Flybridge - Replace bimini with hard top - thoughts?

[PJHoffnet]

Has anyone replaced their flybridge bimini with a hardtop?

We'd like to go hardtop and have "fold/hinge up to overhead" plexiglass windows vice our current unzip/roll up isinglass. We'd add windshield wipers to at least the forward window(s).

We certainly don't need anything fancy like a tinted moonroof, or sliding sunroof, but it would be interesting to hear if anyone has those too.

Thanks in advance.

[mmwjr]

I have seen custom tops installed on boats like yours. A local fiberglass shop can provide a quote.

Note with a hard top it will be fixed so if you have low bridges this may be an issue.

[shrew]

An acquaintance from a marina we used to be in has installed one on his 40ft Silverton aft-cabin. I recall it being about $20K installed 10 years ago. There are many fabricators and installers out there and quality will vary. I have never priced it myself.

I wouldn't install plexi. They make thicker mil of Isinglass. Some so thick it looks like glass when tight and can't be rolled. You can still undue the bottom snaps/toggles and put some toggles in the ceiling to snap it up and out of the way, as you were describing.

[PJHoffnet]

Thanks for the replies ... Between cost and the issue of weight above the CG, I think we're just going to stay with the bimini. Need to figure out a good way to take a 'droop' out of one area between two frames - it sagged due to heavy rain when we weren't around. Anyone know of a 'tightening' method (preferably a permanent one)?

[shrew]

Is the top tightened with vertical straps or framing? If properly 'tuned' you should be able to bounce a ball off of your Bimini. I've frequently seen installs where there simply isn't adequate support. You need tension in different directions.

[PJHoffnet]

Originally Posted by shrew

Is the top tightened with vertical straps or framing?

The top has athwartship framing about three feet apart in the area of the drooping. I can't see how to 'tighten' this area as the bimini has zippered 'tunnels' that attach it to the athwartship framing supports. The area was always taught before, but as I mentioned earlier, there was a period of heavy rain - week and a half - during which time we were unable to get to the boat. It's during this time water built up enough to weigh down the bimini and cause what is now, seemingly, a permanent droop.