I am looking for a Bimini for my Hunter 31, but am on a very limited budge. I have come across units for a 28 and a 34 and wonder if I should even be thinking of adapting one to my boat, and if so, am I better off looking at a smaller or larger one.
Bimini
- Thread starter wufibugs
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If you can borrow a sewing machine from a friend and you are somewhat handy then you can make your own and save a lot of money. There is a lot of information out there on how to do this.
The main thing is to get the dimensions of the ones you are looking at. Then take a sheet of plastic or tape a bunch of trash bags together to get the general shape. Once this is done take it to your boat and see if it will fit.
The main thing is to get the dimensions of the ones you are looking at. Then take a sheet of plastic or tape a bunch of trash bags together to get the general shape. Once this is done take it to your boat and see if it will fit.
Even if I was handy with a sewing machine, which I am not, I couldn't make it for the price I can buy the smaller one for. I'd stilll have to find a frame. As I recall the mounting points on the rails on my 31 are 108" apart. The 28 is just under 100". The width of the bimini frame on the 34 is 113.
You also want to be sure that there is room to swing those winch handles too.
Have you priced the ones from the HOW store? I am getting mine recovered in two weeks and the cost is $1,000.
Have you priced the ones from the HOW store? I am getting mine recovered in two weeks and the cost is $1,000.
Good point, Steve. Since the bimini frame attaches to the raiil about a foot above the railing deck mount, would they interfere with the winches? Now tnat I think of it, the winches are about 8" tall without the handles. I will take a careful look at that. I was concerned that the narrower frame might interfere with the cockpit seating, which is already at a premium on the 31.
I guess it depends on the price of either one. The width on the tubing mounting points should not be a problem. You may need to cut either to size and add an extension to join the tubes. It is done all the time. Measure the canvas on both and vizualize how they would fit. The smaller one is bound to be a bit short on the sides and the larger one might overlap. Either should provide adequate protection from the sun so figure out the looks/price ratio and make your choice. I would not bother with trying to modify the canvas for a better fit.
here's one that I put on our 31. It's from Calbela's, the frame has two halfs and is adjustable for width. I can't remeber what I paid but I'm pretty sure it was under 500. The straps can get in the way but you get used to them.Hope this helps. I have other pictures in my album.
Common practice is to "pinch" the frame mounts together a couple inches, but 5 is a bit much, I think. This keeps some tension in the bows for stability. I suggest you have a bimini as long and as wide and low as you can accomodate. I've seen biminis that are too small, and the sun and rain just comes in underneath them. Make the radius from upright to cross-piece as tight as possible (probably 12 inch radius?) to maximize overhead canvas size.
Sailrite makes a kit that ships the 2, one-inch, end upright/curves and a cross-piece. You cut the cross-piece to fit your application and spilce with 7/8 tube. You could do the same with any bows you can find used.
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