Cutting a bimini

« **on:** July 20, 2014, 09:17:16 PM »

Hopefully someone here can enlighten me.

Bought a new bimini top, but it's too tall.
Which tube(s) do I cut in order to bring the heigth down?
It's a 3 bow, 6' long.
Any pointers are greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys

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« **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:21:58 PM »

When I cut mine I did the main pole that mounts to the bracket on ur boat. Think I lowered mine like 12" .... not only to give it a sleeker look but also so it didn't hang off the back of the boat in the tow position

SRC
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« **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:27:10 PM »

That's what i figured. I'm gonna have to sleeve this one and raise it back up, took a little too much out.
Thanks for the input

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« **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:28:37 PM »

Its actually tricky if there is no real length in the bottom (longest) tube.

You have to be really careful to not over do it. The canvas is actually cut to the arc of the bows.

My first one I did, I actually used some EMT conduit and bent some that didn't matter if I screwed them up, because the top I was working with had 7/8" stainless tubes..

The answer to your question though is, you quite possibly have to cut them all off the same amount, anything below the last hinge point is fair game...

Hope this helps...

GT

« **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:42:25 PM »

Quote from: GT Jets on July 20, 2014, 09:28:37 PM

Its actually tricky if there is no real length in the bottom (longest) tube.

You have to be really careful to not over do it. The canvas is actually cut to the arc of the bows.

My first one I did, I actually used some EMT conduit and bent some that didn't matter if I screwed them up, because the top I was working with had 7/8" stainless tubes..

The answer to your question though is, you quite possibly have to cut them all off the same amount, anything below the last hinge point is fair game...

Hope this helps...

GT

GT, by the last hinge point, you're reffering to the hinge point for the front bow correct?

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« **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:47:07 PM »

Quote from: H20Nut21Bahner on July 20, 2014, 09:42:25 PM

GT, by the last hinge point, you're reffering to the hinge point for the front bow correct?

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Yes, anything below the bottom hinge you can lose without it effecting the operation of the Bimini. The ones "above" the bottom hinge point, you need to be cautious.

GT

« **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:56:14 PM »

Quote from: GT Jets on July 20, 2014, 09:47:07 PM

Yes, anything below the bottom hinge you can lose without it effecting the operation of the Bimini. The ones "above" the bottom hinge point, you need to be cautious.

GT

Thanks.
Any tips as far as cutting the others?

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« **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2014, 10:14:37 PM »

Quote from: H20Nut21Bahner on July 20, 2014, 09:56:14 PM

Thanks.
Any tips as far as cutting the others?

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Take it apart and use duct tape to be sure what you want to do before cutting..

It is difficult to put the poop back into the horse.

GT

« **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:43:44 AM »

I cut all 3 on mine equally bout 7". I have two mounting spots for my bimini... one while up an the other for in tow. The challenge is to keep all 3 at same height while closed and to fit to your mounting area if using up/in tow separate mounts. Make sure if its a 3 row that one is forward and the other 2 are back....thats normal and proper. Put it together and make measurements of it on boat opened up and then closed in its tow position. Mine came out flat with a light rake and doesn't balloon at all like most I see. This pic is right after the cuts... Its 24" above dash and 27" over rear. I have a slightly deeper hull so you might be able to get yours down to 30+/- while open. You can see the rear mount for in tow in front of rear strap.

« **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:51:16 AM »

Quote from: Your Mom on July 21, 2014, 06:43:44 AM

I cut all 3 on mine equally bout 7". I have two mounting spots for my bimini... one while up an the other for in tow. The challenge is to keep all 3 at same height while closed and to fit to your mounting area if using up/in tow separate mounts. Make sure if its a 3 row that one is forward and the other 2 are back....thats normal and proper. Put it together and make measurements of it on boat opened up and then closed in its tow position. Mine came out flat with a light rake and doesn't balloon at all like most I see. This pic is right after the cuts... Its 24" above dash and 27" over rear. I have a slightly deeper hull so you might be able to get yours down to 30+/- while open. You can see the rear mount for in tow in front of rear strap.

My take on that .. you're saying take equal amounts out of all 3 tubes?

« **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2014, 11:57:36 AM »

Yes to keep the geometry correct. It will lower the entire top but just make sure that when closed all 3 bars still are the same height. If your worried get a pipe cutter and take 2"-3" off first then check it out. When you assemble the middle bar will be locked down at the time of laying down/closed to ensure the rows are the same. You can raise the front bar up a bit like I did in pick at your liking. I have mine at 3" up from mount. Once it was lightly assembled, I then took off 7. Dropped it bout a foot or more when open. Lays nicely in tow on the back mounts and can open my hatch without issues. I can walk ya thru it if you want to call me... My number is on my web.

« **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2014, 08:55:22 AM »

Well, finally got the height where I want it. As it turns out, should have been a little more patient and not gone balls out. Ended up having to sleeve part of the frame and add length back in.
Thanks for all the tips and pointers gentlemen ..

« **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2014, 03:47:52 PM »

Too late now but I drew mine out on Auto CAD and moved the mounting point up and then remeasured each hoop on CAD, cut to length.

H20Nut21Bahner

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