Dodgers and Biminis
- Thread starter budliz96
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Near as I can tell, the only way to get a bimini for a sailboat (even one as popular as ours) is to have them custom made. This is to ensure that they fit around all the running and standing rigging.
We just commissioned one from Little Bay Canvas based on some recommendations from some friends, a reasonable quote ($1800 for the bimini and custom-made ss frame), and seeing their work. I would check with your marina, local friends, and West Marine's business card board to see if you can find someone local that can make it for you.
We just commissioned one from Little Bay Canvas based on some recommendations from some friends, a reasonable quote ($1800 for the bimini and custom-made ss frame), and seeing their work. I would check with your marina, local friends, and West Marine's business card board to see if you can find someone local that can make it for you.
Did you find a source for your dodger? I'm looking for the same thing. Not much to choose from here in Alaska. Thanks.
Biminis and dodgers and just like sails: there are two choices
--- Buy online or remotely for lowest cost
--- Buy locally a little bit pricier but everything usually fits and you have you much better recourse for adjustments to your satisfaction
This is simply a summary of the experiences of everyone who's reported to this forum over the years.
--- Buy online or remotely for lowest cost
--- Buy locally a little bit pricier but everything usually fits and you have you much better recourse for adjustments to your satisfaction
This is simply a summary of the experiences of everyone who's reported to this forum over the years.
There's a third option.
I picked up a generic bimini from Boater's World when they went out of business for $100. I put the frame together on the boat and measured for the cutouts and zippers for the backstays at least five times. Marked the sunbrella and took it to a local canvas guy to have the cutouts and zippers done for around another $100. I spent another $30 or $40 for additional fittings at West Marine.
You could probably get the same Taylor Made kit from West for around $300, so you'd still be well below the $1800 to $2200 I was quoted by a couple of canvas shops.
Things I'd do differently: the canvas guy recommended running the zippers side-to-side, I think front-to-back gives you a little more wiggle room for adjustment. Also I'd buy the rail mounts and cut down the poles. I may still do this as I think it would be a cleaner installation.
BTW, you will fiddle with it more than once before you're happy with the fit.
I picked up a generic bimini from Boater's World when they went out of business for $100. I put the frame together on the boat and measured for the cutouts and zippers for the backstays at least five times. Marked the sunbrella and took it to a local canvas guy to have the cutouts and zippers done for around another $100. I spent another $30 or $40 for additional fittings at West Marine.
You could probably get the same Taylor Made kit from West for around $300, so you'd still be well below the $1800 to $2200 I was quoted by a couple of canvas shops.
Things I'd do differently: the canvas guy recommended running the zippers side-to-side, I think front-to-back gives you a little more wiggle room for adjustment. Also I'd buy the rail mounts and cut down the poles. I may still do this as I think it would be a cleaner installation.
BTW, you will fiddle with it more than once before you're happy with the fit.
The fourth option is to get a good book, buy the materials and a machine, and do it yourself. This is a valid option. You will be surprised on how easy it is to do it following the instructions of a descent book. You save yourself tons of money and it would be a good winter project!
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