Posted by dmcfetters on 04/30/07 - 2:02 PM
#1
Whaler newbie...
My father-in-law recently gave his 1970 13' Standard to myself and my two boys. We live out in AZ and we are thinking of adding a bimini top and steering console to the boat. Protection from the sun for us will be a must.
Good/bad idea? If good, any suggestions on where to buy the materials? We're pretty handy and would prefer to do what we can. That's half the fun right!
Thanks
Posted by moose on 05/01/07 - 7:30 AM
#2
dmcfetters,
I recently added a Bimini to my 1968 13. I shopped around a bit and found knowledgeable help on the phone at "iboats.com". Most tops that I saw had ranges for the width of the boat and you had to choose something larger to fit. At iboats they asked the exact width where I wanted to mount the top and had one to fit. I decided on a Westland top. I chose the sharkskin material. It's the middle of the line that they offer. It came with a boot and good instructions. I ordered a 2 foot sliding rail so that I could mount the top where it would fold back just rear of the bulkhead. I installed two sets of the strap eyes so that I can put the top in a forward or aft position when it is up. Just a personal preference. The widest part of the bow is a couple of inches wider than the gunwhales when it is folded down, but now too much. The package with slides, free boot, shipping, and top was $231.79. I found that to be very reasonable. Installation is pretty simple.
Binkie on this site sells interiors that he makes. Check with him.
Mike
Posted by dmcfetters on 05/01/07 - 8:54 AM
#3
Thanks for the info Moose. Sounds like a great way to go for the top.