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Author Topic:   Bimini Tops

Feejer posted 04-06-2007 06:15 PM ET (US)
Can someone explain to me the difference between the factory Bimini for a Dauntless 16 for $1,150 and the $400 from boatcovers.com? I'm looking at a Dauntless that does not have a bimini and I would like to get one.
highanddry posted 04-07-2007 01:51 AM ET (US)
Well, for one thing the one that came with my Nantucket is stainless steel and the one on the referenced site is aluminum.
H&D
MBW posted 04-07-2007 01:13 PM ET (US)
Boatcovers direct has a sunbrella with stainless fittings for around $400. I'm not sure of the difference but I'm sure it's not worth the $700 difference. I know one person who has purchased from them with great results.
Feejer posted 04-07-2007 02:03 PM ET (US)
Thanks, thats what my thought are to.
MBW posted 04-07-2007 05:31 PM ET (US)
I did notice one difference from Boatcovers direct and the factory bimini and that is the lack of a rear brace on the Boatcovers direct model. It looks like they have a strap instead.
highanddry posted 04-07-2007 06:03 PM ET (US)
Are you sure the bows and fittings are stainless because on their website it says 7/8 inch aluminum tubing is used for the bows. My top is all stainless, bows and fittings.
MBW posted 04-07-2007 08:12 PM ET (US)
You can add stainless fittings for $60.00
highanddry posted 04-07-2007 09:26 PM ET (US)
They do not offer stanless bows (tubes). They use 7/8 anodized aluminum tubing. Not sure that is worth the money but my bimini is all stainless and is very strong and shows no corrosive effects. I would not want aluminum myself even if the fittings were stainless.
jimh posted 04-08-2007 12:41 AM ET (US)
Some of the price difference between Boston Whaler factory canvas and after-market generic catalogue canvas is probably due to the materials used. Usually the factory Boston Whaler canvas has a heavy stainless steel frame, quality fittings, and is made from a quality fabric, typically Sunbrella. It is also a custom fit top, and, if I understand your price comparison, the factory model includes the installation on the boat when you order it as an option.
The aftermarket canvas may be cheaper, but it may not be made with the same components nor of the same quality. And, of course, you have to install it. And it is not a custom fit.
The factory canvas is usually part of a complete canvas system for weather protection, and there may be other components besides the Bimini top available which can be purchased (either now or at a later time) which will connect by snaps or zippers to the Bimini top. For example, there may be side curtains, a rear curtain, a front windshield, a forward shelter, and other accessories available in the factory canvas system. In contrast, if you get an after-market generic catalogue cheapo canvas there generally will not be any accessories available for it. There will just be a top and nothing else.
Boat canvas is priced like a designer dress. You do pay dearly for what seems like not very much material, but, like a designer dress, it is more about the design and the shape than the number of square yards of material.
MBW posted 04-08-2007 08:05 AM ET (US)
The Boatcovers top at $400 is made of Sunbrella material just as the Mills top is. They do offer cheaper materials that my not hold up like the Sunbrella.
Barney posted 04-08-2007 08:32 AM ET (US)
I have the factory top on my 170 Montauk and it stores to the stern and need support from a cooler. It is a little short and gets pulled off for marsh fishing. Good quality though.
Someone sent me some photos of the Mills Canvas top with the bow dodger. Although expensive I think the Mills Canvas top stores forward and out of the way. Its less likely to get damaged, properly stored. Someone might have some pictures or experience with the Mills top. Jim

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Author	Topic: Bimini Tops
Feejer	posted 04-06-2007 06:15 PM ET (US) Can someone explain to me the difference between the factory Bimini for a Dauntless 16 for $1,150 and the $400 from boatcovers.com? I'm looking at a Dauntless that does not have a bimini and I would like to get one.
highanddry	posted 04-07-2007 01:51 AM ET (US) Well, for one thing the one that came with my Nantucket is stainless steel and the one on the referenced site is aluminum. H&D
MBW	posted 04-07-2007 01:13 PM ET (US) Boatcovers direct has a sunbrella with stainless fittings for around $400. I'm not sure of the difference but I'm sure it's not worth the $700 difference. I know one person who has purchased from them with great results.
Feejer	posted 04-07-2007 02:03 PM ET (US) Thanks, thats what my thought are to.
MBW	posted 04-07-2007 05:31 PM ET (US) I did notice one difference from Boatcovers direct and the factory bimini and that is the lack of a rear brace on the Boatcovers direct model. It looks like they have a strap instead.
highanddry	posted 04-07-2007 06:03 PM ET (US) Are you sure the bows and fittings are stainless because on their website it says 7/8 inch aluminum tubing is used for the bows. My top is all stainless, bows and fittings.
MBW	posted 04-07-2007 08:12 PM ET (US) You can add stainless fittings for $60.00
highanddry	posted 04-07-2007 09:26 PM ET (US) They do not offer stanless bows (tubes). They use 7/8 anodized aluminum tubing. Not sure that is worth the money but my bimini is all stainless and is very strong and shows no corrosive effects. I would not want aluminum myself even if the fittings were stainless.
jimh	posted 04-08-2007 12:41 AM ET (US) Some of the price difference between Boston Whaler factory canvas and after-market generic catalogue canvas is probably due to the materials used. Usually the factory Boston Whaler canvas has a heavy stainless steel frame, quality fittings, and is made from a quality fabric, typically Sunbrella. It is also a custom fit top, and, if I understand your price comparison, the factory model includes the installation on the boat when you order it as an option. The aftermarket canvas may be cheaper, but it may not be made with the same components nor of the same quality. And, of course, you have to install it. And it is not a custom fit. The factory canvas is usually part of a complete canvas system for weather protection, and there may be other components besides the Bimini top available which can be purchased (either now or at a later time) which will connect by snaps or zippers to the Bimini top. For example, there may be side curtains, a rear curtain, a front windshield, a forward shelter, and other accessories available in the factory canvas system. In contrast, if you get an after-market generic catalogue cheapo canvas there generally will not be any accessories available for it. There will just be a top and nothing else. Boat canvas is priced like a designer dress. You do pay dearly for what seems like not very much material, but, like a designer dress, it is more about the design and the shape than the number of square yards of material.
MBW	posted 04-08-2007 08:05 AM ET (US) The Boatcovers top at $400 is made of Sunbrella material just as the Mills top is. They do offer cheaper materials that my not hold up like the Sunbrella.
Barney	posted 04-08-2007 08:32 AM ET (US) I have the factory top on my 170 Montauk and it stores to the stern and need support from a cooler. It is a little short and gets pulled off for marsh fishing. Good quality though. Someone sent me some photos of the Mills Canvas top with the bow dodger. Although expensive I think the Mills Canvas top stores forward and out of the way. Its less likely to get damaged, properly stored. Someone might have some pictures or experience with the Mills top. Jim