What size/type/brand of bimini to buy???

[paul]

I'm looking for a bimini cover for my 1969 233.  I don't know where to start with how many bows, what brands, etc.  Anyone have any tops they really like and are sturdy enough to go 20mph with in the up position? 

Please post pics of your good-looking biminis. 

Also looking for good/bad brand feedback.  And discussion of sunbrella/polyester or aluminum/stainless steel frames.

Thanks!

Paul

[randy neville]

I would like the same info for my 1980

[Saltair]

I have a 7/8 inch tube aluminum bimini. I put solid braces on the back legs, so that it can fold up and stay up, kinda like an arch. I can run at cruise, around 30 mph with it fully open, if the wind isn't already blowing very hard. stainless is stronger and stiffer but costs more. I have mine mounted way forward on a '80 sportsman, so that it covers about the same area as the windshield. It is a six foot, wouldn't mind an eight foot or larger. I think this is one of those things that you get what you pay for. Mine came with the boat except for the rear braces.

[bill pugh]

I had a quoat for a stainless steel bimini 6 ft for my 1980 233.....1000 dollars ..said it was a custom order...seems a little steep for me but would like to travel with it up..at reasonable speeds..maybe i can get one cheaper in the states.not sure tho......also i am having an issue with how i would maount it...inside the cockpit or outside ..any thoughts anyone?

[Saltair]

Mine mounts outside the windshield, which is more out of the way. My understanding of the 233 design is that it was meant to mount inside, on slides, where it could fold down and fit between the fiberglass lip and the teak plate at the stern. That is the reason for the open space under the teak plate.

[paul]

Allright.  I wanted to follow up on this.  I bought a 4-bow aluminum 8' bimini from iboats.  It was called EnduraTop in their catalog, but when it arrived, it was clearly made by Carver.  Anyways, I mounted it outside of the gunnels where the original one was mounted.  Can't believe it, but my new SS pivoting mounting brackets mounted EXACTLY in the holes from the originals!  I also added the backbrace and mounted that outside as well(new holes).  I bought the enduratop, because they were the only company that would affirm that I could drive with the top up since I had the back brace.  Nobody else would confirm or deny-I want a product that the company is proud to stand behind!

     Anyways, I love it so far, and don't even think about it-it's up all the time!  I went with the stainless steel fittings, and the back brace-added $180 to the total price of $700 shipped, but looks and works like its well built.  I'd definitely buy it again.

[R. Klein]

Hi, look at my album there you can see what is installed on mine.  the rear part is a normal aftermarket bimini top, the front is local made, the cover itself is local made too. it withstands normal cruising speed of 23-24knots without problems...