NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

Boating => Boating General Discussions => Topic started by: mboy on July 01, 2007, 06:23:25 PM

Title: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 01, 2007, 06:23:25 PM
Ok, I have a Bimini top for my CC and I HATE it.

Anyway, My buddy and I installed braces for it yesterday so it can remain closed, but up over the helm.
I need to get a boot for it.

How do they measure width for the boot?

My beam is 8'6". Figure the mounts are 3-5" from each edge of gunwale?

Does that mean the width I need to order is 92"?

They come in ranges.

Thinking of buykng from bass pro here, but not sure what to order :(

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&partNumber=16123

BTW it was a PLEASURE having it upright today and not in my wat :)

Thanks.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: catfish hunter on July 01, 2007, 06:25:45 PM
my last boat had a bimmini ,after 5 minutes fishing w/ it I ripped it off and gave it away .they always seem to be in the wrong spot
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 01, 2007, 07:04:20 PM
I have to find a min van or something to bring it to my parents house and keep in their garage.
I hate it, but the brace seemed to at least get it off the gunwales.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: IrishAyes on July 01, 2007, 07:09:06 PM
Do you have a canvas shop nearby?  If so, check into having them do the job.  It should fit like a glove when they're done.  Their price may be the same as from bass pro with the shipping.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 01, 2007, 07:17:38 PM
I do, but the shop is pricey and I don't even have a way to get it over to them. :(
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: Reel Time on July 01, 2007, 08:27:46 PM
 call the manufacturer, or bass pro and find out how to measure it. i would assume that you just go by total width of the frame.

 

 duh!
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 01, 2007, 08:42:40 PM
Ok, I have a Bimini top for my CC and I HATE it.

Anyway, My buddy and I installed braces for it yesterday so it can remain closed, but up over the helm.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on July 01, 2007, 08:43:26 PM
those tops are only good if your just chillin out on the water..
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: Capt. Ed on July 01, 2007, 09:38:55 PM
Hi Mboy,

Our boats seem like the same dimensions. I just replace my boot.

I will get the manufacturer number off of it.

There are a few sites on the web, including Taylor Made, that help a person to calculate the bimini frame. From that info, you can call them and they will tell you the boot.

I know the retail number from the invoice but I will get the Manufacturer's number. The boot cost me $56.10 plus 7.60 for shipping and handling.

Thanks,

Ed
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 02, 2007, 05:51:24 AM
Thanks Ed :)
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: Capt. Ed on July 02, 2007, 05:32:07 PM
Hi Mboy,

I remember this now. I did not put my bimini directly on teh widest part of the boat. I wanted it on slides and I put braces on front and back so I did not have to use those cheesy straps to secure it.

OK - you measure the main frame connection points. The distance between them is the top size and also the boot size. Where I mounted them on the center console they are 81 inches across.

The boot I replaced my old, broken zipper one was from the original manufacturer. It is a Westland Industries 81" Top Boot (TB81ABL).

I bought it from them via iboats.com. I even talked to them to make sure I had the right part number. It costed $56.10 plus $7.60 shipping and handling. I had it in less than a week.

BTW, the sunbrella is much nicer than the vinyl.

Good luck,

Ed
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 02, 2007, 06:37:13 PM
Thaks Ed. I took a stab today and ordered the Bass Pro Acrylic one (my top is sunbrella- not sure what BassPro uses). Hope I ordered right size, if not, I will swap it for correct one.

I ordered the 86-91". That should do it.
If not, oh well :)

I will measure Thursday when I go down to see if I ordered right one, if not, I can probably change change it before they ship.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: Capt. Ed on July 02, 2007, 10:40:36 PM
Hi Mboy,

There is some play in mine if it were a couple inches off I think I could still get it on there.

Good luck,

Ed
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 03, 2007, 05:31:01 AM
Thanks. t was like 445 + shiping, but I was buying other stuff as well so shipping wound up only being another buck or 2 based on total purchase price so not too bad. Figure under 50 for boot.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: mboy on July 13, 2007, 07:35:41 PM
Just wanted to poast an update.

My top came in yesterday and I put her on the boat today and it is perdfect.
Think it was $40 or so from basspro and bought a bunch of other stuff so shipping was cheap. $10 for everything I bought maybe.

Looks good. Thanks all.
Title: Re: Bimini top boot?
Post by: IrishAyes on July 13, 2007, 08:39:13 PM
Good for you.  It's always a plus when a plan works.   t^