Bimini top material

[tomrealest]

A few years ago there was a discussion about Materials. Stamoid, Weblon, Sea Mark and a Sunbrella product with a vinyl undercoating were discussed along with Tenara thread.

Any updated recommendations or experiences?

 

[jim rosenthal]

Sunbrella, in my limited experience, has been the best.

 

[saltshaker]

When I did the enclosure for my 46C I went with Stamoid and Stratglass per my canvas guys reccomendation. He did the boat next to me 12 years ago and it still looks good. He made my winter enclosure and cockpit cover out of Sunbrella as it was a little cheaper.

 

[GJH]

Another vote for Stamoid based on personal experience.

 

[doc g]

HI Tom,
Stamoid is more waterproof but in my opinion does not look as good as Sunbrella. I think stamoid will last longer also. Stamoid is definitely more difficult to keep clean . I have a dinghy cover made with the heavier (12oz?) material and it looks filthy all the time even though it is an off white. I would have been happier with sunbrella and a little seepage ......hi to P and J ....Pat

 

[oscarvan]

The kids are older now, and their Cedar Works of Maine, then top of the line, swing set was long ago unsafe and now literally falling apart. This weekend I chopped it up and stuffed it in a burn barrel.

Just a few years ago I took off the Sunbrella awnings. They were chafed, bleached and filthy.... but the fabric had not lost it's integrity after 15+ years in the weather.

 

[Beckytek]

When I wanted to know what the best material for my bimini, I went to the Sailrite store in Annapolis. They sell all of the above mentioned fabrics and they recommended Sunbrella.

 

[Glory]

A hard top! It will out last all of the soft tops.

JM

 

[gbharrington]

Hard to beat Sunbrella for all around performance.

 

[SEVEN]

Sunbrella is fantastic. Ten year warranty.

 

[bohans]

Guys just wondering if anyone has seen or had a lightweight flexible fibreglass hardtop built instaed of a soft bimini
I built one for a centre console a long time ago it was crude but really effective. It basically sat screwed into the existing bimini frame.
The layup of the top was just a few sheets of grp molded and released.
I would like one for the replacement of my leaking soft top.

Any thoughts?

 

[Walter P]

Beckytek,

Sailrite has a store in Annapolis? Where?

Walt

 

[Andy B]

A darker color sunbrella will outlast most of the other materials out there, if you want white go with stamoid.

 

[oscarvan]

Hmmmm, it appears Sailrite HAD a location in A'polis. (been there, but that was quite a few years ago.....)

http://forum.sailrite.com/annapolis-location-closing_topic1239.html

 

[bobk]

I'll add a couple of thoughts:

Sunbrella made from an electron deficient acrylic fiber. It has the best inherent UV resistance of any of the commercial fibers/fabrics. I would recommend the heaviest Sunbrella available.

A coated fabric will be more water proof initially, but if you ever fold it, or if wind can flex it, that coating will crack.

Use Tenera (W L Gore) thread. It will last almost forever.

I had a Sunbrella bimini on my trawler that was still in good shape after 19 years when I sold it.

Bobk

 

[Beckytek]

Beckytek,

Sailrite has a store in Annapolis? Where?

Walt

Yes it was a few years ago and it was actually in Eastport across the bridge from Annapolis.

 

[Tim Powell]

Guys just wondering if anyone has seen or had a lightweight flexible fibreglass hardtop built instaed of a soft bimini
I built one for a centre console a long time ago it was crude but really effective. It basically sat screwed into the existing bimini frame.
The layup of the top was just a few sheets of grp molded and released.
I would like one for the replacement of my leaking soft top.

Any thoughts?

I believe starboard has 1/4 thickness and less one or two sheet should do it screws easely in the top. There is a member here who has that. Not calling names. wont leak! Curtains covered the edge. Looked good underneath of course not as good as a molded top. It was cleaner looking