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Bimini
Jun 4, 2021 12:11:13 GMT
Post by andromeda on Jun 4, 2021 12:11:13 GMT
Are replacement soft cockpit biminis available from a website, or must they be custom made? All need replacing on 90s sun seeker
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Bimini
Jun 4, 2021 19:07:47 GMT
Post by Charlie-Bravo on Jun 4, 2021 19:07:47 GMT
Hi, you can buy something online, and then bodge it to fit, and you might save a little money, but any sailmaker will happily pop to your boat and with a quick measure up, produce something that actually fits for not much more money. As a plus, you can also get a window panel installed in the build if required, or pockets etc.
Bespoke doesn't always mean going for broke, and is often the best option with boat canvas, plus the sailmaker / bimini maker will probably have done it before and know what is needed for easy stowage/ use.
Get someone to come and look for a quote, ..... that bit costs nothing.
CB
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Bimini
Jun 5, 2021 10:43:01 GMT
Post by rene460 on Jun 5, 2021 10:43:01 GMT
We recently replaced our dodger and bimini canvas, so now have two experiences to relate.
The first one was organised by the agent who used a local canvas worker. I think he was more used to doing power boats, but as it lasted eleven years, I can’t really complain about the materials or workmanship. There were just none of the nice features that make the difference between something adequate and something that you really appreciate.
Recently we have noticed that the stitching was finally starting to go due the the green algae growing in the hollows that are always last to dry, and the clears weren’t really clear, any more so time for a replacement.
Many of our fellow boaties along the jetty used local canvas workers and most were pretty good. I talked to our sailmaker, but he was not really interested. Even in the COVID year he had plenty of sailmaking to do. But there was also a new sailmaker on the block, still establishing himself, and I actually knew him, another story, and he was happy to give me a quote, and actually stayed to measure up on the spot and talk about what I wanted. He was making all the right noises, and making good suggestions to use the original frames but with additional features, mostly in the canvas and clears. Then the lockdown hit (again), and he sent me a quote by email. I decided to trust the man and after some discussion of what was included, and updates for some omissions that I really wanted, I accepted the quote. Now the boat is four hours away and I could not visit. He sent me photos, and so while I had intended to inspect then pay, that was not possible and I felt I should pay on the photos. He did not let me down and when my wife and I finally were able to visit our boat, we were very pleased. I think the advantage of using a sailmaker happy to include the canvas work in his repertoire, is that he has some experience of sailing and knows what features are desirable, which is always an advantage.
The features I really liked were hand rails along the outside each side, as it is a long stretch without hand holds to go forward, particularly if it is rough, and the zip down window in the front clear. This gives airflow on hot days, and allows my wife to see through when steering, as she cannot see over the top. The best clears are not clear on a misty morning. He also added a couple of bars to the frames to improve the overall stability of the frame, but those were probably unique to the original layout.
Both the sail maker and the canvas maker basically fitted the canvas to the frames with pegs and pins to get the shape, much the same as a dress maker makes a garment to fit, and took it away to sew. Basically two or three trips to the boat, so you want someone local. But supporting local works, particularly in these times.
In summary, I would recommend checking out who made the bimini and dodger on other boats near you, and follow up with the ones whose work you like. I think my experience with a sail maker was good, if one in your area is interested, otherwise a canvas worker, examples of whose work you can check out at least at a distance. And have a list of the features you want, and make sure they are specifically noted in the quote.
rene460
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