Carver Owners Forum

This project started quite awhile ago, with the realization that the canvas needs to be replaced. The first full season we had John Buoy, the aft-deck canvas didn't fit but it wasn't too bad. That winter we bought the sewing machine. Last summer the aft-deck canvas seemed to be even smaller and the repairs on the upper canvas were no longer holding. Over this past winter, we (I) watched the Sailrite videos, over and over and over again. We ordered our fabric, recacril. I already had the thread and other bits. Took apart the old, upper section, to pattern the new. We were up at the boat at the beginning of this week and did a test fit. Yeah!!!! it fits. Now to finish up the stern pocket before the long weekend.

Well done...Id love to tackle something like this.

Looks good! Also looks like your framing was different than mine was. When you get a chance, post up some pics of it from the side-view!

Got the bimini, mostly, done today. Just a couple of pieces that aren't making sense. Heading to the boat on Friday. Turns out our launch may be delayed. Swim platform didn't get installed when we thought it would be. I will post pictures next week.

Coldcruisin wrote:Source of the post Well done...Id love to tackle something like this.

I definitely recommend watching, multiple times, the videos from Sailrite. For our boat, I watched the 4 bow bimini video. Now tuning in the side enclosure one because all the "glass" on the top section will be replaced.

Well, home from the lake. A little disappointing because the fiberglass guy didn't get the swim platform on, so the boat launch is delayed. On the plus side, we were able to get a couple small projects done that needed to be done on the hard. Now onto the really exciting news, IT FITS!!!! The upper bimini is on and held through some moderate (25mph) winds. Here are the latest photos. As an added bonus, the Northern Lights showed up!! @km1125 there are some pictures of the side, without the bimini attached. Next project is to cover the aft deck area. Cannot use the old one to template from so it is being "re-imagined". Mock-ups from cheap fabric will be made!!

Ok, looking at those pictures, my framing was pretty much the same. The only difference was that diagonal support in the front. I had two straps there that would prevent the side-to-side motion. You could unclip them and fold the whole bimini back (or even forward) if you wanted more sunshine.

km1125 wrote:Source of the post Ok, looking at those pictures, my framing was pretty much the same. The only difference was that diagonal support in the front. I had two straps there that would prevent the side-to-side motion. You could unclip them and fold the whole bimini back (or even forward) if you wanted more sunshine.

I hate those supports. It makes trying to sort out a new front glass an issue.

Grafunkus wrote:Source of the post

km1125 wrote:Source of the post Ok, looking at those pictures, my framing was pretty much the same. The only difference was that diagonal support in the front. I had two straps there that would prevent the side-to-side motion. You could unclip them and fold the whole bimini back (or even forward) if you wanted more sunshine.

I hate those supports. It makes trying to sort out a new front glass an issue.

You might consider replacing them with straps then! I'll see if I can find some old pics of mine that show them.

Grafunkus wrote:Source of the post

km1125 wrote:Source of the post Ok, looking at those pictures, my framing was pretty much the same. The only difference was that diagonal support in the front. I had two straps there that would prevent the side-to-side motion. You could unclip them and fold the whole bimini back (or even forward) if you wanted more sunshine.

I hate those supports. It makes trying to sort out a new front glass an issue.

I thought the same thing from your pic.....you could consider using a bar in the center from the wind deflector to the top front cross bar, where the front windows would join. Actually the side windows and supports etc should hold the top in place anyway. Check out bridge pics on boats for sale etc to get some ideas. Any bars that come in contact with the clear plastic will damage it over a short time unless protected.

Good luck with your project.