Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Giro on 10/02/10 - 3:26 PM

I'm looking to replace the small bimini top (original Mills) with a larger stainless top that folds forward infront of the bow rails. The currrent top is not only very small but seems a little flimsy with the aluminum structure and kick out rubber footed poles that move around alot in wind or waves.

Questions-

1) Best source and price for a stainless replacment?

2) Best size for good coverage, I like the size of this 6' or 8' on CapJ's personal page- http://www.whalercentral.com/infusions/personal_page/view_personal_page.php?user_id=4293

3) Possible to mount on rails on the 1979 model to move the top fwd or aft?

Anyone with experience undertaking this project? I see online that Taylor offers aluminum options, but stainless seems to be a better long term option, maybe I'm wrong on that?

Posted by A Little Madness on 10/04/10 - 9:12 AM

Giro,
We got a local canvas maker to come to the boat and work with us on the design. We had several criteria: Let my 6'4" frame stand upright underway; provide good coverage over the RPS and the front cooler seats; and fold backwards so as not to block the bow lights (which our old bimini did). You can see the results on our personal page. I highly recommend you talk to several "locals" whose canvas work you like....word of mouth referral is important in canvas work. You might think it a little pricey w/stainless, etc., but it is most definitely worth it in the long run. Good Luck

Posted by Giro on 10/04/10 - 10:39 AM

Thanks Chris & Dale-

Two questions- What is the length of the bimini top and ballpark $.

Boat looks great, thanks for sharing!

Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/04/10 - 10:47 AM

Giro,

Looking at your personal page I see you have the compete Mills "Flying Top and Forward Shelter set"....

The Flying Top is smaller than the Sun Top.
The Sun Top is about 6 feet long from Mills.

Mills sells the later style of Sun Top that sits outside the rails.
You do however need to tell them you want the later style if you order from Mills.

I always preferred to have the Sun Top outside the rails.
See Bill's personal page here
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...?user_id=5

My top also sat outside the rails but I never got around to mounting the sliders on top of the gunwale.
See the 3rd photo on this page for my prior Montauk.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Montau...ntauk.html

Posted by Giro on 10/04/10 - 10:56 AM

Thanks Joe, I was surprised that the frame was aluminum, it seems rather inexpensive if it was a OEM part?

Also question for you on the fixed back to back fiberglass helm seating, was that orginal or aftermarket, as I have not seen it on another 17' yet? Looking into how I can work with this set up and increase the fuel tank size.

Thanks again for the site and your replies!

Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/04/10 - 1:02 PM

Giro,

Mills Canvas came with either Aluminum or Stainless steel frames and they are still offered this way. It's up to the buyer on which one they prefer. Aluminum frames were less expensive than the Stainless so many people chose the aluminum to keep the cost down.

The "4 Man Seat" was optional back in those days.
You could sell it and then purchase the standard teak back RPS like this one.
http://www.whalercentral.com/photogal...oto_id=775

If you take the 4 Man Seat out, please send us some photos so we can add them to our OEM Part Photos section.

NOTE:
I have also added you to this list but would also need your Stencil Number to complete the entry.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=17

Edited by Joe Kriz on 10/04/10 - 1:11 PM

Posted by A Little Madness on 10/05/10 - 8:17 AM

Giro,
I'll be taking her out this weekend. When I do I'll get some specific measurements and get back here with you. As for price it was a package deal that included the bimini & S/S frame installed, motor cover, RPS cover, center console & front cooler cover. I'd estimate the bimini to be about $300. I'll see if I still have the receipt.

Posted by bottomfish on 10/05/10 - 9:37 PM

Giro, my bimini is approx 6'w x 6'L. It covers from the rear of the RPS to the front of the console. it allows rods to be stored up front while shading most everything. I stand 6'3" and I can walk under it without fear of getting clocked. I have it mounted on 48" slides so it can be folded to the front or the rear. Bought it from a supplier on ebay. They custom build it to your dimensions then list it as a buy it now so you can use your paypal. All stainless, Sunbrella, storage boot and extra straps included for if I remember right about $340. Not sure of the womans name anymore but some research would probably find her. Good product have had it since 03. Good luck

Posted by Giro on 10/09/10 - 11:08 AM

Bottom Fish,

Thanks for the info and it sounds like a good package, does Speciality Marine sound like the company you worked with? I see they are a sponsor of this site, which is a poistive.

Link here to their bimini - http://www.specialtymarine.com/Bimini-Tops-c24/

Edited by Giro on 10/09/10 - 11:32 AM

Posted by bottomfish on 10/09/10 - 4:21 PM

#11

Giro, although I have bought from specialty they were not the one for my Bimini. If I remember right the womans name was Betty. I will look for her email.

Posted by Giro on 10/10/10 - 8:24 AM

#12

Thanks for checking.

Joe, I apologoize last visit to the boat I failed to copy it down, I will make sure to get it on my next visit to the boat.