PDA

View Full Version : Bimini Top for 86 Sunsport


csuggs
12-29-2011, 11:49 AM
Anyone have a top or know of a good top to fit my 1986 Sunsport? I was originally planning to have a custom top made to fit my custom tower, but since I have to fold the tower down to fit in my garage I think I'd better stick with a top that folds independently so it won't be in the way of the tower. Any ideas?
TitanTn
12-31-2011, 10:20 AM
So doesn't that leave you with a standard Sunbrella type of bimini? In the back of my mind I've been wondering about the best move for a bimini, but I haven't gotten to that project yet. I don't know if I actually have many options. I think Michael Hunter's project bimini turned out well on his Sunsport. https://forum.supraboats.com/showthread.php?9263-Project-Bimini
csuggs
01-03-2012, 03:07 PM
The problem with a standard bimini is that I'm afraid it will be in the way of accessing the board racks . . .
csuggs
03-09-2012, 10:39 PM
So I ran across this "deal" and bought a new OEM bimini top that was made for a mid 90's Mastercraft. It has all the mounting hardware and the matching boot - all "natural" color Sunbrella material. Matches the color of my hull real well. Anyway, I will need to "tweak" it a little to make it fit, but it shouldn't take much. I think it will look real good and be very functional. Will update with pics as soon as I find the time to work on it - too many honey-do's to list right now. :(
TitanTn
03-10-2012, 11:16 AM
I'll be looking for that update. I plan to do something about a bimini this year too, but haven't figured out the best path yet. Good luck with those honey-do items.
Blackntan90
03-12-2012, 05:16 PM
My Mariah came with the vinyl top that snaps to the windsheild, my other bimini is a bit taller-it is a generic with 'Sharkskin' material. It is mounted to the slides that came on my Mariah- the slides go the entire length of the cabin- I want to mount the top to the tower, but I did not think about it getting in the way if I have to lower the top. With the slides I can mount both tops at once, covering the entire boat except for the bow.
csuggs
05-23-2012, 08:28 AM
Got the new top mounted. I attached it to the tower and am able to raise and lower either the top or tower independent of the other with no interference. Very pleased with the results. I'll try and post pics in a day or two.

Bad news, the tower mirror I purchased is not going to work because it interferes with my windshield when I lower the tower to put it in the garage. Aerial makes a quick-release mirror bracket that might work, but they are on back order. Anyone got experience with any of these?
TitanTn
05-24-2012, 09:58 AM
You big tease.

Could you not get some allen screws with knobs for the arm you have now? You could quickly loosen it and swing it out of the way, or even take it off.
csuggs
05-24-2012, 10:09 AM
Here's a few "in process" pics of the top. I had to lengthen the front straps and I still have not installed the pad eyes that the straps hook onto. I'll post some more pics later when the top is complete and with the tower.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/e4719172.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/9f2bc5bf.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/06df3cdd.jpg
Jetlink
05-24-2012, 10:18 AM
Here's a few "in process" pics of the top. I had to lengthen the front straps and I still have not installed the pad eyes that the straps hook onto. I'll post some more pics later when the top is complete and with the tower.Better go make an appointment with an eye doctor, thought my eye sight was really good but I am having the most difficult time seeing these pics...:D
csuggs
05-24-2012, 10:23 AM
Got it now . . . that was my bad!
Jetlink
05-24-2012, 10:29 AM
Got it now . . . that was my bad!Just had to have a little fun with you on that one. Looks sweet Clint. Where's the issue with the mirror? I see that it isn't mounted up but, how bad is it clearance wise? By a little or by a lot?
TitanTn
05-24-2012, 10:42 AM
Please allow me to ask a dumb question. How do you know which way the bimini is supposed to go? What makes the front, the front? I've seen them mounted both ways and I'm not clear as to the proper direction (Mine is being delivered today).
csuggs
05-24-2012, 10:48 AM
I wondered the same thing about front and back. I think it probably could be mounted either way . . . this one seems to work out better the way I've got it.

About the mirror - it is not installed in the pics. I had it attached to the tower, which is down in the picture. When installed, the mirror hits the windshield when I fold the tower down to put in my garage. Also, with the mirror installed, I would be unable to lay the the bimini down (towards the front) without first putting the tower down. It's a dilemma. I'm not really sure how well the mirror arm would "swing" if I loosened it using a threaded knob of some sort. Then I thought about a windshield mount mirror, but that would be in the way of my cover whenever I put it on. Still trying to figure this one out . . . .
Jetlink
05-24-2012, 10:49 AM
Titan, the only dumb/stupid question is the one that is never asked. Usually the bimin mounts like Clint has it with the "main" bar towards the stern with the two other bars coming off of that pointed towards the bow, that way it you did not need or want the shade you can collect it behind your head. At least that is how most stern drives and the party barges known as pontoons are set up.
Jetlink
05-24-2012, 10:51 AM
Clint, not sure if it is hard to find but, I know Nautique had a rather large mirror that could mount to the windshield, buddy had it on his 210 in front of the driver...anyways, it could flip up above the windshield frame for use and then fold down below the frame for when we covered it. Worked great and provided a great viewing area.
csuggs
05-24-2012, 10:52 AM
Titan, the only dumb/stupid question is the one that is never asked. Usually the bimin mounts like Clint has it with the "main" bar towards the stern with the two other bars coming off of that pointed towards the bow, that way it you did not need or want the shade you can collect it behind your head. At least that is how most stern drives and the party barges known as pontoons are set up.

Yes, that is how this works. I can collect it together behind my head and zip it into the boot, or I can pull the quick-release pins at the rear support bar which allows the entire top to lay forward - resting on the lower part of the windshield.
Jetlink
05-24-2012, 11:01 AM
Did some quick searching of my photos for that boat and mirror...the only one that I was able to find is a distant shot from shore but, if you look closely at the windshield frame in front of the driver, you can see the mirror in the flat position for when we cover it. From there it flips up and like I said, great visibility.

9907
csuggs
05-24-2012, 11:11 AM
Did some quick searching of my photos for that boat and mirror...the only one that I was able to find is a distant shot from shore but, if you look closely at the windshield frame in front of the driver, you can see the mirror in the flat position for when we cover it. From there it flips up and like I said, great visibility.

9907

OK - yeah. It looks like an automotive sun visor in the pic. I'll see if I can find one online. Thanks.
csuggs
05-24-2012, 10:37 PM
Finally made it out on the river tonight - and got more pics of the bimini.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/ff3b6bf6.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/adddf1aa.jpg
csuggs
05-24-2012, 10:42 PM
Close-ups of how I attached it. I used a speaker mount clamp on the front and the mount the standard mount on the rear - I had to drill and tap the tower tubing to mount these. Then I used the adjustable straps in the front to keep the top stable while moving.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/25f00123.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/48750f1d.jpg
TitanTn
05-24-2012, 11:22 PM
Thanks Clint. My bimini came today and I just finished putting it together in the living room a few minutes ago. I convinced my son that it was similar to his lego sets and he helped me piece it all together. I hope to attempt mounting it to the boat tomorrow. It was helpful to see these pics.
csuggs
06-07-2012, 09:52 AM
Bought one of these to solve my mirror issue. The mirror arm that I got from bulletskilines is nice, but I can't lower my tower to get it into the garage while the mirror arm is attached. With this one, there's a quick-release to allow the arm and mirror to seperate from the clamp! Cool design.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/monstermirror.jpg
csuggs
06-07-2012, 07:51 PM
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/6b843062.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/ba3bfb93.jpg
csuggs
06-07-2012, 07:56 PM
Pics of the mirror with new removable arm

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/581fc4b1.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/a5f98708.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/eedd7c13.jpg
csuggs
06-07-2012, 07:59 PM
THE END!

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac71/csuggs/d92f20cf.jpg
wiatowski
06-07-2012, 10:45 PM
Man I love the interior of your boat... where did you get the chrome vents for the back?
DGREEN
06-07-2012, 10:51 PM
I gotta tell ya, that is one SWEET sunsport......
csuggs
06-08-2012, 08:47 AM
Thanks DGreen - I appreciate your comments.

Jay - call Anthony Cooper at Skier's Choice and tell him you want the chrome blower vents (865) 983-9924 x118
wiatowski
06-08-2012, 08:52 PM
Thanks DGreen - I appreciate your comments.

Jay - call Anthony Cooper at Skier's Choice and tell him you want the chrome blower vents (865) 983-9924 x118
will do.... they'd be a nice addition.