Has anyone tried with any success to shorten the length of a bimini top. I'd like to modify a standard 6' long bimini to about 5.5' to clear the backstay and mainsheet rigging on the boom on my Hunter 23. I thought perhaps I could modify the front or rear bow to shorten the frame length and then resew a new pocket in the canvas to accommodate the modified bow location. I can't quite visualize how the frame geometry would need to change and what type tube and fittings I may have to add. Anyone been there / done that?
Shortening the Length (fore to aft) of a bimini top.
- Thread starter theaeronut
- Start date
Sailrite has videos and instructions on their website showing how to pattern a bimini top cover.
I recently modified a oversize bimini to fit my boat that included shortening the supports, narrowing the frame and re-fitting the cover to fit. Once I had the frame resized I set it up on the boat pretty much where I wanted it and braced up the bare frame using straps and ties to get it where it needed to be then stretched the cover and adjusted frame placement to make it work.
I recently modified a oversize bimini to fit my boat that included shortening the supports, narrowing the frame and re-fitting the cover to fit. Once I had the frame resized I set it up on the boat pretty much where I wanted it and braced up the bare frame using straps and ties to get it where it needed to be then stretched the cover and adjusted frame placement to make it work.
I modified a top on my previous owned Catalina 27. I first determined exactly what I wanted and because the frame was in stainless and I did not want to err (aluminum is less costly of course), I first constructed what I wanted with pvc pipe. If necessary it can be gently bent with proper heat application. I was able to adjust accordingly without expensive waste (i.e. measure twice, cut once). I used bed sheets to actuate the canvas I wanted. It ended up a near perfect adaptation and my wife sewed the canvas to fit. I have since used pvc on other projects and it has worked very well.
PS I built a lot of plastic models as a kid.
PS I built a lot of plastic models as a kid.
It's a good idea to mock up a project before cutting expensive material and finding you made a mistake.