1995 Montauk 17 Canvas - Moderated Discussion Areas

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Author Topic:   1995 Montauk 17 Canvas

michaux posted 01-25-2012 07:47 AM ET (US)
Hello. I have just acquired a Montauk 17 and want to install a Bimini. Criteria areL must acommodate a 6'4" adult; must fold out of the way as much as possible, and; must be able to withstand 30-natical miles per hour [of wind] speed. I know there has been much said about the Mills canvas, but is there a more economic alternative that is close? Thanks. Regards--Frank
ScooterCO posted 01-25-2012 04:36 PM ET (US)
I would think any reputable canvas shop in your area should be able to accommodate your needs. My attention would be to the mounting location on the boat and function while stored. You will just need to communicate your instructions preferences to the shop. My local shop here had several good ideas to suggest.
Good luck and congratulations on your new Montauk!
contender posted 01-25-2012 04:56 PM ET (US)
The best way to install a Bimini Top (some people here will not agree with me, but I have had my Bimini for over 30 years in the track, the same way. However, my boat does not have any railings) It is on the outside gunnel's in a track. Using the track the Bimini can slide forward or back, you can roll it up using the straps, and tie it down to the front Norman pin. Will not move and is tight at any speed. Since you are installing the Bimini on the top of the side gunnel this will also give you the extra clearance for standing under the Bimini, and being 6'4" you can fit standing up no problem. I have a console that I custom built that is 3 feet tall, I have a 3 foot metz antenna mounted to the top of the console, and it stays up all the time. the Bimini has about another 8-10 inches of clearance. The other reason a track is nice, If you install some extra eyelets, you can set the top up in different places....Take care
David Pendleton posted 01-25-2012 06:28 PM ET (US)
You may find one that will withstand 30-knot winds, but it's going to shake like it might fly off any minute. If you live in a boaty area, I would go with a local shop, and be prepared for a little sticker shock.
LKD posted 01-25-2012 10:07 PM ET (US)
I picked up a bimini top from a dealer a few years ago. At that time the brand was Great Lakes. The frame is stainless steel and it has stabilizing straps that attach to the console railing and there is no problem
running full throttle. Here's a pic:
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/lkd_photos/1987%20Montauk/ ?action=view¤t=DSC03287.jpg
LKD posted 01-25-2012 10:19 PM ET (US)
Here's another try at the link:
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/lkd_photos/1987%20Montauk/ ?action=view¤t=DSC03287.jpg
jimh posted 01-25-2012 10:21 PM ET (US)
The best fit in canvas will come from a local craftsman and installer that custom fits the canvas to the boat. Of course, that requires a skilled installer and canvas craftsman. Those services are expensive. If there are enough boaters in an area, there usually will be a few good canvas shops. Mills canvas is a good alternative for people who don't have any skilled local craftsmen, but you have to install the canvas yourself. Good canvas is expensive, no matter where you buy it.
David Pendleton posted 01-25-2012 10:59 PM ET (US)
LKD, Great Lakes Boat Top is still around, and as far as I know is still the OEM for Whaler weather enclosures.
Tohsgib posted 01-26-2012 02:21 PM ET (US)
A good bimini will withstand 60+mph....I know. For 6'4" person you will need to have it made. I am 6' and I kinda have to duck a bit to see out the sides, front & rear is ok. Then again you can buy a pre-made one and mount it on the side rails and it will be plenty tall enough.
Jeff posted 01-26-2012 11:15 PM ET (US)
Seeing that you and in the UK and not in the US, your best and cheapest route to get a top that fits your needs is to go to a local canvas maker. The cost to ship anything across the Atlantic will immediately rule out buying something made and sold in the US.

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Author	Topic: 1995 Montauk 17 Canvas
michaux	posted 01-25-2012 07:47 AM ET (US) Hello. I have just acquired a Montauk 17 and want to install a Bimini. Criteria areL must acommodate a 6'4" adult; must fold out of the way as much as possible, and; must be able to withstand 30-natical miles per hour [of wind] speed. I know there has been much said about the Mills canvas, but is there a more economic alternative that is close? Thanks. Regards--Frank
ScooterCO	posted 01-25-2012 04:36 PM ET (US) I would think any reputable canvas shop in your area should be able to accommodate your needs. My attention would be to the mounting location on the boat and function while stored. You will just need to communicate your instructions preferences to the shop. My local shop here had several good ideas to suggest. Good luck and congratulations on your new Montauk!
contender	posted 01-25-2012 04:56 PM ET (US) The best way to install a Bimini Top (some people here will not agree with me, but I have had my Bimini for over 30 years in the track, the same way. However, my boat does not have any railings) It is on the outside gunnel's in a track. Using the track the Bimini can slide forward or back, you can roll it up using the straps, and tie it down to the front Norman pin. Will not move and is tight at any speed. Since you are installing the Bimini on the top of the side gunnel this will also give you the extra clearance for standing under the Bimini, and being 6'4" you can fit standing up no problem. I have a console that I custom built that is 3 feet tall, I have a 3 foot metz antenna mounted to the top of the console, and it stays up all the time. the Bimini has about another 8-10 inches of clearance. The other reason a track is nice, If you install some extra eyelets, you can set the top up in different places....Take care
David Pendleton	posted 01-25-2012 06:28 PM ET (US) You may find one that will withstand 30-knot winds, but it's going to shake like it might fly off any minute. If you live in a boaty area, I would go with a local shop, and be prepared for a little sticker shock.
LKD	posted 01-25-2012 10:07 PM ET (US) I picked up a bimini top from a dealer a few years ago. At that time the brand was Great Lakes. The frame is stainless steel and it has stabilizing straps that attach to the console railing and there is no problem running full throttle. Here's a pic: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/lkd_photos/1987%20Montauk/ ?action=view¤t=DSC03287.jpg
LKD	posted 01-25-2012 10:19 PM ET (US) Here's another try at the link: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/lkd_photos/1987%20Montauk/ ?action=view¤t=DSC03287.jpg
jimh	posted 01-25-2012 10:21 PM ET (US) The best fit in canvas will come from a local craftsman and installer that custom fits the canvas to the boat. Of course, that requires a skilled installer and canvas craftsman. Those services are expensive. If there are enough boaters in an area, there usually will be a few good canvas shops. Mills canvas is a good alternative for people who don't have any skilled local craftsmen, but you have to install the canvas yourself. Good canvas is expensive, no matter where you buy it.
David Pendleton	posted 01-25-2012 10:59 PM ET (US) LKD, Great Lakes Boat Top is still around, and as far as I know is still the OEM for Whaler weather enclosures.
Tohsgib	posted 01-26-2012 02:21 PM ET (US) A good bimini will withstand 60+mph....I know. For 6'4" person you will need to have it made. I am 6' and I kinda have to duck a bit to see out the sides, front & rear is ok. Then again you can buy a pre-made one and mount it on the side rails and it will be plenty tall enough.
Jeff	posted 01-26-2012 11:15 PM ET (US) Seeing that you and in the UK and not in the US, your best and cheapest route to get a top that fits your needs is to go to a local canvas maker. The cost to ship anything across the Atlantic will immediately rule out buying something made and sold in the US.