Replacing bimini canvas

[IH82BL8]

I want to replace my bimini canvas. One source has a price of $1,249 for a complete bimini (with frame) specifically for my boat. They stated that they cannot sell just the canvas because it might not fit my frame, which AFAIK is the original frame. It seems to me that for less money I can have a new one made using the old one for a pattern. Has anyone else been through this exercise?

Thanks.

 

[Chief RA]

Make one yourself. They are easy with the old one for a pattern and do not need a special heavy duty machine. You will save so much money you can buy a new machine and still save money! No, learning to sew is not that hard. Chief

 

[IH82BL8]

Thanks, I'm very encouraged by that. I do all of my own work when I can (so far, that means all of it). This might be a good winter project. Maybe Santa will bring me the machine I need.

 

[Phil Herring]

A custom canvas shop can make a new top from your old one; it will probably cost less than the price you quote but it depends on the shop.

The sew-it-yourself idea has merit, of course, but I suspect a bimini would be a relatively tough first project. The tolerances will be small compared to winch covers, mainsail cover, etc., and if it doesn't fit the frame it will be baggy, rattle, etc., or not fit at all.

The problem with "original" canvas is, there's no guarantee it was made from the same pattern we use (assuming we're the reference you made above). Many dealers had their own canvas built locally, many new owners had their own canvas made locally, some added options or made changes to a pattern. Unless we can be sure the bimini was made by the same shop we use, and confirm the pattern, there's too much money at risk to guess.

 

[Terry Cox]

Bimini Replacement

FWIW, two years ago it was time to replace our dodger, bimini and main sail cover canvas. Lita's Top Shop out of Arlington, WA did the work for us. She used Sunbrella material throughout. Total bill for everything was $1,500. One of her crew took all the measurements, took all my suggestions for an improved product and did a wonderful job. Her total bill was almost the same amount for just the dodger canvas from a local competitor.

She installed leather at all the wear points; winch handles, boom, sheets, etc. She also used plastic buckles to connect the underside of the main sail cover, and gave me my choice of SS fasteners. Our main sail cover required special treatment because of our Dutchman flaking system.

I suppose you could move your boat to Washington State.

 

[Chief RA]

Terry, you got a deal! Chief

 

[caguy]

If you do make it allow yourself plenty of e=seam allowance. You can always take it in for a snug fit. Allow your self a long day to make it, looks like a simple job but it really chews up time.

 

[Ian McGain]

You are on the wrong side of the bay for this, but it you feel like driving to Rock Hall, I will give you the name and phone number for a very economical canvas person. Also, to save money, buy you canvas on ebay. This way you will only pay for the labor.
Ian McGain

 

[Sanfelice]

Why not try an automobile upholstery shop, one that does convertible tops. I should think that if your current canvas is in good enough shape to draw a pattern they should be able to copy it.

 

[Nereussailor]

Check into Sailrite. They have videos of how to sew a Bimini. they look pretty simple if you have the tools. They build one from scratch on the video, but if you have your old one it should make it a lot easier. If you don't think you can sew your own at that point, they also sew them for you. Check into their pricing.

 

[Rick Templeton]

I just had the canvas on our dodger replaced last week. The shop reused the frame and had no problems at all. They even removed it and added handrails to it for us. Find another shop that isn't so rigid.

 

[Benny17441]

Do your homework and get a couple of estimates from local canvas shops. There are no savings in getting a heavy duty sewing machine for just one job. There are only so many winch covers you might need.

 

[Peck]

Hi
I have canvas and car upholstery shop in Tarpon Springs Fl, my wife and I start with this before year we move from Europe.
For now my 60 % of work is car seats paneling headliners for dealerships in Tampa Bay.we making awnings, outdoor cushions and for boats inside and out any fabric's.
If you want I can make you new bimini with sunbrella fabric. I have lot's of fabrics to choose from depends what you like but you have a milion beautiful new fabrics except blue red green black.send me size of bimini for estimate but because we just start you will get promo price.
If not you need 5 zippers number 10
Good treat v-92
Leave for seam 1/2 inch
And calculate that fabric is stretched after all this years so make little bit smaller depends where you need to see on side's
Wish you luck from one sailor to another!!

 

[Chief RA]

Benny: you don't need a heavy duty sewing machine. Chief

 

[caguy]

Benny: you don't need a heavy duty sewing machine. Chief

Maybe not but it sure helps. Especially if he is going to install windows. I bought a used Jukie many years ago figuring I could always resell it for more than I paid. I have many more projects to do but will sell it someday.
So don't think of it as buying an industrial machine think of it as borrowing one until you resell it,

 

[Sailm8]

I'm seriously looking at this one: hardtotop.com Has a 10 year warranty. They quoted me about $1100 using my bows. The canvas shop said 800 - 900 to make a copy of my existing bimini.

 

[IH82BL8]

Hey Ian, I sent you a private message.

I took the bimini cover off the boot and took it to the canvas shop at the marina. They wanted $100 more than the price quoted above and it didn't include a cover.