Bimini Top 1992 13' GLS

[spencergray]

I have a 1992 13' GLS with a Bimini top installed.

Fig. 1 Boat with top deployed

boatSm.jpg (31.29 KiB) Viewed 7314 times

I am trying to find replacement canvas as the frame is in good condition. There are no labels on the existing fabric, which is a white marine vinyl. I believe the fabric isn't original.

The dimension of the top are:

• 48-inches from mounting location to the top of the middle bow,
• 72-inches [front] to back bow
• 53-inches between mounting points on the boat.

While looking for fabric I have been unable to find a top that mounts with the same hardware as the current frame. There are two brackets on the sides of the molded seat rails. See Figure 2.

Fig. 2. Mounting hinge point for frame for top

frameMountSm.jpg (11.56 KiB) Viewed 7314 times

I hope someone has information [about the manufacturer of the frame and the non-original fabric on the frame].

What other details can I provide?

[jimh]

Remove the canvas from the frame.

Take the canvas to a local boat canvas artisan.

Ask the artisan to make new canvas, using the existing canvas as a pattern.

[spencergray]

Hi Jim. Thank you for your reply.

I have indeed reached out to several local canvas shops for estimates. I also have found the Mills and Carver tops as alternative options. I am still hoping that someone has information about the manufacturer of the frame.

Additionally, do you know the purpose of the aluminum brackets just aft of the hinge brackets? I have seen several other GLS models with the same ones

[jimh]

Is the frame made from stainless steel tube?

Or, is the frame made from aluminum tube?

Have you checked with TaylorMade? Your top might be a BoaTop. See

http://www.taylormadeproducts.com/cgi-b ... tem_id=176

[spencergray]

The frame is stainless steel tubing with zinc (Zamak?) fittings.

I did speak with Taylor Made Products. They didn’t think that any of their models had the same dimensions.

[jimh]

...do you know the purpose of the aluminum brackets just aft of the hinge brackets? I have seen several other GLS models with the same ones

I think you are referencing the unusual plate with several pre-drilled holes that was partially shown in your original image (which I later cropped out).

Fig. 3. Unusual second mounting plate on gunwales.

secondMountPlate.jpg (3.59 KiB) Viewed 7285 times

I do not know the purpose of that plate nor do I recall seeing that plate before. It appears to be able to mount something substantial to it, as the fastening of that plate to the hull looks (in Fig.1) to be through-bolted.

A wild guess: perhaps the mounting plates were intended for attachment of a lifting harness that could pick up the entire boat as might be used on a davit crane on a dock or really big yacht.

[jimh]

ASIDE: what is the purpose of the identification 18KMA on the hull side?

[MattFL]

If you're keeping [the 1992 Boston Whaler 13 GLS for the] long term, I would look seriously at [installing canvas from] Wm. J. Mills & Co. My 1996 Montauk has the original Wm. J. Mills & Co. top, and the canvas is still in great shape. I'm in southern Florida, the boat lives under a cover when not in use. The life span of the Wm. J. Mills & Co. top has really surprised me.

[spencergray]

Yes that plate is through bolted and is made of 1/4'' aluminum. I did find another example [of a 13 GLS with that plate].

The numbers on the hull are registration numbers.

[jimh]

Call Boston Whaler customer service and inquire with them about that long mounting plate through-bolted on the gunwales.

[jimh]

The numbers on the hull are registration numbers.

Those registration numbers seem to be in an odd format. Usually the registration number begins with a state identification two-character code, then four digits, then a two character alphabetical suffix. Maybe that is a really old number.

[spencergray]

Good Suggestion. I will give Boston Whaler Customer Service a call. The registration number came with the boat, perhaps it is old.