Aftermarket Bimini Top for G-Series

[NautiqueJeff]

Anyone have any thoughts on this bimini top for the G-series boats? I think I like it!

[JoeA]

I like the look of the factory bimini and it functions very well. I do like that the surf pockets are sewn in so that's a big plus for me and a nice upgrade over the bungee cords on the racks.

Who makes this and what does it cost? Is it readily available?

[Neverenough]

I agree w Joe. Pockets would be nice but the factory one is simple and looks great.

[Capt. Moe]

I really like this bimini. Very solid, lots of shade and over the tower.

[Tallredrider]

I really like this bimini. Very solid, lots of shade and over the tower.

Not as easy as the current bimini, which is awesome, but not too shabby either. I will be considering this for my next boat. The price would have to be competitive, however. Looks like it is about the same size, but about 18 inches more behind the tower.

[nyryan2001]

I love the 15 second open and close of the OEM bimini.... And how sturdy it is and how well it works. It just needs surf pockets... Then again I've stored 6 surfboards in a single trunk, really don't need them.

Not sure I'd have the patience to go back to a hassle to fold and open. OEM Bimini has me spoiled.

[JoeA]

I am now taking a second look and now see something I do not like how my previous Malibu had the bimini past the tow point on the tower and the rope rubbed on the bimini or smacked it form time to time when surfing before going ropeless. This bimini has a similar design. I know that is being picky but I like the factory design as it is today with the tow point being fully exposed. The mounting bracket for this alternate bimini does snot match any of the styling on the G. I do like this alternate bimini for the surf pockets. They appear to be well designed with support in the right areas.

The grab handles on the factory bimini are very sturdy and this is something you'd be giving up as far as I can tell.

[Jeeper92]

I have added surf pockets to my factory cover a way cheaper option. I like the factory cover look and function. This one looks busy with the bracing on the sides.

[NautiqueJeff]

Couple of thoughts on some of the responses. I think when the boat is pulling a rider, the attitude of the boat would be such that the angle of the boat would keep the rope from hitting the bimini. That, coupled with the drop in the rear portion of the bimini should keep it clear, I would think. Also, I don't know the cost of this bimini yet, but the MSRP on the factory bimini is $3,650. Add in the cost of adding surf pockets, and I would bet that this bimini is quite a bit less expensive.

[josemolino]

My comment is in line with Jeff. That aftermarket one is not confortable to place the rope. It should just stay at tower line and not try to cover backwards.
Hopefully towerbimini.com would come with an aftermarket design at a reasonable price soon.
Regarding Nautique´s , Z5 is messy and expensive and OEM standard is expensive.

[josemolino]

Agree with Jeff. Hopefully towerbimini.com comes with a reasonable AM design soon.

[jonsquatch]

I like it and I think the angle and the opening would make it easy to get the rope on and still stay out of the way enough. I have the Z5 now and would order one again if I was ordering another boat, but if that was an option and cost less than the factory folding one then I would definitely consider it.

[Tallredrider]

I called Sewlong. They gave me a price of $2400 over the phone.

The MSRP on the bimini last year was $3568.

I personally like the look and don't mind a little extra shade out the back side. I think most guys will have a hard time reaching the tow point, however. But not likely a problem for someone tall with long arms.

[nyryan2001]

I would not want to go back 10yrs to struggling with a zippered long PITA bimini boot, wrapping the bimini around the poles? That's what I had on my Yamaha and Malibu, hated it. Difficult to align, zipper snags on every little bit of bimini fabric, and especially a PITA in windy conditions like you find at a lake ramp. They time lapsed it in the video. The OEM boot goes on easy in seconds.

Also, bigger and flat may not equal more shade unless its exactly solar noon. smaller and contoured might actually provide more shade.

I don't like the high OEM MSRP either, but the OEM bimini is so well made, and so functional, its going to be hard to beat unless he aftermarket product is better, faster and cheaper.

[Tallredrider]

The video changes angles, but does not time lapse. It takes her about 90 seconds to put it up and another 90 seconds to take it down. I have to admit that 90 seconds seems like an eternity compared to the current bimini, which I think is all of 15 seconds.