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Any comments about this item. Why such a low price? Is it the type of canvas or what?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-3-...19bc051a34

Looking to add a bimini top to my 72 whaler 13 sport. Any advise would be helpful

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They seem to have good feedback from buyers. I would guess they get shipping containers full of tops, covers and fenders from China.

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Robin,
you get what you pay for. I would guess that top will last one, maybe 2 seasons and you will be replacing it. If you see a bimini as a consumable item, then go for it. I want to spend more money and have it last a lot longer.

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Things that I look for in a good top:

Stainless steel ?

Sunbrella brand (U.V. resistant) Canvass Material ?

Triple stitched (or even double stitched) ?

A custom job fits better than Buying "off the rack"

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The top listed is aluminum and is a denim material. I would not expect it to last more than 2-3 years.

A Mills (former OEM manufacturer) bimini is ~ $1000. A Great Lakes bimini is close, if not slightly less. Both of these will last >10 years.

Less expensive and reputable manufacturers include Carver Industries, Westland and Taylor Made. I-Boats.net sells them. For your model see this page.

While it is your choice, I don't buy from Ebay.

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There are good vendors on ebay if you take the time to search. I purchased my bimini off ebay and the woman who is selling them will make one any size you need, out of stainless, with sunbrella, then list it for you to buy it now. I think I paid approx $300 to $400. I have had it for 4 years and it is in great shape. It is mounted on top of the gunnels of my Montauk. It is 72" wide and I can walk under it with a few inches clearence and I am 6'3". I don't remember her name but I think she is still on there. She also sells the fitted covers for the Whalers as well. That is also holding up well after 4 years. Anyway, she is very helpful and sells a pretty darn good product. She communicates well through email. I think her name is Betty. Anyway, just a thought.

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Thanks for all of the input. I knew I could count on you all to provide good advice. I really appreciate it.

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I contatced them as I wanted one in blue, and they said it would be 3-4 weeks before they get more in that color and I had a good feeling they were coming in a container as well.

I look it as for $130 if it last 2-3 seasson and I replace it for the cost of 1K for a good one I can replace it 8 times even at two year replacements thats 16 years, you won't get that out of even the best ones.

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Newbie here with a beautiful "65 Nauset. Am looking for a bimini, close to the original. Mills wants $844 plus shipping, a little rich for my blood. Does anyone have alternatives? Specialty Marine's at $349 looks pretty good.
Thanks for your counsel. I am sure I'll have a million more questions!
JH Bahn

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JH,

Try i-boats.com. I got mine about 2 years ago(in sharkskin) for my 15"SS for about $200. including shipping. No problems yet, quick service. I believe it was MW in Texas who hooked me up with i-boats, he has had good service with his bimini as well.

Mike

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Just for comparison, I'm very pleased with the top I got from "iboats.com" at what I thought was a very reasonable price.
Mike

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You guys are great! Only 16 models I see at Iboats are Dauntelss and SL. Will they fit the Nauset? I guess I could do something wired, like contacting them...
JH

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Iboats.com is an awesome place to buy a Bimini top. I bought mine three years ago and it is holding up great in this Texas sun.

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My bimini is stainless and I recommend that. If you keep your boat covered the fabric will last quite a while. Just my 2 cents.