GaryWilkinson Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Been thinking about a Bimini, - shielding from the melanoma inducing sun, and rain for those foolish enough to ski when it rains. - generally warmer and more comfortable when driving. Any downside ? Except the odd bang on the noggin and having to collapse it when covering every night? And, where can I buy one for my 95 Nautique ? Sunbrella the best? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jhughes Posted March 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 9, 2014 A bunch of my buddies and I have all gotten good, reasonably-priced biminis from what used to be GMI tops in Canada but I think are now anp.ca/?l=en-US. You'll have to take your own measurements (you can't just call up and say you need a top for your 95 Nautique) and remember that the width and height can be cut down but you can't add pipe so if anything, estimate high rather than low. As far as go/no-go, it's a no-brainer for us. Absolutely required in our boats and IMO one of the handiest accessories a boat could have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ForrestGump Posted March 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 9, 2014 I can't imagine anyone getting by without a bimini! Even in northern areas. NautiqueParts.com offers a nice sunbrella bimini specific to the year of the boat. With stainless hardware, it's $420. Most covers will fit over a bimini that's just folded back. We usually just unsnap the front straps, lay it back, and put the cover on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryWilkinson Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Wow @jhughes great site recommendation! Just went there and ya, they are in canada eh!? In fact about 2 hours drive from my home. Problem is my boat is in storage, shrink wrapped and surrounded by 3 ft of snow. I may go to local dealer to see if they have a hull not in storage and accessible enough for me to do the measurements. Unless anyone out there has access to the same hull with a Bimini on it and can measure for me, I'll have to wait for the snow to melt far enough which this year should be about June! Thanks for the guidance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryWilkinson Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 One last question: 1995 Nautique is what model of boat? (Not 196 right?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ForrestGump Posted March 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 9, 2014 It's a Ski Nautique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryWilkinson Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Shane really? Lol Is there a number associated with a 1995 Nautique ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ForrestGump Posted March 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 9, 2014 No, there's not. It was Ski Nautique for the 19'6" boat or Sport Nautique for the 20'6" boat. They then renamed them 196 and 206 later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashman Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 I think they started using "196" in 2002 which creates the main down side of owing a year 2001 ski nautique- I have to constantly explain " no it's not a Nautique 2001 it's a year 2001 ski nautique" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryWilkinson Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Aha! Ok so a ski Nautique it is. ! (Egg on my face , owner of ski nautiques since 1975) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted March 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 10, 2014 I have been in tournament ski boats since 1978, and got a Bimini in 2011. I can't imagine what I was thinking by not getting one sooner, even in Northern Ohio. I guess I always liked being in the sun, but now after having a few skin issues, it can only help reduce exposure over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted March 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 10, 2014 A Bimini is a must. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SkiJay Posted March 10, 2014 Members Share Posted March 10, 2014 +1 for bimini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members malibuowner Posted March 10, 2014 Members Share Posted March 10, 2014 Warning it hurts .. Bimini is a must http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/malibuowner/ear/IMG_1342.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wish Posted March 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 10, 2014 Well, ya-all know my vote.. And go make that dermatologist appointment while your at it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted March 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 11, 2014 In Southern BC, Canada. Always thought I was too far north to have one of these. Finally tried one...every boat I have owned since then I have had one. As we are out a lot mid day would not even consider going without it. The upholstery stays cooler, I'm less tired and more comfortable...it's a no brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ColeGiacopuzzi Posted March 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 11, 2014 @GaryWilkinson Adlee biminis is another one, they do tournament boats, they had a deal with nautique for years doing biminis when they came out of the factory! There located in Corona, CA Radar Skis Follow Instagram Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Than_Bogan Posted March 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 11, 2014 My new-to-me boat came with a bimini, and I immediately stashed it in my basement for the next owner. In a northern climate on a public lake, if the sun is directly overhead then the wallies are underfoot! I'm almost never out in my ski boat at a time where I'd like to have a bimini. I see it as a pure liability: a pain to deal with during covering and uncovering, and something to smack into and cut myself on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wish Posted March 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 11, 2014 @Than_Bogan I hear ya being from MN. As long as you have that wide brim hat and see a dermatologist yearly... But the amount of sun seen without one, and it does not have to be directly over head, is probably more then most think. I know the cooler weather seems to warrant no bimini but if you can find another way to protect from sun damage that's fine I guess. To me popping up the bimini is just easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjeep Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I had the option to get a super cheap bimini with my VTX - honestly could not imagine a scenario where I would want shade on a boat. The sun comes out about 10 days a year here and if it is out, we are enjoying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kstateskier Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Can't imagine not having a bimini especially in the July/August months. +1 buy it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted March 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 11, 2014 +/- depending on what's going on. The majority of my buoys are early a.m. and evening. If in the middle of the weekend day, though, we go spend the day on the lake on a buddies MC with tower and bimini...it's nice! If I were skiing/driving a lot of sets or at a big family or friends party...it's nice! Florida and the other warm states...a must. Day to day summer life for me...it would sit in the garage 90% of the time here in southern Canada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashman Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 @wish I'm making a new rule for myself- when bimini is not up I will be rocking my new coolibar spf hoodie my wife got me for my birthday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wish Posted March 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 11, 2014 @crashman awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waternut Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I'm with @Than_Bogan. My personal boat has a bimini top but the only time I ever put it up was when I worked on the engine mid-day once. I'm usually using my boat early morning on the weekends before the yahoo's come out or after 5 PM on the weekdays. Love the open air if I can have it. Mid-day skiing on a slalom course though where you're parked more than you're driving....I definitely appreciate the bimini top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skierjp Posted March 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 12, 2014 TOWER BIMINI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Sethro Posted March 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 12, 2014 I really like the Centurion Carbon Pro factory bimini. I'd like to have one built for my Echelon with that framework. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtallweed Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Put me down with the other public lake skiers and no bimini. Calm water is not to be found after 8 in the summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uflbret Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I never used to run a bimini. I thought they were "uncool" and against everything a boat was for. Boy how things change when you grow up, mature, and realize what's really important in life. I just turned 40 and my wife and I now have a 2-yr old daughter. Our '02 SN now doesn't hit the water without one. The sun is just too brutal down here in FL to be out all day without protection. And my daughter's health is more important than anything else. She loves being out in the boat more than anything in the world. My main concern now is making sure she continues to love it as much as my wife and I. The bimini that came with our boat sat a little too high for my liking so I took it to a local upholsterer in town and talked with him about what I wanted. He chopped it down and got the fit just right, exactly what I was looking for. Now I still think its cool, and most important, it's functional. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uflbret Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 @crashman, technically CC started naming the SN a "196" in 2003 according to the brochures. Even though the 2002 was the first year of the TSC2 hull it was still referred to as just a Ski Nautique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Intheday Posted March 12, 2014 Members Share Posted March 12, 2014 Can't believe anyone would want to spend a lot of time in a ski boat without a Bimini. Only problem is if you are open water skiing and want to do American pickups or around the worlds but for comfort of drivers and observers you can't beat them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted March 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 12, 2014 You just don't even see 'em up here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SkiJay Posted March 12, 2014 Members Share Posted March 12, 2014 It's true, you just don't see biminis in Canada, western Canada anyway. You do see lots of faded hats though, especially during the six weeks of summer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller PatM Posted March 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 12, 2014 Got my first Bimini with a Promo boat I bought. I said that's nice and tossed it into the back of the pickup truck. Until I tried it on a hot sunny day (we do have those in Massachusetts) and never looked back. An absolute must. At tournaments if the promo shows up without one it doesn't get used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Than_Bogan Posted March 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 12, 2014 Clearly a must for tournaments. I'd dig it out of the basement for that -- if for some unknown reason somebody wanted to use an '07 in a tournament! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogexpress Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I just purchased Bimini from NautiqueParts.com for my 07 SN. They were helpful the colors because they are familiar with the Nautique color names (ie SN Vapor Blue is best matched with Sunbrella Pacific Blue). Also they were the cheapest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Sullivan Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 You can get a bimini now that is easy to put up and then set back down again. Out here we have the NW Edition with a rain shield that helps keep the boat warm in winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 16, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 16, 2014 Just build your own. Bending pipe and learning to sew are pretty easy if you search the internet a little. I built this one for about $120. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryWilkinson Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Looks great but even though I'm a builder bathrooms and kitchens, I'm not up for re-inventing a custom Bimini. And my sewing skills leave a lot to be desired. Yours does look good though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SocalWaterSki Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I had my local upholstery shop make mine. I think it set me back about $300. They used sunbrella material and made a matching cover for it... They also made me a barefoot boom bag from the scraps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Garn Posted March 18, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 18, 2014 I think the best bimini's are made by Justin at Custom Covers in Salt Lake. They mount OVER the tower so you can stand up. And there are no tie downs going down the the sidewall of the boat. Here's a link : http://sewlong.com/folding-canopy-top.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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