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87SunSportMikeyD
12-28-2009, 07:57 PM
Hey all -

This is not exactly new but I have never done a write up. Figured it would be good to post it up. This is construction of a DIY floating bimini for older boats. My factory bimini connects to the windshield and is too wide for the tower. Lets see how we solve this problem.

I actually have several tops, the factory windshield-snapped bimini, and a really neat factory camper top (pics in my Pride&joy thread).

But more desirable is the more modern floating bimini in my more recent pics. This is actually a factory bimini from a mid-90s Malibu. I got it for free from a buddy. Most mid-90s boats had these biminis, but when people put aftermarket towers on the boat, their biminis no longer fit. The bimini is wider than the front tower legs, and will not open.

The trick is to take the bimini apart, then cut the main bars in half with a hacksaw. Remove a portion of the main bars, like about a foot. Reassemble the main bars, using something to support where you cut (pvc, or other pipe tubing, screws, etc).

There are tons of older biminis for sale cheap on ski-it-again.com.

Here is a GREAT thread on the topic.
http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=25912

Here are the tower clamps I used. Had to shorten the back legs a bit to get this to work.
http://www.diywake.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=567

Here is a link to other methods of building biminis:
http://web.archive.org/web/20040605075114/inboardtalk.com/tower/tower.html

I would love a 'new' bimini, but can in no way justify the cost. If I had to, I would get the Monster Tower cargo bimini for $600.

http://photos.wakeboarder.com/data/3486/medium/Picture_033.jpg
http://photos.wakeboarder.com/data/3486/medium/20090618_0684.JPG

mapleleaf
12-29-2009, 10:07 PM
looks good Mikey, would you lengthen those bumper ties already??

CDAHDAH
12-30-2009, 02:51 AM
VERY nice Mikey, those tops are pricey and you made out well for yourself. I'm actually in the process of making my own floating bimi top from scratch. I bought this neat marine grade black canvas online at directfabric.com, and I'm welding together galvanized tubing for the shape that I think looks and works well with my tower. I'm basically clamping it on the main top beam of the tower, and the back two legs. I'll have to send you pics when its complete.
Good post.

87SunSportMikeyD
12-30-2009, 11:19 AM
Haha very funny Maple, but if I lower them any more they wont protect the rub rail.

CDA searching wakeworld for DIY bimini should lead you to several posts where people built DIY solid biminis from tubing. That is definitly a great route to go as well. Very interested to hear/see more! I'm sure there are some tough spots to engineer like quick disconnect and etc. Gonna make it hold boards too? Very neat. Mine is more like....free :)

87SunSportMikeyD
01-13-2010, 12:15 PM
For those looking for a DIY hard top bimini here are some links:

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/679658.html
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/709331.html
http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=26576
http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=21207

$600 from Monster Tower
http://shop.monstertower.com/p-103-cargo-rack-bimini.aspx

michael hunter
06-12-2011, 07:08 AM
Thanks Mikey
I am waiting for my new bimini to arrive from Iboat. I'm sure it will need some modification. this tread will help. Ill post pics when I'm done.