Need new Bimini cover

[njlarry]

While sailing up the Delaware Bay the Bimini top cover decided to go for a swim. Now need a replacement with a split zipper to fit around the backstay.
Anyone know of a source? Looked here, WM, Defender and Overton's and could only find single zipper units. (notice I did NOT say "models"!)
Thanks for any leads.

 

[Gunni]

You are looking for custom canvas work, I assume using your existing bimini as the pattern. If not you are special custom work. What's in your wallet? Seriously, it all depends on how persnickety you are about fit and finish and how much you want to spend. Annapolis / Anne Arundel Co. is full of canvas shops.

 

[Bill Roosa]

or make your own

They are not that hard to sew up if you have access to the admarial's sewing machine. I sewed up my 12'x14' bimini in two afternoons.
AND
you can install custom sailing windows, use the waterPROOF sunbrell fabric, install pockets for stuff, make a cover for it that fits while on the bails, etc. I found that the 5' nothing First Mate could only see the the top 6 feet of the mast and sail leach. made the window longer fore-&-aft so she could see town to the clew and she (go figure) started sailing the boat faster and asking for more sail trimming.
First picture is the hoisting window so the trimmer at the electric winch can see the mainsail as it is raised or lowered
Second is the backstay lacing. Zippers stink for this application
the third is the view from the helm. We made covers for both windows so you can keep the sun out when needed.

 

[Picflight]

That cover looks great Bill.

What type, model sewing machine did you use?

 

[Pat]

everything looks great!....which grade of sunbrella did you you buy & where for a reasonable price? thanks, Pat

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Nice work, Bill! You are motivating me to have mine re-made. I haven't liked using it since I installed a backstay adjuster for the split backstay. The holes fit when the backstay is relaxed but when sailing upwind, and tightening the backstays, the bimini interfers (basically, I just tighten anyway and suffer with the fabric getting pinched. I'll have a new one made that accommodate the adjustments AND provide the windows!

I'm not going to do it tho, my BIL does boat upholstery for a living so I hope to get a family rate.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Picflight
I used a standard singer machine and straight stitching. Did have to buy a new heavier needle but that was stock off the shelf from Jo-Ann Fabric.

Pat
i used sumbrella plus which has an additional urethane coating on the bottom side making it waterproof (no more 605 applications or drips!) from sailrite.com. Currently 34.95/yd at 60" wide. Be sure to use the sumbrella thread as it is also sunresistant like sumbrella. choice of colors has a MAJOR impact on cockpit heat. the jocky red I used was a step up (down in temp) from the dark blue I had before but does keep the cockpit toasty on a cold day with the curtains all down to keep the wind out.

T-bird
I'm hip! I'm convinced that the kits are a serious compromise over custom.

 

[Pat]

Thank you Bill for the great information above....exactly what I needed to know...We do
have a regional Sunbrella rep here in Wichita, but I'll check prices between the two. I believe we will do the jockey red as well. I wonder if I could so it on my wife's bernina
sewing machine? Thank you again, Patrick

 

[Ron20324]

I just got an email from Sailrite that if you spend 300, you get 50$ off Sunbrella. Use promo code " JULYSUN ".