Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by wjsherid on 03/16/09 - 11:25 AM

All -
Looking for some advice photos of how people may have ordered a larger Bimini Top that I could mount outside the rails to give a few extra inches of clearance. I also have a Stearn Seat, so I'd like to be able to slide the Bimini forward and back to cover the stern seat. What size is a typical Bimini on a 17 Montauk?

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/16/09 - 11:49 AM

From approximately 1996, the Bimini tops were mounted outside the railing.
These were mounted on sliders.
I believe you can buy either version from Mills Canvas.

Here is one installation i did on a friends Montauk. This is from Cabela's if I remember correctly.
http://users.sisqtel.net/blewis/Monta...ntauk.html

Posted by blindeman on 03/16/09 - 12:58 PM

I have an early Currituck and bought a red Sunbrella fabric bimini from Westland (bought from iBoats) and am very happy w/ the ease of assembly and its fit and finish. Westland tops are not the same quality of a Mills top, but it was also just $270 (including the matching boot), or about 1/3 the price of Mills and seems to be well made enough. I need to do some digging to find out what size I ended up with, but mine fits outside the side rails and installed and works perfectly. Very happy w/ the result. Sunbrella fabric is good stuff, too. Doesn't fade easily and is a heavy gauge fabric. I'll try to find the size and get back to you...

Bruce

Follow-Up: Thought I could find the info somewhere, but it must be down w/ the boat (2 hours away). I simply measured to the middle of the side rails about where they would mount. I than called the iBoats folks and they were awesome. Since the frame ie somewhat flexible, they will order a width that will work. Mine was something like from 68"-72" or something like that, so your measurements didn't have to be exact. The frame is tubing, which is meant to give somewhat, within reason. When I mounted mine, it was spot on. I did not use the rail system. I centered the top where it covered the driver and the passenger bench seat forward of the console and it covers both great. Less moving parts. Less hole in my top rail. Simpler operation. Just up or down. Also, the Westland (among others) comes with a matching Sunbrella boot, which is sweet. Zippers on for when not in use and off just as easily.

Edited by blindeman on 03/16/09 - 2:14 PM

Posted by bottomfish on 03/16/09 - 4:52 PM

There is a seller on ebay that has very nice tops any size and color you want. All stainless with Sunbrella, matching boot included all hardware included. You just have to email her and she will sell you whatever size you need. I believe mine is 72" x 72". Covers from the rear of the rps seat to in front of the console. Pics are on my personal page. Very good quality, very happy. They also have the fitted boat covers for the Montauks as well. I had it mounted in one spot for the last 2 years and am now going to install the slides to stor it in front of the bow rail. Much more out of the way when fishing. Good luck.