356 Bimini-where to find

Scott B · Nov 10, 2012

Check with Phil here at SBO to see what they have that will fit

http://shop.hunterowners.com/category.htm?cat=1702

Bob 04 H260 · Nov 10, 2012

Do you have a frame and just need new Sunbrella or is the boat "naked" ? have a dodger ?

I think if I was sailing the great lakes I would try for a full enclosure to extend the season as much as possible. Might be good to buy a Sailrite machine and learn to sew !

Unless it was through here at SBO I would hesitate to order one on-line, you may have to find someone local.

If you just need to re-skin, the old Sunbrella can be sent in and used a pattern for good fit, if that is the case PM me and I'll pass on a name in Florida I have used in the past.

good luck, Bob

onecoolair · Nov 10, 2012

Jimongee said:
Ok -so we have a budget!
Do any of you sailors have information on where to get the "best pricing" on a Bimini. My wife and I got totally baked in the hot MI sun last summer. It was our first season with our 2002 356 sans a bimini. It will be the last without sun protection. Most of the prices I have seem are kinda of ouch!
Any leads would be appreciated.
Jim n' Kathy

What happened to the original bimini and frame that came with the boat?

DougMc · Nov 10, 2012

If you have time a hard dodger Bimini would be a better solution. I have a H36 I bought new. The canvas option was listed at 15k but I don't know what I actually paid. At the time I considered a hard dodger, Bimini but I rather be sailing than making.
We sail lake Erie and spend well over 60 days on the boat from May to October. Canvas makes this possible. As good as this is the canvas is it still leaks and using the cockpit in the rain is marginal.
If I had the time I would fabricate a thin plywood epoxy hard top. Suspending it 4 inches below the arch. The length should be as long as the dodger bimini combination. I would not go for a hard dodger because widows need to be removed for hot days/weeks.

onecoolair · Nov 11, 2012

Jimongee said:
Thanks to all who provided helpful info. Currentlly our 356 does not have a frame to support the canvas. It was purchased without the Bimini or Dodger option.
I will check the Hunter shop here and go from there.
Maybe one last question; It would not be above my wife and I to purchase the Sunbrella and make a custom canopy [Bimini], but then of course I would need the framework [stainless tubes and clamps]. Do any of you have information on where I might purchase the hardware pieces to fabricate my own custom frame?
thanks

The biggest expense is going to be a good designed Solid stainless steel frame that will serve your particular needs. It would be wise to do lots of investiging of all the different Bimini designs. There lots of pluses and minus with each design. Take lots of pictures. Thoroughly check out all the options. My Bimini along with full enclosure was done by a highly skilled canvas loft about 10 years ago. I just last year had to redo some of the stitching. I will be replacing the zippers soon. I sew myself and do some canvas work. And it pays to have only best materials and skilled labor do the job. When I get the larger jobs like this. I contract with them to do the work while I design and supervise the project. I just recently did a job for a friend in his 80s were he needed the Bimini to be idiot proofed. I made the frame a fixed frame so he couldn't screw with it. (NO STRAPS) Then designed the Bimini to have 3 main sections. He now has a stand alone fixed frame over the companionway area with side grab rails that has a optional zip in wind shield that can act as a dodger. Then the rear main cockpit area Bimini on a fixed frame. Then a removable zip in filler piece between the two with a the zipper starting from the outside edge of Bimini. The entire set up was designed to help aid him in getting in and out of the cockpit safely. He now has optional configurations for the different seasons. Plus the entire canvas can be removed and put back on in short order by himself with out needing any help.

seadaddler · Nov 12, 2012

Parts

Marinepartsdepot.com has great stainless prices but you will need some one to bend stainless tubing.
Nick

Mike Culik · Nov 12, 2012

If your handy try Sailrite

Crazy Dave Condon · Nov 12, 2012

If this store site cannot help you, originally it was St. Augustine Canvas in St. Augustine, Florida that made those. However, you may want to investigate having a bimini made locally because they can then measure the boat correctly and install. If someone out of the area makes it for you without the right demensions, then that may be a problem due to the stainless steel alone.