the stainless steel tubing and Sunbrella. A foamed hardtop is not a bad idea, with aluminum legs, if you get the right person to make it. Then you have the option of a nice set of curtains down the road that fits correctly and the use of the top for mounting your antennas and the likes.

Some considerations though, are you considering fixed supports for the bimini, or straps so that you can fold it up? In the past I have used the rigid supports in the back and straps in the front so that I can fold the top back and boot the entire arrangement for air and sunlight on the bridge or even for larger fishing hulls. This also airs out the bridge on the nicer days.

[mike50]

Originally Posted by sunchaser

As mentioned earlier, price is dependent upon size, materials, desired robustness, stitching, adhesives, longevity, see through material used and not to forget capability and warranty offered by installer. A well made enclosure should last 10 years in Northern climes and less in the desert SW where brutal sun and UV takes its toll. Anything less is due to poor materials, fabrication shortfalls or upkeep.

I've been through at least 4 decades of biminis and complete enclosures. The material changes and fabrication improvements are dramatic. My latest, now under construction, is a large complete enclosure suitable for high winds and heavy snow loads. Materials are Stamoid, Lexan, tight sealing tracks and SS framing. It replaces a Sunbrella and Strataglas ten year enclosure and will outlast my remaining boating years.


Don't ask about price

Stamoid is great, our fully enclosed top lasted 15 years in Calif. sun; the thread failed first; also make sure the threaded penetrations are sealed or you will have small leaks.

[sunchaser]

Originally Posted by mike50

Stamoid is great, our fully enclosed top lasted 15 years in Calif. sun; the thread failed first; also make sure the threaded penetrations are sealed or you will have small leaks.

Good point. I'll pursue the sealing of stitching. As best as I recall there is little if any stiching. Bonding techniques are used.

[mike50]

Originally Posted by sunchaser

Good point. I'll pursue the sealing of stitching. As best as I recall there is little if any stiching. Bonding techniques are used.

Good to know about bonding. Had mine made in Vancouver BC in 2002 and was told stitch only. I didn't like then, and like it even less now because the Stamoid is still good. I would be very interested in your results.

[Alemao]

I made my bimini in Ft Lauderdale in 2011 and spent $5,000.
After the hurricane in St Martin, I made again and spent there $ 5,000.
My boat has 55'