Mail Order Bimini Top

The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
See posts with no answers
jwnall

jwnall

Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
3,672
Location
US
Vessel Name
Morgan
Vessel Make
Gulfstar 36
Given the current state of affairs in Florida, I try to stay away from crowded places to the maximum extent possible. But now I need to get a new Bimini top, since my old one, like me, is showing signs of age and coming apart.


So what I would like to do is to put the old one in a box, ship it to someone who makes Bimini tops, and have them make a new one just like the old one except newer, and send it back to me.


Can anyone recommend such a place?


Thanks,
John
 
Thanks. I'll make a note of that, but hopefully someone will come up with a recommendation closer to home. Seems as if there should be places like that in Florida. In fact I feel sure I can find a place, but finding a place on the Internet and having someone personally recommend a place are, of course, two different things. I much prefer a personal recommendation, if possible.
 
I had that same situation earlier this year before launch, needed to get my Bimini top replaced (Feb/Mar 20). We only have one canvas shop around here (Sioux Falls, SD) and they couldn't do it until Fall 2020. A user with a handle named Bacchus suggested Gioia Sails, with shops in New Jersey and Florida. I called Gioia, great initial contact by phone, they agreed to try it long-distance, I'd cover all shipping back and forth of course, and they gave me a decent price estimate. I called them once more when the shrink-wrap came off and I could take down the Bimini and ship it to them but they went silent -- no answer to my calls or emails. This was the Florida location, didn't try NJ.

I also tried J&S Marine Canvas in Baldwinsville, NY. They did all the original canvas on our Mainship, and about three years ago they did a great job replacing one side panel long distance. This time they refused, didn't want to do the job without having the boat there. We finally had to use the South Dakota place and I might get the bimini sometime later this year -- I hope.

This doesn't help at all I know but just FYI on a couple attempts I made trying to get canvas done long distance. Very frustrating.
 
Try giving Boat Covers Direct in South Carolina. They specialize in boat-specific biminis but are worth contacting. Their service is excellent before and as I can attest after, the sale. I have had one of their biminis on my little Whaler for 13 years of very heavy use and abuse. If you give them the overall dimensions, I'd guess they have the ability to make one up for you. Worth calling to find out. Their knowledgeable folks are there during regular business hours.

https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/products/bimini_tops/
 
I've had several bimini tops made while living in FL. The three shops I dealt with always came to the boat with a truck rigged for bending frame tubing and sewing. They are on and off the boat multiple times tweaking things for a perfect fit. My guess is the chance of a perfect fit is almost impossible through shipping. Shops want happy customers and know that every job is a custom job. If it's just the canvas, it stretches, shrinks and warps with age and the new one made from the old "pattern" won't fit the old frame. I understand why you want to do this but fear you're asking for a big headache. Cheers.
 
Last edited:
Hi Bacchus checking in. As Karl mentioned I did some business with Gioia ... I've done some canvas jobs as a hobby / retirement business. I knew Gioia did some work for Mainship and others and I have seen their work and thought it was very good.
Many folks request a new piece be made from the old but i politely decline if I dont have the boat to pattern or check my work.
Do you have a simple bikini or side, front, aft panels that attach?
A simple bikini that doesnt attach to anything is one thing but matching panels is nearly impossible and shops would rather turn down work than have dissatisfied customers.
It's kind of similar to going to a body shop and asking them to just paint over your DIY body work... no go... everyone will ask who did your paint job??
 
Greatlakesskipper.com might be a place to look.
 
Hmm. Well, all that sounds a bit discouraging. No way to get the boat in to a shop, and I don't much think that getting someone to come to the boat is feasible. We are too much out in the boondocks.



Maybe I should just look into replacing the Bimini with a hard top. I'm going to do some research on that.



Thanks guys, and hey Don. Long time no talk to.


John
 
We have hardtotop.com hardtop on our current boat and a previous boat. We like them and they use the bimini framework. Simple to install.

Another route is sailrite.com and get a commercial sewing machine and do your own canvas work. They have lots of DIY videos. We bought a Sailrite machine about 10 years ago. It paid for itself on the first job. Since we have done 4 different boats canvas work. We have saved literally well over $10K and probably more like $15K.
 
Call Superior Interiors in Pensacola.

8326 Lillian Hwy
Pensacola, FL 32506
Tel: 850-912-6271
Fax: 850-912-6272

She does beautiful work for a fair price and easy to work with. Did all my cockpit cushions, I looked over some of her canvas work for future reference best I've seen on the Gulf. Close enough, yall can get together if needed. Exterior of the shop is not impressive - but inside its a whole different picture. (I always check out vendors via Google) She might send her installers to St Marks to measure and or install.


:thumb:
 
Last edited:
The Big Bend is lovely but remote. I'm sure Panama City has canvas shops with mobile services. About a 2 hr drive. It's possible they have or would have a big job in your area. Otherwise, a good reason for a cruise. If it's just the canvas, it's possible to bring your existing frame and measurements of the anchor points. They attach it to a wooden frame to do the fitting. Not ideal but worth calling them. Or maybe a new rectangular frame with canvas laced onto it. Similar to a T top but larger. I'm trying to be creative. Cheers.
 
I remember several Gulfstar trawlers visiting my marina in Marathon in the 80s. Really ahead of their time with luxury and comforts of home like a washing machine and minimal teak. I'd love one now but not many around San Diego. As the Dockmaster, I was often invited aboard many boats that dazzled me. Hinckleys, Huckins, Trumpys, Buddy Davis, Merit, Rybovich, Broward, brand new Grand Banks 42'. The wealth that visited was mind blowing.
 
On Yachtworld there's currently a 1973 43' GS with hardtop to help with a builder visualize what it looks like.
 
Comodave said:
We have hardtotop.com hardtop on our current boat and a previous boat. We like them and they use the bimini framework. Simple to install.

Another route is sailrite.com and get a commercial sewing machine and do your own canvas work. They have lots of DIY videos. We bought a Sailrite machine about 10 years ago. It paid for itself on the first job. Since we have done 4 different boats canvas work. We have saved literally well over $10K and probably more like $15K.
Click to expand...
John
Hi back to you. Yes haven't connected in awhile.
I would agree with Dave. If a simple bimini (not bikini?)
I'm sure you could do a decent job DIY.
Lots of video help online.
The other approach you will find online is to use reinforced strapping tape to fix frame distances in place and then remove the frame to take to a shop to pattern and fab the bimini top.
You can do the same for hardtop to be able to work at home.
You set the hinge points from the boat on a 2x4 frame and the top stands on it's own on a floor.
If that's of interest I can probably help with a search for the instructions.
We used to hit Carrabelle Beach RV resort most years to visit friends but haven't stayed there in several yrs. We really liked the area.
 
Before you give up, have you tried talking to Boat Covers Direct? Really, go ahead, give them a call. What could it hurt?
 
I imagine there are quite a few boats along the river. Type up a letter and take a dingy ride. Drop the letter at any boat that could use canvas work. Suggest that the buying power of multiple jobs can bring someone to you. It's COVID friendly and a good reason to take a boat ride with someone to help.
BTW, I just did a google search for marine canvas, Shields Marina, St Marks came up. Have you called them? Sometimes we don't see the obvious. You don't need to go to their shop or get within 20 feet of them when they come to measure the boat.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the advice and comments. Actually, I do have a Sailrite, which I bought about 10 years ago thinking that I could learn to use it and do all sorts of neat things for the boat. Well, I am of the opinion that there are some people who just cannot use a sewing machine, and I am in that group. I did try, with videos and practice and a lot of time spent with my tongue in one corner of my mouth. But no go. It is just not a good match. If something could go wrong, it did. And if nothing could go wrong, it did anyway.



Anyway, the thing that is beginning to look very attractive now is the idea of a hard top Bimini, as suggested by Comodave. I've looked at the hardtotop.com website, and it looks interesting.


So I am going to start a new thread, and ask about the experiences of others with a hard top


John
 
I have gotten best response from them by calling the number rather than email.
 
Swfla said:
BTW, I just did a google search for marine canvas, Shields Marina, St Marks came up. Have you called them? Sometimes we don't see the obvious. You don't need to go to their shop or get within 20 feet of them when they come to measure the boat.
Click to expand...


My boat is at Shields Marina, and they do not have any sort of canvas facility there, nor is it mentioned on their website. I sure wish they did -- it would be very convenient! :) But your comment does give me an idea -- I will ask the guys there if they know anyone in the area. So thanks.
 
jwnall said:
My boat is at Shields Marina, and they do not have any sort of canvas facility there, nor is it mentioned on their website. I sure wish they did -- it would be very convenient! :) But your comment does give me an idea -- I will ask the guys there if they know anyone in the area. So thanks.
Click to expand...
This came up on Google search terms: marine canvas st marks, fl https://www.shieldsmarina.com/services/100535/canvas

Tallahassee is pretty close https://tallahasseeboatcanvas.com/
 
Last edited:
After a lot of looking and thinking, I've decided that my wife and I are going to try and make a replacement Bimini top ourselves. Don (Bacchus) convinced me that it is something which is possible, even for a couple of novices, and I already have an old Sailrite which we had on the sailboat when living the cruising life. My ex-wife was a master with that machine! The current wife is used to sewing, but not with a Sailrite. But she is game to try. So wish me luck. Next stop is to watch a Sailrite video online. :)


John
 
I only use Tenara thread. It lasts forever unlike poly thread. However it is more trouble to set the machine since it is very slippery. I have my machine setup for it and never change the settings. Talk to Sailrite about using Tenara on your machine and how to set it up. Sailrite also sells their in-house brand of Tenara that should be fine also.
 
That's a great idea! With videos we can do practically anything. Good luck.
 
jwnall said:
After a lot of looking and thinking, I've decided that my wife and I are going to try and make a replacement Bimini top ourselves. Don (Bacchus) convinced me that it is something which is possible, even for a couple of novices, and I already have an old Sailrite which we had on the sailboat when living the cruising life. My ex-wife was a master with that machine! The current wife is used to sewing, but not with a Sailrite. But she is game to try. So wish me luck. Next stop is to watch a Sailrite video online. :)


John
Click to expand...

Maybe do a couple of smaller jobs first to get used to how it sews and just get to feel comfortable sewing with the machine.
 
John
I agree... do some small jobs to get used to sewing.
I have been very happy with fabric purchased from Rockford Supply.com.
The usually have 2nds and closeouts that are real bargains. Buy some 2nds and find some smaller projects you can get started on.
I'd suggest learning to make and use patterns.
I have been happy with using a heavy plastic sheet that allows visibly through it and Sharpies work well for marking. You can use different colors to designate different items... i.e. marking bows etc w black and later using red as a "cut libe"after adding seam allowance, etc.
The is an extensive "thread" on DIY canvas tips that may help get started.
An area where you can set up several large tables for layout and infeed/outfeed from machine will help a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

NWboater2
8D starting battery replacement
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
NWboater2
NWboater2
S
Cruiser instead of Trawler?
3 4 5
Replies
140
Views
11K
psneeld
psneeld
Adopo
Stability and righting ability
Replies
19
Views
3K
Hippocampus
H
Lshulan
New Front Eisenglas Panels on Flybridge
Replies
5
Views
714
Comodave
Comodave
G
Shot term docking around the Chesapeake bay
Replies
4
Views
686
Turtle Blues
Turtle Blues

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom