Searching for Hunter 26 Bimini and replacement stereo

[Mountainmonnie]

Hi there,

I have called Sailboat Owners but they are no longer really doing biminis. Trying to get a bimini cover for a Hunter 26 and a replacement stereo that might be newer than the existing stereo that has bluetooth. Tried buying a Pioneer marine stereo head unit new to use on our (new to us) Hunter, but it was not compatible because I cannot find a 16 pin adaptor for the original wiring harness. Does anyone have recommendations on where else I can get a Hunter 26 bimini cover?

Thanks!

 

[rgranger]

Are you just looking for the canvas for a bimi? Or just the cover?

If you don't need the pipes and only the canvas do a google. As a test I typed into google...

"Canvas shops that will make new bimini canvas"

And the first non-sponsored link was "The top 10 Marine Canvas Shops in Charleston.

And with shipping you don't have to limit yourself to a local shop.

 

[dlochner]

Most biminis and dodgers are custom built for a particular boat. Search for canvass shops near you. Often these shops also do awnings.

We bought a little JBL bluetooth speaker and haven't used the Clarion stereo on our boat in years. To replace the stereo you may have to completely rewire the system.

 

[Mountainmonnie]

Are you just looking for the canvas for a bimi? Or just the cover?

If you don't need the pipes and only the canvas do a google. As a test I typed into google...

"Canvas shops that will make new bimini canvas"

And the first non-sponsored link was "The top 10 Marine Canvas Shops in Charleston.

And with shipping you don't have to limit yourself to a local shop.

Thank you, I was under the impression that a bimini was specific to the Hunter 26, as I had looked at Bass Pro, Amazon etc. I would need the frame and fabric for a new bimini for the Hunter as the people we bought our boat from had a pop up cover but no bimini.... but thank you for the advice!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Your original radio will likely have standard automotive electrical colors for stereos. You can see which wires are connected to them to determine what each one is for. Many people are happy with a bluetooth speaker or two. If my boat wasn't wired for it already, I likely wouldve gone that route. When my headunit died, I installed a bluetooth amplifier. Much simpler and I dont have to mess with a bunch of knobs inside the cabin

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Thank you, I was under the impression that a bimini was specific to the Hunter 26, as I had looked at Bass Pro, Amazon etc. I would need the frame and fabric for a new bimini for the Hunter as the people we bought our boat from had a pop up cover but no bimini.... but thank you for the advice!

Every Bimini is somewhat unique for a few reasons. There is no on size fits all.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Stereo: www.crutchfield.com Check for accessory section for harnesses, or call them, too.

You do NOT need marine equipment if your boat is dry down below. That marine stuff is made for center console motorboats.

This is mine: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158DSXM55B/Sony-DSX-M55BT.html?tp=96441

I also connected a subwoofer.

 

[Rick Webb]

Check Ameriseam (perhaps not an exact spelling but pretty close) I think in Tampa.

They made the original biminis for Hunter 26s when a boat was ordered with them.

 

[fred1diver]

Hey Rick, now my question is, were they the ones who supplied it for that specific boat? Or did the boat’s PO have one made by someone else?
With my experience it is always better to get the skin custom made

 

[BigEasy]

IMHO, it is much better to have a reputable local shop make the Bimini frame & skin (if you don’t have an existing frame). If you have a frame, let a local reskin. To obtain a properly fitting cover, really need to have a professional obtain initial measurements, do a trial fitting, & final installation. It will not only look better, but you can call them out if there are problems with water retention, etc.

 

[Rick Webb]

It is my understanding that during the time the 26 was in production Ameriseam did all the canvas work for Hunter. Biminis, sail covers, cushions, all of it.

I bought mine from them probably thirty years ago and have been very satisfied. The only disadvantage which if it has lasted this long is probably a total nonissue is the bows are cut and sleeved for shipping. They provided the rivets and the holes were even predrilled. Came with all the attaching hardware cover and good instructions.

I would not hesitate to go back to them for a new one. For just new canvas or for some nonstandard custom features a local canvas place would perhaps be preferable. Actually, I think if I could send them my old one to copy and if the price were right, I would not hesitate to get the cove from Ameriseam.

One thing to consider and perhaps Ameriseam would do if asked is zippers in the bow pockets make it possible to remove the canvas without disassembling the frame. and added expense that is worth the added cost if the cover is to be removed periodically.

 

[Joe]

It is way, way easier to diy a bimini than a dodger, which requires rather precise measurements and knowledge of how to fabricate contours and specialized seaming when i comes to setting in the "vinyl" windows. However, you can order a bimini from most marine supply houses by simply supplying the measurements they require. Dodger is much more complicated and that's why they are so much more expensive than a basic bimini. Just do a search for "bimini tops for boats" and that'll get you pointed in the right direction. Boat Bimini Tops | National Bimini Tops