Biminis

[redelf75]

So I need a bimini for my new 216. This style was suggested to me by a CC dealer. I haven;t seen it in person but it looks cool. It has no straps or metal stays other than the frame itself. It folds for travel too. Does anybody have any experience on this style bimini? Any other suggestions?

[Air206]

I love how the pattern matches the upholstery... probably not noticed except from above though. How does it get out of the way when folded? (I like biminis that tuck into towers and don't strap to the gelcoat)

[redelf75]

Yeah the colored paterns are extra $75 per stripe. They do look cool, but as yout thought, only from above. There is a foot of fabric on the bottom side at both the front and back creating a pocket for the frame to fit into.

[Air206]

It is neat how that rigid top folds. Is that Bracket strong enough to hold the folded top when at speed or being trailered? Also looks like "legs" are head/shoulder bangers when folded........ I still think it looks good when up though.

[redelf75]

I would probably keep the bimini up all the time on the water, so the legs shouldn't be a problem. I was actually wondering if the thing was strong enough to trailer with the bimini open. But I guess that would be puching my luck...

Thanks for the comeback.

[NautiqueJeff]

Another option would be to go with a TowerBiminis bimini.
They're similar in design, and they don't have any straps.
I love mine.

[Tony-M.]

Both of those biminis look good. I wonder if the towerbiminis uses anything besides black for the legs? I'm not sure how the black would look with my silver metallic tower. Jeff...How does the towerbiminis fold?

[NautiqueJeff]

The bimini stays connected to the tower by the rear legs when folded. You wrap the canvas around the other two arms and zip on the cover. The covered bimini then straps to the rear of the tower. It is very clean looking whether it is up or folded.

Towerbiminis does offer other color legs. Check out the link below for lots of pictures of various biminis by towerbiminis.

http://www.towerbiminis.com/new_bimimi_tops.htm

[Tony-M.]

Thanks Jeff. I think that I will give them a call tomorrow. I hope that they already know the measurements for a 04 SAN; it sure would be nice having the bimini when my boat arrives in May.

[redelf75]

Thanks jeff, I checked out the web site. I think I've been there before... I like the fact the bimini is nice and long, nearly 6' on the 216. Gotta have my shade!

BTW, they can custom powder coat the stays for an additional $125.

[Tony-M.]

I talked to someone at towerbiminis today and I think that I will buy from them. Jeff....Is there any rattling at the tower/pole connections using the quick disconnect pins?

[NautiqueJeff]

Tony M.,

Mine is very quiet. I have no complaints.

[jhiestand]

Hey Tony,

I'm runnin' a Tower Bimini also and am very pleased with it. A couple things you might want to note, though. One is that the quick release pins and the screws that go into the front legs are NOT attached via safety cable, so you have to be very careful putting your top up. I lost one of the screws first time I tried my top! In addition to that, it takes a little longer to put the tops up and is a tad more cumbersome than the standard "strap" tops, but I think it's WELL worth it to not have the stupid straps. Looks very custom and clean.

I'm almost 100% certain you can order the legs in silver or brushed. Also, my top is much bigger than the tops that came with my buddies Malibu and X-Stars.. very nice. With the exception of the loose connection pieces, I highly recommend these tops.

[patoloco]

I'm looking at adding a bimini myself. What is the cost of TowerBimini's top? Shipping cost? etc.

I know about what I can have one made for locally.

Also - How much shade does the top really provide? It seems there would be a fair amount of sun coming in from the sides

[Tony-M.]

jhiestand:
I am going with Tower Biminis. I like that their tops are bigger, giving more shade. Thanks for the comments.

NautiqueJeff:
Which local shop did you get your custom cover from in NC?