Rear Bimini Advice

[Jonah]

Hi all,

I'd like to get a second bimini for my Adventure. I currently have a standard one over the helm, but would like a second one to cover more of the cockpit. Ideally it could fit into the rod holders along the gunwale?

An example would be in Parthery's profile pic: <http://www.greatgrady.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=19>. His was a custom design. Anyone have advice on bimini makers who might make something like this without it being a custom order? Or if it does have to be a custom order, anyone have any favorite companies?

Thanks as always.

 

[DennisG01]

You could certainly add a second bimini. Companies like Carver Covers and Westland come to mind. However, it would be a "stand-a-lone" bimini - meaning it would would work just like your first bimini - would use black straps to secure it in the open position. I think it might be nice if you made it so the aft bimini attached to the forward bimini. Your idea of using rod holders is a good one and could be done relatively easily - if you can sew, you can do it yourself. Two poles (extendable type for easy storage?), a piece of canvas and a zipper. Cut/hem your canvas to the size you need, attach to poles (maybe with quick clips, etc). Sew one half of the zipper into the forward edge of the aft bimini, sew the other half into the rear edge of the forward bimini.

If you make the piece of canvas pretty tight, then you can use the black nylon straps from your forward bimini to tighten BOTH biminis. Another advantage to doing it the "rod holder" way is that when you don't want the aft bimini, it's much easier to store it than a stand-a-lone bimini.

 

[Angler Management]

I'm making a super cheap one for limited use during dinner rain storms on our ten day trip north. Pictures to follow, but it is 1.5" PVC pipe with elbows, fits the rod holders great.

It's gonna be bulky and not really meant for a long term bimini or for travel. Just something to have a little more dry space if it's pouring and we're trying to relax. But the PVC idea might make sense for you to experiment.

 

[Parthery]

I've got the 2nd bimini.....it's great for cruising. Was done by a canvas shop in Ft Myers and zips to the regular bimini to create a one piece canvas from windshield to transom.

It's great for cruising....but for fishing or skiing/tubing it's completely in the way. It blocks sight lines to the rear. For that reason mine spends most of the time hanging on a hook in the basement. It is nice for cruising though.

 

[Jonah]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the tips. I don't think I want to try this myself, but I said that once before and ended up enjoying the project (see here: <http://www.greatgrady.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23496>). If I do end up trying this myself, I'll refer to the advice here, thanks to DennisG01 and Angler Management.

In the meantime, I'm still interested in any advice on particular companies who might do this without it being a custom order. Parthery has exactly what I want!

 

[gw204]

Look for a take-off bimini. People who install t-tops usually unload their existing bimini once the job is done.

I picked up the oem bimini off of an 18' Grady cc several years ago. It was in nearly new condition as I think the boat got a t-top installed shortly after it was purchased. I was going to use it on my 17' Mako but have since sold that project. Now it's just hanging in my garage waiting for me to find another boat.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Jonah,
I don't want sound crass or something but by definition here, you will need a custom product. I suppose a place like West Marine might have an off the shelf product that meets your specifications? I think you will need to take your boat to a canvas shop to have it done. One piece of info is missing from your request. Where do you live?

When I added a second top to my 192 I just moved to NC from Fla. I drove across the state and had A and J Canvas build it for me. They did a bang up job as they are the OEM Grady Canvas people. Now if that is not practical for you, I think giving your location and asking a second question like , I live in Timbucktoo, what canvas shop do you guys suggest I use? As Yoda would say...the answers you seek you will find. I am willing to be folks could suggest a shop near you.

I am toying with an idea of adding a rear canvas to my boat too and it has a hard top.

 

[DennisG01]

Jonah, did you check out the two companies I mentioned above? You'll still need to sew in the zippers yourself (if you want the two biminis to connect to each other), but those are two good companies (they actually make the biminis - they're not a re-seller) that have good products.

 

[mous]

https://youtu.be/DH8IoBQ_oio
You can use one of these as they have different sizes ..or make your own using more or less the same idea .. dont want to invest 700$ .. will make one for my 228 soon

 

[Jonah]

Jonah, did you check out the two companies I mentioned above?

Thanks Dennis. Yes, didn't mean to overlook those. I'll check them out!

 

[DennisG01]

FYI, any local upholsterer (doesn't need to be a marine-specific place) can sew in a zipper on the two bimini pieces. Shouldn't be all that expensive for them to do it, either.

 

[Jonah]

Jonah,
I don't want sound crass or something but by definition here, you will need a custom product.

Hi Smoky,

Thanks. Yes, I think you're right that this will need to be a custom job. At first, I was just wondering if there are any companies that make 'standard' secondary biminis, but now that I'm thinking about making it zip to the front one, I agree that custom is the only way to go. But still, I'm going to check some of these online companies, because the zip-connection isn't critical; I just want a bit more shade for the back when my family and I 'picnic' back there.

I live near Easton MD, on the Chesapeake Bay. I know some local canvas shops, but first I'll see if I can find a pre-made one for the back, even if it doesn't have the zip function.

Thanks again!

 

[Jonah]

UPDATE: Actually, now that I've visited the websites that DennisG01 recommended, I see that I could actually buy a replacement Bimini that would mount a bit further back on the gunwale, and that would be much longer (up to 10'), covering more of the area in which I'm interested. So, I'll keep looking for a second bimini to add to my front/original one, but will also consider getting a larger/longer one to replace the current one.