Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by jparmelee on 06/17/20 - 6:33 PM

I just purchased a 1978 Montauk with the full rails. I am looking for a Bimini top and wondering if anyone has any experience with the rail mounted Bimini from Specialty Marine. Seems better than drilling holes but I am interested in feedback. I am told my Montauk will only accept the rail mounted option.

https://www.specialtymarine.com/collections/classic-17-1977-2002/products/stainless-bimini-top-fits-boston-whaler-13-15-17-classics-and-130-sport

(Please follow the guidelines at the top of this page and use the full 4 digit year)

Edited by Joe Kriz on 06/17/20 - 6:51 PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/17/20 - 6:59 PM

jparmelee wrote:
I am told my 1978 Montauk will only accept the rail mounted option.

Who told you that?
They might need to have their head examined and we could help if necessary.

There are 2 options from the original suppler. Mills Canvas.
I have used both methods for my Montauk in the past.
http://cf.millscanvas.com/cfml/search...search.cfm

Take a look around our site for those 2 methods for the Montauk 17'.

Posted by jparmelee on 06/17/20 - 7:10 PM

Sorry let me rephrase, the sales mgr at Specialty Marine said that the only option for their Bimini is rail mounting.

P.S. - Thanks for putting this in the correct forum and the date correction!

Edited by jparmelee on 06/17/20 - 7:18 PM

Posted by Phil T on 06/17/20 - 8:00 PM

Personally, I prefer the bimini to be mounted on the gunnel cap using sliders so it can stow forward outside the bow rail. This a great setup.

Carver and Westland make bimini tops, both high quality that can fit on the gunnel with sliders

https://www.coverquest.com/bimini-top...ic-a5463ub

Posted by jparmelee on 07/06/20 - 11:31 AM

Phil T wrote:
Personally, I prefer the bimini to be mounted on the gunnel cap using sliders so it can stow forward outside the bow rail. This a great setup.

Carver and Westland make bimini tops, both high quality that can fit on the gunnel with sliders

https://www.coverquest.com/bimini-top...ic-a5463ub

Thanks Phil! I am considering the Carver top mounted on the gunnels with 4 foot sliders (mounted just ahead of the mid cleat), so it can be dropped in front of the bow rails (I am told it is 68 inches from the mount point to the top of the 54" tall bimini).

I just noticed on some pictures of other Montauks, that some bimini tops get narrower at the top than at the base. Does anyone have a Carver top on their classic Montauk with bowrails that can confirm they will fold down over the front bowrails? Thanks!

Posted by biggiefl on 07/06/20 - 11:53 AM

They bend towards the top but the tubes are straight until the bend. They do not get narrower. It will fit, just fit it before you mount the slider.