Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Finally done battling the sun-bimini top suggest
Posted by hmp2037 on 06/29/09 - 12:52 PM
#1
Been on here for quite sometime and i think this may be my first post. send a lot of PMs i guess.
I got absolutely roasted tarpon fishing in the gulf off texas this weekend. decided it is time to get a bimini top and wondered where yall reccommend buying one. Thank you for yalls input.
harris
Posted by moose on 06/29/09 - 1:16 PM
#3
I got mine from "iboats.com". It's not a Mills, but a good top nontheless. I got the shark skin instead of Sunbrella and have no regrets. I think the name is Westland. It fits well and looks good. Only $195.00 for my 13.
Mike
Posted by Guts on 06/29/09 - 2:30 PM
#4
hmp2037 It would help with the replies if you had a personal page so we knew what type of whaler you are talking about. This is a great site and look forward to reading your post.
Guts/AKA/Kim
Posted by Phil T on 06/29/09 - 4:18 PM
#5
Mills works for me. If you are 5'10 or taller, have them make it taller.
Keep in mind the New England states have practically floated away with 25+ days of straight rain so you may not get much sympathy on the sunburn. (kidding)
Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/29/09 - 4:30 PM
#6
I see that you are wanting to put this on an Outrage 18'.
Not sure if this is a Classic model or a newer version around 1998/1999.
Here is a photo of a Mills Sun Top on my prior 1989 Outrage 20'.
Basically the same as the 18' but of course 2 feet longer in the front only.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Outrag...suntop.jpg
Posted by clemson on 06/29/09 - 4:36 PM
#7
Mills is the best. For years I would buy inexpensive covers for my Montauk. I bought a Mills and couldn't believe the difference. I just bought a bimini from Mills for my 22' Outrage.
Posted by NorthShoreWhaler on 06/29/09 - 5:14 PM
#8
I got mine from go2marine.com. It is made by Westland. I went with the Sunbrella and upgraded all the parts to SS. Looks great and I am happy. This may be a good option for you since it is dropped shipped from the manufacturer in Texas.
Posted by MW on 06/29/09 - 5:29 PM
#9
For the "BEST" fit, have one bent up by a local canvass maker. Each hull is a "Little Bit" different.
Posted by gigem on 06/29/09 - 5:53 PM
#10
Howdy neighbor!
I got mine from iboats.com. Mills is too expensive...
Posted by boopete on 06/29/09 - 6:26 PM
#11
I have a Mills top and storage cover that I am well pleased with. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for. I have never seen anything cheap that was good and never seen anything good that was cheap!
Posted by CapnJs on 06/29/09 - 11:45 PM
#12
On the other hand I have seen good things "less expensive" like the bimini that I got from coversdirect.com.
I upgraded to ss tubing and it's still about half the price of a Mills canvas.
See my personal page.
Jack
Posted by CES on 06/30/09 - 5:31 AM
#13
For my 1966 13' classic, I went to
www.Iboats.com and bought the top from them. Here are the exact specs of my top of off the invoice: 4663S Sharkskin Top & Boot (Shark Blue)
I've had the top going on three seasons now and it is holding up very well. There's no fading of the fabric and the top still looks new.
Edited by CES on 06/30/09 - 5:32 AM
Posted by hmp2037 on 06/30/09 - 7:48 AM
#14
Guys,
been meaning to put a personal page together. My 18 Outrage (1985) has been completely redone. Didnt go the classic route. Put in heavy duty rubber hatches on the console and starboard on the gunnels. but other than that, boat looks immaculate. I am going to gather up my project pictures of it today at work and figure out how to get a personal page put up.
Thank you so much for you great insight. I had called Mills yesterday and found out they have a 4 ft and 6ft bimini. prices are $650 +140 Shipping and $1100 +140 Shipping. Def going to go another route. I will look into some of the places yall suggested.
Saw the Whaler gathering down in POC or rockport. couldnt remember. Had plans, but would love to do something next time.
See ya.
Posted by HarleyFXDL on 06/30/09 - 8:28 AM
#15
After trying a few other tops on different boats, I went with a Mills top on my Outrage. You can see right from the start why Mills charges more. I have learned 98% of the time, you get what you pay for. "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten".
Posted by hmp2037 on 06/30/09 - 9:12 AM
#16
kevin,
thanks for chiming in, what size boat do you have it on. If I go with the Mills top, should I go with the fly top (4ft) or the sun top (6 ft).
What did you choose. I am just looking for a little comfort. The price difference is huge.
Quote Edit
Posted by gigem on 06/30/09 - 10:37 AM
#17
Not Mills, but I got a 3 bow, 6 footer on my 21... The other option was a 4 bow, 8 footer...
I have a 6 footer on my Grady White 19 as well...
I think a 4 footer would be OK for the driver, but nobody else... That's pretty small...
And BTW, for the price of that Mills 4 footer you can get a
whole lot of bimini from anyone else! But to each his own... Mine from iboats cost like $350, free shipping I think, 6' long... Sunbrella... Aluminum poles, not stainless... Stainless is heavy, remember that...
Edited by gigem on 06/30/09 - 10:38 AM
Posted by bccanucker on 07/01/09 - 7:37 PM
#18
Have a look at a Westland one.
http://www.westlandcovers.com/
I just received my exact fit boat cover made of their Sharkskin material and I am super pleased.
See my personal page
You can buy direct from them and if you have your own company you can sign up to be a dealer and buy for even less
Posted by edmaude on 07/02/09 - 5:10 AM
#19
I just installed a Westland bimini this year and am very pleased with the overall fit and finish. I went with the Sunbrella Material and it came with a boot as well. Also added a 3 foot track to move over the bow rails easier etc.
I really wanted to get a Mills top, but this was 1/3 the cost even with Sunbrella material