Pre-fab bimini in my size (4' L x 8' W)

[chris95040]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to fit a bimini + frame onto my boat and the only options I've found so far are

1. Pay $2500 to a local guy (I'm in New England).

2. Pay half that to some nice, competent folks here on the forum, but forfeit having the maker actually come aboard the boat and verify measurements, work around any issues w/ interferences, etc. since they are far away.

3. I see cheapo biminis all over the web for like $300-500 bucks (and sure, they are junk, but this thing will only see sunlight for 4 months out of the year so, and its just a shade, so junk is fine by me. $2500 for a tiny bit of shade is just nuts!!!) but for some reason they seem to only be available in 6 foot lengths or greater. It doesn't seem like you can get a 4' x 8' pre-fab. Anyone got any counter examples?!?!

[GuidoY]

You could likely make a decent one yourself using a guide book (maybe Don Casey's), get the measurements from someone who has your model boat.
The tubing isn't hard to bend and a decent sewing machine will do the canvas work.

Kinda depends what your time is worth. $300-$500 may be you best option. Or maybe you don't need a bimini at all, get creative with fiberglass rod, some line, and sunbrella or equivalent.

[Pete7]

We have a cheap one off e bay (£160). Actually designed for a speedboat but happens to be just the right width for the coamings. We can sail with it but tacking the main is tricky, however, in harbour the shade it provides is excellent and just the job. It is now probably 5 years old and a couple of the aluminium poles have bent slightly but do bend back and the rubber feet stay put generally.

Pete