How much did you pay for your bimini?

[timb]

Originally Posted by Larry M

I chucked when I saw that. Aluminum frame, plastic fittings and rated up to forty knots. Heck, we’d have replaced ours this morning with a couple of wind gusts we had.

In all seriousness, I think you get what you pay for. Ours is all SS frame, fittings, Tenara thread, the frame is ~9’ across and has survived winds over 50 knots more than once.

so true the one on my Carolina skiff is probably better canvas but has the plastic hardware. I take down the supports and tie it to the boat when trailering . and get a little worried when it's up going 35/40 mph on the lake .

[OldDan1943]

Originally Posted by CaptRonn

It's not really. I never had operated a sewing machine until I did my project. I watched the Sailrite videos on YouTube, walked around the marina and looked at how others did it and proceeded.

That is assuming you have the sewing machine, that will do canvas and thick thread, now.

[CaptRonn]

Originally Posted by OldDan1943

That is assuming you have the sewing machine, that will do canvas and thick thread, now.

I did mine using a Necchi home sewing machine, which if I remember correctly was a $300 machine.

I have since upgraded to an Omega Walking Foot machine (Sailrite clone) that set me back $500.

The walking foot does make it easier when doing large isenglass panels.

So, even with buying the machine the cost savings are still significant.

[OldDan1943]

Originally Posted by CaptRonn

I did mine using a Necchi home sewing machine, which if I remember correctly was a $300 machine.

I have since upgraded to an Omega Walking Foot machine (Sailrite clone) that set me back $500.

The walking foot does make it easier when doing large isenglass panels.

So, even with buying the machine the cost savings are still significant.

Great. You can do his job. SMILE

[Skeeter]

Mine was about $350 from coverquest.com about 8ft x 9ft 4 bow in sunbrella great value and service, quality looks good

[Skeeter]

Correction to my post it was $415

[AusCan]

If you can’t sew, maybe consider building a hardtop. Mine cost me about $500 in materials, including 1.5” stainless tubing and fittings.

[DaveJasper]

I just got quotes from one of the local canvas craftsman in Oceanside:

-Bimini top $755
-Canvas to cover upper bridge $860 - all the way back past my new benches (he made the new cushions for me previously)
-New Skirting around bridge $440

[Irish Rambler]

When we were passing through Germany (TF blog Windmills and Wine) we were held up as the river Rhine was in flood.
While we waited we got a German company who were recommended to us by locals to make us a complete Bimini for our boat.
He manufactured the 316 Stainless Steel frames, a 2 part Bimini, 1 for the upper pilot station, another for the aft deck complete with side screens and winter cover for the upper helm, winter storage covers for the Bimini's, plus fitting.
It cost us 5,000 Euro's and its absolutely perfect in every way.
We 'negotiated' a tax free cash deal and we were very happy with his work.
The man also knew his reputation in the marina was at stake as he'd fitted several and was due to fit more for others in the marina.
The marina chairman/manager 'Fuhrer' (yes in Germany they still call a chief a Fuhrer) helped us with the ordering and checked the QC after fitting.
Expensive ? What price perfection ?
Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

[Dave_E]

ok....

After a $1200 deposit, with a slight modofication to our existing helm cover, the complete bimini cost $2250. Ouch! Got to give the Canvas Man out of Anacortes Washington a shout out... nothing but quality work (after a misunderstanding about what we wanted).

Dave

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by CaptRonn

I did mine using a Necchi home sewing machine, which if I remember correctly was a $300 machine.

I have since upgraded to an Omega Walking Foot machine (Sailrite clone) that set me back $500.

The walking foot does make it easier when doing large isenglass panels.

So, even with buying the machine the cost savings are still significant.

Do you do your own bottom jobs?

[sbu22]

You are modestly downplaying the talent part, CaptRonn. That's the piece that gets it "right." Not all of us have that eye.

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by sbu22

You are modestly downplaying the talent part, CaptRonn. That's the piece that gets it "right." Not all of us have that eye.

You are being too kind. Correct and cool craftsmanship never comes at the first attempt. My bimini/enclosure is a marvel of Maine craftsmanship and materials of the highest quality.

[geoleo]

need to use Gore-Tex thread and 316 ss fasteners or it will not last---sun will eat up the thread and lesser fasteners will corrode