Bimini top out of aluminum ?????

[Freshly Hooked]

Thanks for all the info CF you all are the BEST!!!!!

I got a lot of reading and planing to do now please keep the ideas and especially concerns flowing.

I will post pics of whatever I do

Thanks Again

[Panope]

Most painted aluminum corrosion problems (paint bubbling) occur at fasteners, joints and laps. If you paint aluminum, only paint the large "field" areas and leave the edges/fasteners bare.

Steve

[Jim van Cleve]

Originally Posted by Hardhead

I think it's a great idea. I'd paint it white and use the RV paint described above. Easy maintenance and great durability. Good thinking-

I had fabricated a aluminum top for my 25' Topaz. I painted it with a paint with an R value. Can't remember the name. Not sure this info applies to a sailing boat but it is a lovely top.

[billgewater]

There may be issues with radio/TV reception. I suggest you also ask a marine radio expert if there are any issues. Otherwise, sounds good to me. Good advice above.
Re high wind speeds: - fabrics can begin to develop wave ripples which may lead to disintegration - an unlikely event with well secured thin sheet aluminium. In tropical cyclone areas metal house roofing is standard and the usual procedure involves really good securing particularly around the perimeters. Once an edge lifts, its all over.
The aluminium surface can only be "conical" in shape without recourse to specialist forming tools. i.e. it is generally difficult to make compound shapes. Check if a metal fabricator can provide the shape you need.

[s/v Jedi]

My experience is that things that can flake off aluminium, will do so, just a matter of time. Sure it's first to go around dissimilar metal fasteners etc. but all will go eventually. This is why I would look at options that can not flake off. Just bare aluminum is one such option, anodizing is another and greatly improves corrosion resistance.