POLL: Anyone interested in a replacement bimini with surf pockets?

[NautiqueJeff]

The surf pocket option started in 2017. I assume the fabric should be able to be ordered without the frame, but I am not sure. NP will know.

I know the bimini frame changed somewhere after 2013. I know because the bimini pole that used to come with the bimini to support it when it is folded forward into the bow doesn't put the bimini frame in the same position as it did in 2013. I assume this change started at the same time they started adding the gas shocks to the bimini frame. I think that was either 2014 or 2015. Whether or not that changed the fabric pattern, I am not sure. It looks very similar, but I would hate to say it was the same and be wrong.

You can see what I mean about the frame changing here:

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...3-2017-changes

[nyryan2001]

I have a 2014, and definitely don't have shocks on the Bimini frame.

[Jakehere]

Ok I called my dealer. The new 2017 (fabric only) Bimini with surf pockets would sell for $1100-$1400 depending on how much the dealer marks it up. The computer says it fits 2016-2017 only. I had him look up the regular non-surf bimini and it was priced about $250 less, and again the computer says it fits the 2016-2017 only.
So something in the bimini must have changed on the 2016 model vs. 2015 model. No big deal, I have a 2016 so we can make that one for 16-17, and we'll just make an offer to someone with a 2015 to use their top for our template, then do the same for the 2013 and 2014 boats if it turns out it's different than the 2015.

So the good news for this idea is that people are looking at $1100+ to upgrade their factory bimini to the surf pocket one, and that's if and only if they own a 2015-2016 boat, Nautique doesn't offer a surf bimini for 2013-2015 as far as I can tell. If I can sell one for around $600-$700 it would be a good deal, especially when ours will be real sunbrella material and made better with additional features like sunglasses pouch and better functioning surf pockets. I'll keep you guys informed but I have to respect the forum rules and not offer anything for sale, which is a ways off anyways, I think we'll have the prototype done by the first part of March, and if we can hit the pricepoint we've been talking about I'll become a forum sponsor and have a website and everything. Thanks guys. ~jake

[cedarcreek216]

Just another thought to this, I had a local canvas shop sew in surf pockets on our stock Bimini for under $200. Not sure a complete fabric replacement is necessary just to get the surf pockets. Another good idea may be to just fabricate the pockets and be able to ship them to the buyer to have installed on their existing top.


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[thtrog]

This is the factory top VVV



Pretty sure Nautique started offering the surf pockets in 2017 - not on the 2012 price sheet, so there needs to be verification the frame did not change. If designing something new I agree the front pocket needs to accommodate different boards, even if square. There also may need to be another layer of material underneath the board to keep from wearing a hole in the top. My Malibu had 2 adjustable straps and no pockets, but the back strap was behind the board fins.

[thtrog]

^^

[Tallredrider]

THTROG, what stops those boards from sliding out backwards? Is the traction pad sufficient? Driving 30MPH into a 30 MPH headwind (60MPH) is not enough to make them move? The strap would be nice if it went behind the fins.

[Bevostein]

Just another thought to this, I had a local canvas shop sew in surf pockets on our stock Bimini for under $200. Not sure a complete fabric replacement is necessary just to get the surf pockets. Another good idea may be to just fabricate the pockets and be able to ship them to the buyer to have installed on their existing top.


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I did the same thing. I had Buxton Marine, my local Nautique dealer do it, here in Dallas. I want to say it was $250 and I think I have three pockets. They did it last fall and the boat has been tucked away since then. I would bet most can get there bimini modified locally for around the same.

My $0.02.....your "competition" for surf pockets is not the $1100 factory bimini but rather the $200-250 local modification. You will need to convince people that a full replacement for an extra $350-400 is worth it. Your only selling points that I can see are Sunbrella and customization options (colors and features)

I personally don't see Sunbrella for the bimini being that big of a deal. Sunbrella is great for covers or other applications where the items is left out in the elements day in and day out. Its definitely amazing stuff. However, I would think virtually everyone puts the factory boot on their bimini when storing it and many, many store their boat in a covered boat lift or enclosed storage. I don't view Sunbrella as being critical for the the bimini. For most, its just not exposed enough.

That leaves customization. $400 extra is a high hurdle so I would focus on coming up with unique and neat features of color patterns. Question though, can you still clear a profit at $600 if each one is customized to a degree.

A few other scenarios that might get you buyers would be those who are not situated close to a dealer or canvas shop they trust and don't want a lengthy trailer pull just to get surf pockets sewn in. Also if someone damages or their OEM top deteriorates and needs a replacement. I don't see many of these things deteriorating for the reasons I mentioned above.

Best of luck

[thtrog]

THTROG, what stops those boards from sliding out backwards? Is the traction pad sufficient? Driving 30MPH into a 30 MPH headwind (60MPH) is not enough to make them move? The strap would be nice if it went behind the fins.

That is a Nautique photo, not mine...yes I agree the strap should be behind the fins. Didn't you have pockets installed on a previous boat?

[Tallredrider]

That is a Nautique photo, not mine...yes I agree the strap should be behind the fins. Didn't you have pockets installed on a previous boat?

Yes, I had a local shop put them on my 2006 Malibu. Probably going to do the same with my G this spring. I think he charged me $125. The strap on my old boat was a little wonky, but it worked. I was torn on this poll between voting between option 2 and 3. $600 might not be enough to make me bite, unless I needed to replace the canvas anyway. Although it is thinner than sunbrella, it seems plenty durable, and blocks the sun like it should.

[thtrog]

Check out the pocket design on this thread, simple and should fit any board. On the 2nd page the OP shows the top off the boat, sorry for the TT link in advance.
http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...ad.php?t=61125

[Paxdad]

$600 would be steep especially if there were local retrofit options in the $250 range.


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[JoeA]

I love the idea of surf pockets. Question: how do you easily slide a board in and out of the pockets? I am almost 6' and would have to stand on my seats to even have a chance of getting a board in and out of the pockets....I think. Am I missing something?

[sgresham]

I love the idea of surf pockets. Question: how do you easily slide a board in and out of the pockets? I am almost 6' and would have to stand on my seats to even have a chance of getting a board in and out of the pockets....I think. Am I missing something?

Yes, you do have to stand on seats, but surf pockets are well worth it, Imo.

[theskunk]

I've got a sunbrella bimini on my 06 211 (aftermarket, over the top, snaps on the back); but i'm having trouble finding a shop in my area that has the right material and know-how to do it. A few of them are simply telling me "no", but most are asking me to bring them the entire boat so that they can re-enforce the bracing for the bimini.

I could just use some netting material to make the pockets - pretty sure I can do everything else from there.