Bimini Rec. ?

Just busted my Cabelas Bimini frame this weekend. They used to sell frames separate from tops. Apparently now they only sell them as a package deal. So instead of upgrading me to the complete package they refunded my money. Before i just go buy the same thing in a package deal from Cabelas i’d like to hear others recommendations.

Required:
8′ long. 54″ Tall.

I spent $320 on the frame + another hundo+ on the top.
I think the packages are ~$400 now for the frame and top. Pretty much same price.

Anyone reccommend anything besides the Cabelas ones? Or should i just go back to the same one and not repeat what i did to break it

Get a custom one done and then you’ll have something that is exactly what you want, it will last longer, and be repairable.

Yes, it will probably be more expensive than $400, but now your $400 top has just cost you $800, and in a few more years it will have cost you $1200…

I really like the top that Lakes Area Canvas in Lindstrom built for my pleasure boat. They also made me a cockpit mooring cover.

The real benefit came when I tore the mooring cover. They were able to repair it by sewing in a new section rather than replacing the whole cover. They also replaced all the rusted snaps at that time, and redid all the other stitching just to make sure it all held together. All for a fraction of the cost of a new cover.

When I think of all the boat covers I’ve thrown away over the years, I would have been WAY ahead to buy right and buy once.

Grouse

Darnit.

I would really like a full enclosure at some point and maybe now is the time. Expensive though but albeit worthwhile.

Honestly I’ve had that Bimini since October last year and got refunded all but $100-150 so not bad really considering my expenses on other fishing items.

I’m not sure this is the boat I want to attach a full blown enclosure to either.

I can probably make it through a few cold seasons before I get an enclosure but I don’t think I can make it two weeks without a Bimini of some sort.
I already pulled out of an all weekender Saturday after it broke. Really didn’t really to sit through a storm without it. Becoming a wuss of sorts

If looking for a quick fix go with an entry level one on amazon as they start out at $100 and are basic but buddies who have em say they work decent.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00REWKXK4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3J83FG0GHTSMZ&coliid=IK98FB70VUX0&psc=1
I think im gonna try this one…just want something to get me out of the rain on the river

I’ve been contemplating those Hungee.
Appear to have black annodized aluminum connections. I want to avoid any plastic.
I don’t think the cover is as good of material as what i’ve got, but i’m also hoping that if i got a 4-bow for cheap (Like like posted) that i might get luckly and my other cover would fit it.

It doesn’t say how thick the poles are though.

Friend of mine has a 620 ranger and just had a full top made that’s probably 6’3″ tall inside, stainless tubing and fittings, 2 piece removable side curtains, clear front with zip up middle to walk through, and bow cover with dual zippers to open up center section to get to bow mount. $3300

In April/May and Oct/Nov I’m completely jelous of full enclosures!!
Just frozen drool dripping from my jaws!

I’d like to fish out of one sometime to get the feel if the comfort is worth the reduction in fishing space.

Of course, it’ll need to be completely removable for the hot months.

What brand boat do you have? Doesn’t the manufacturer offer one? I have an alumacraft tournament sport and have the top. It snaps to the windshield and has two poles that lock into place on the gunnels. It pops on or off in just a couple minutes. I have the boot for it so I can have it folded up and out of the way at the start of the day fishing and if the inclement weather comes just pop it up.
I am 6’3″ and I can stand up under it, very nice. I don’t have the side curtains or the back yet, but even this piece is all the difference in the world when needing to get out of the hot sun or rain.
If you have a full windshield boat, make sure you get the piece that closes the area off beneath the windshield. That is a HUGE improvement. No wind, no water and when it gets nasty out set your heater right in there and keep nice and toasty!

a buddy put one he ordered off amazon on his smokercraft boat. he paid less than 200 and has had it for a few years and he only uses it when he’s out with the family so it doesn’t get a ton of use. he said it works nicely.

CaptainMusky wrote:

What brand boat do you have?

Sylvan ProFisherman 17′

CaptainMusky wrote:

If you have a full windshield boat, make sure you get the piece that closes the area off beneath the windshield.

Did that with some plexiglass this spring. Sure is nice!

After a bit of research i think i’ll be buying a VORTEX bimini.
Appears to be as robust as anything else and price is right.
Considering a 10′ instead of an 8′ but will have to get in the boat and do some measuring.