Replacement Bimini Top

[speaste]

I am looking to replace what I THINK is the original bimini top for my 1996 Maxum 1900. Where should I go to do this? Is this something I get OEM from Maxum or what? I can see there are already brackets mounted to the boat where the bows fit in so I'd like to avoid adding any more if I can help it. Can I do that if I buy one of the top I see advertised online?

[3388sam]

OEM if Maxum still has it- $$$$$$

Check here and do a search for tops, there are a ton of places supply after market unv. kits!

Or if you still have the hardware- look for a local canvas shop and ahve them make a new one for you!

http://www.greatlakesskipper.com/produc ... bCatID=119

Lost our OEM over the winshield tonn. cover the first season- Maxum wanted $700, had it made for less the $400 and they added turn buckles so it can't blow off again!

[GSPKurt]

I'd also look at West Marine or Boater's World. You should be able to use a stock size. That's probably what they put on it at the factory.

[Franco_2100SC]

Holly acres is an authorized maxum dealer in Woodbridge Va. They can get you one in about a week. If you need their address, you can google it and it will come right up. Now for my recommendation, I would not go that route. For about the same price, maybe a little more, I would send you to Potomac Canvas. Its down route 1 just through Woodbridge, you turn left on Neabsco road and just go to the end. Ask for Dave.

Here's why. The Maxum OEM bimini will fit kinda, but will need professional adjustment if you want it to look good. You can struggle with it like I did mine for a season, but guys that work this stuff know just where to lengthen and shorten. The custom canvas comes in a little more expensive, but the guys that do this for a living fit it precisely to your boat. It cost me an extra 75 bucks for my wrap around canvas, but it looks much better than the OEM package, the extra cash was worth it.

Just my 2 cents.
KKKKFL

[speaste]

Well, as a followup....I purchased a new top from an online retailer. Got a pretty good deal and installation was pretty easy. Also bought the rear supports to hold it up when cruising. Thanks for all the advice. Only thing the instructions which came with the top didn't mention is placing some support on the underside of the fiberglass, I figure the thing could rip right out if I didn't support it so I am gonna get some treated wood and use that.

[Franco_2100SC]

If you went to my SempreVeloce web page there's a link that takes you to upgrades I've done. I did the back brace too!

And surprise surprise... Lost our OEM over the winshield tonn. cover the first season- Maxum wanted $700, had it made for less the $400 and they added turn buckles so it can't blow off again!

Yea Sam Me too!... Really pee'd me off cuz it was secured properly, and I didn't get much over 50MPH on the interstate for less than 4 miles. I was taking the boat to have some installation done when it blew off. Unhooked at service center, and went back to look for it, couldn't have been more than 20 minutes to retrace my steps, but never did locate it.

Three seasons later and I think I'll have Potomac Canvas just south of Woodbridge build me a new one.

KKKKFL

[3388sam]

Yep -you would think that it would cost Maxum about a buck to add a couple of turnbuckles and this wouldn’t happen!
I know where mine ended up at the bottom of the lake!

[chappymonster]

Hi everyone

It certainly helps if you still have your old covers. I talked to numerous people who were able to recommend a reliable upholsterer. I provided my old covers as templates and instructed him to increase the outer-edge size to account for inevitable age and shrinkage factors.

The upholsterer cut the materials and I personally fitted them to the boat, marked the insides where I wanted my studs/clips/buckles etc and let him do the rest. In the end, it was a bit more work but I saved a bloody fortune! Although I'm in Australia, you guys will find a similar thing if you just find someone reliable enough. Be patient and keep looking! Good luck.