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Hi folks, I'm a new member to the Whaler Central forum, though I have owned my 2004 Dauntless 180 since 2005. We've decided after all these years that it's time to add some shade to the boat. I've talked to Suzanne at Wm Mills and they have the Sun-top for my boat, which would only add coverage over the console. I was hoping to find of anyone out there on this forum who's been able to find a more custom top (or a modification) that would allow shade not only over the console, but also allow some coverage towards the rear over the boat (over the back bench seat). I do understand that the positioning of the sun relative to the top can dictate where you'll have shade, but if we're mooring/anchored, I'd like to have top coverage over the console and rear seat. Thank you in advance friends.

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Rear seat or where you sit while driving?

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This will work while anchored ONLY.

Often people make shade by buying a large rectangle of Sunbrella fabric that is the same width as the bimini.

Install a medium sized grommet in the aft corners.
Purchase some 3/4 inch diameter tubing and cut 2 pieces ~ 6' tall.
Collapse one end of the tubes so they fit in the grommet (like a tent pole) end of the fabric.
Insert rubber feet on the opposite ends.

Attach the fabric to the bimini using plastic clamps (Home Depot)
Insert poles into grommets and stand up.
Attach 1/4" line to the top of the poles and lash down to the aft cleats.

For added shade while underway:

Install 2nd bimini and have a seamstress add a flap and zipper to join the two.

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BiggieFL, shade over the console (where I drive) and over the rear seat.

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Thanks Phil T! The suggestion for the shade while anchored seems like a relatively easy DIY project...and relatively inexpensive compared to a second bimini.

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That is why I wanted to know what you were covering. Some use a picnic umbrella but obviously Phil's idea is better and very common here in FL.

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Actually it is not my idea. Another owner did it.

90% of my whaler knowledge is from being active on 3 whaler forums.

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Ditto what Phil said . Highly recommend if you add a second shade is to make rigid support poles which are removable for the rear of the bimini to replace the rear straps.
https://www.google.com/search?q=boat+...ISMRouqJ6M

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Wow, you people must be psychic, I didn't see where EK said there was a bimini installed.

I would have answered install a bimini on tracks so you can move t where you need shade.

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Mills make OEM Bimini tops for Whalers

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[/quote]Mills make OEM Bimini tops for Whalers[/quote]

Not for a 2004, some SeaRay company makes the Brunswick era stuff.

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Think Great Lakes Boat Top had the contract starting around then. Maybe.

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I thought that around 1997 they went to great lakes(could not remember their name).