Bimini Top?

« **on:** January 20, 2014, 07:36:20 am »

My boat is a 1979 Southwind 18, My wife want a top and I kinda think it would be a good thing ( I sun burn in a full moon) But here's the thing, My boat is super clean and the thought of drilling holes in it scares the crap out of me! Will it lower the value of the boat?

« **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2014, 08:48:11 am »

Just make sure to get a good all stainless with the right mounts.... I got an entry level aluminum top with sunbrella then finally changed to all stainless with quick release low/shallow mounts . A total of 4 mounts...one set for in tow and the other for in use. I also modified the height. Do it right the first time...

« **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2014, 09:12:47 am »

Stainless is the way to go.I even droped mine 2inch looks a lot better. More low pro

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« **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2014, 10:37:39 am »

Quote from: Chad krieger on January 20, 2014, 09:12:47 am

Stainless is the way to go.I even droped mine 2inch looks a lot better. More low pro

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Can you tell me were you made your cuts at? I'd like to drop mine as well.

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« **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2014, 10:45:41 am »

Quote from: Chad krieger on January 20, 2014, 09:12:47 am

Stainless is the way to go.I even droped mine 2inch looks a lot better. More low pro

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Not to nit pick, but your top is on backwards. The bows should always flop forward. That way they will tighten up while driving. Also you don't have to flip it around when you put it around to the rear for towing.

Looks great otherwise.

GT

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« **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2014, 10:48:58 am »

Cut on the bottom where it sits in the celvis. I cut mine 2 inches.

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« **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2014, 10:51:48 am »

Thanks GT Ill fix that also I use the straps to hold it down when towing it.

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« **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2014, 10:53:14 am »

Quote from: Chad krieger on January 20, 2014, 10:48:58 am

Cut on the bottom where it sits in the celvis. I cut mine 2 inches.

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Cool, thanks!

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« **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2014, 12:11:49 pm »

I cut all 3 rows about 7"...lowered it over a foot. Nice clean low look with a slight rake to eliminate the balloon/para sail effect while cruising. It also doesn't roll over the sides to much for a cleaner more flat look.

« **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2014, 12:34:45 pm »

Quote from: Your Mom on January 20, 2014, 12:11:49 pm

I cut all 3 rows about 7"...lowered it over a foot. Nice clean low look with a slight rake to eliminate the balloon/para sail effect while cruising. It also doesn't roll over the sides to much for a cleaner more flat look.

That looks killer!!!

« **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2014, 01:05:54 pm »

When I first got my boat i was really worried about the same thing.. But if you get it done, or you do tit, propperly, it will increase the value. Alot of people like having the option for the top. it helps when you are just floating down river and what to sit out of the sun.

« **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2014, 02:38:56 pm »

I had one installed and still haven't used it. Sat in the garage since I got it. But lowering it seems very interesting.

« **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2014, 03:36:47 pm »

"drilling holes in it scares the crap out of me"

I hear ya. To avoid the holes, I mounted mine inboard on my stainless steel handrails. Obviously, you don't need the handrails to do this.... This also keeps the bimini hoops off the top of the gel coat.

I'm currently running a generic 8' top that I also cut down. It has the wrap-around sides that drop down a bit. Not as good-looking as a "flat" top, but it really helps keep the sun off early and late in the day. And mounting it as low as you're comfortable with (consider your back and the "stoop" factor) will maximize its effectiveness in keeping the sun off - again, especially early and late in the day.

Good luck

« **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2014, 05:40:08 pm »

This nice set of quick release is only about 3/16" tall of a pad with the bimini out. Came in a set of 4 pads and two quick release for tow or in use.

« **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2014, 05:49:21 pm »

a cheap "one size fits all" bimini will be hit or miss as far as the next person that owns your boat. a custom bimini will be better, last longer, and be more functional.

in the old days it was cool to not have one... now a days its not cool to get sunburn and skin cancer. bimini's are a must in 110* heat.

« **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2014, 07:08:57 pm »

Quote from: Your Mom on January 20, 2014, 05:40:08 pm

This nice set of quick release is only about 3/16" tall of a pad with the bimini out. Came in a set of 4 pads and two quick release for tow or in use.

First I've seen those! Where can I get them?

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« **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2014, 06:39:31 am »

Pretty sure other places have em also

http://www.danamarineproducts.com/ProductDetails.cfm?group_id=2&catid=81&productid=258&CFID=6126127&CFTOKEN=1cd8ba1-48a11e02-0287-4f3a-a18c-1f2432f06c58

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« **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2014, 06:41:34 am »

I found mine for 80 bucks online/ recycle parts, his only set at the time... just have to search everywhere.
http://www.cpperformance.com/c-35-bimini-top-accessories.aspx

« **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2017, 01:16:53 am »

Sorry to bring up an old thread but does anyone know a Bimini that would fit a 78' southwind day cruiser or have one for sale? Thanks

« **Reply #19 on:** March 29, 2017, 01:06:54 pm »

Quote from: Whiskey throttle on March 29, 2017, 01:16:53 am

Sorry to bring up an old thread but does anyone know a Bimini that would fit a 78' southwind day cruiser or have one for sale? Thanks

You can but them from overtons or west marine. Just measure the boat and buy the one that fits.

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« **Reply #20 on:** March 29, 2017, 06:54:05 pm »

I had the same concerns as everyone else here to limit the number of holes in my gel I mounted the rear brackets to the back of the seats and the front brakes in my rub rail...I still plan on shortening it eventually also. I still have not worked up the guts to put one one my orange challenger yet lol

1976 and 1977 Challengers

« **Reply #21 on:** March 30, 2017, 03:02:59 pm »

I just put the brackets into the paint. They dont take much room imo

I cut mine as much as i possibly could. Really transformed the look of the boat. I really like it

Did make the headers a lot louder though

« **Reply #22 on:** April 10, 2017, 09:48:40 pm »

I had shockwave build mine. 2 sets of quick releases so when I'm towing it will sit underneath my headers. I'll post more pictures for you tomorrow. You can see in the second picture how it lays for storage and towing with the quick releases.

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