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Hey guys:

I took thefamily out on the Montauk today. We did lunch and let the kids play in the water at a popular sandbar on a local river. Everyone had the same idea. It was quite crowded but I did get some high marks on my whaler.

We baked in the sun so I've decided to get a bimini top. I'm taking opinions. I can't decide on a color from Sunbrella. I like the Boston Whaler logo red and the jet black. Any advice? My decals and registration numbers are red. My new whaler cushions are on the way and they have the dark brown piping.

On another note, we saw some other classic whalers on the sandbar today. Mine is an '81. A 1979 Montauk showed up and an '83 Outrage trailed behind. The Outrage was absolutely gorgeous. This guy's teak was in fantastic shape. Ironically, neither one of these guys had heard of whalercentral. I basically made these guys promice to check the site out.

Anyway, any color advice would be greatly appreciated. Happy whalering!

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whaler red would be my choice.

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Red's Cool ! I like Blue, 1 day we went out on my boat on a 106* day, spent most of the time anchored under a foot bridge to escape the sun, that convinced me to get a "Bimini".

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Hey Nvaccaro, if you want a good look at a Whaler logo red bimini take a look at my personal page. When you finally decide on the bimini top, I would suggest having the hardware (tubing, fittings,etc...) in stainless and also purchase a bimini boot or zippered cover for when it's not in use. ;)

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Blue and red are the two prevailing favorites. As D-I-M suggests, scan the personal pages.

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Red has a tendancy to fade to pink if in a high ultraviolet environement. I kind of prefer the blue tops myself.

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We too have the Logo Red w/a rather large bimini on our 17' Montauk. When we're at the dock, we keep her folded w/a boot cover. Will let that fade first. See our Personal Page for more.

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I guess someone should point out that the material it is made of is a very important consideration. Sunbrella is probably the most widely used in the better tops. Do not skimp on the material in the top.

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yea, ya gotta go "Sunbrella", I only use my "Bimini" if a heat wave is predicted, otherwise I keep it off the boat to save "Fishin room" but, It can be a "Life Saver" when needed.

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I just bought a Stainless Steel Hardware setup from Overtons with a Red Sunbrella Top....looks fantastic.

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Thanks for the response, guys.

I made a decision and ordered a Sunbrella in Boston Whaler logo red. I'm really excited. We are planning another weekend on the water so I paid extra to have it delivered by the weekend.

Now I'm trying to decide how to store it on the boat without eating into fishing room at the stern. I can't fold it forward and outside the bow rail because of my trolling motor. I'm looking at the support poles and keeping it in more of an upright position. Feedback is welcome.

Thanks again for the advice and pics.

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Hi nvaccaro, thats a very go idea using the prop up rods. I have been planning a similar set-up for my dauntless also. Make them a quick disconnect assembly so that you can lower the bimini top ahead of the motor for storage under a boat cover, garage or canopy. ;) Did you purchase a (color matching) storage zippered boot for the bimini top for when not in use. :o

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I've not tried it out fishing, but when I get ready to store it out back for a while I remove 2 screws in the back braces and it lays down in front of the motor, only just. I'm sure I could adjust it forward 2" or so for assured clearance and motor movement. Anyway, look at my personal page (1st 2 pics) and you'll see what I mean. By the way, mine is Sunbrella w/Stainless hardware. Good Luck.

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Dauntless-N-Miami:

Thanks for the comments. I'll let you know after the weekend how the support poles work out. I think it will work just fine. I'm going to duplicate the same bimini setup as the 19ft whaler in the 2009 Boston Whaler catelog.

Oh, I did get the matching boot bag. When you go Boston Whaler, you have to go all out!

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A Little Madness:

Thanks for your insight as well. I didn't order the stainless steel upgrade like you. After thinking about it, I wish I had. I'm going to see if I can just order them at a later date.

I love the red tops on your boat and Dauntless-N-Miami's. Seeing the pictures of your boats helped me make the selection of red. Thanks again.

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...took delivery of the console/cooler cover, the reversible seat cover and the bimini top w/boot and stainless steel hardware all in the Boston Whaler logo navy blue, today. All Sunbrella material. Thanks Bob at W.J. Mills. Pic's to come soon.

...anybody using marine sealant in the screw holes for all the hardware? Installation looks pretty straight forward...any tips out there?