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New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 05 Sep 2018, 20:04
by Alan
The factory Bow Cover is easy to add to a F-Rib although there were no instructions.

1 Dry fit the bow cover to the boat with the rubber pole pad attached to the metal poles. It only took a couple minutes of adjustments to get a good fit. The biggest question was what to attach the side straps to. I seem to go between the paddle lock or the nearest rope tie down. While both work I think I will add a D ring shortly.
2 Mark the rubber mount location and disassemble.
3 Glue the rubber mounts as previously dry fitted.
4 Allow to cure and reassemble.
5 The Bow cover could even be folded forward after removing the side straps
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The Bimini top had marginal instructions but an hour later it was ready for a dry fit to mark the rubber mounting pad locations. Then glue the pads, allow to cure and reassemble. No more sun burn! :clappy
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The Bow Cover works great to avoid splash but I have did not have time to try the Bimini Top. Unfortunately 2 weddings will keep me off the lake tor a couple of weeks :(

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 05 Sep 2018, 22:05
by Martin
Great stuff Alan, I'm loving the bimini... :clappy

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 06 Sep 2018, 10:15
by Mitch
I like it as well Alan, the only problem I can see is when I’m casting out when fishing.

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 06 Sep 2018, 12:15
by Alan
Mitch,
Detach the two forward straps and the fabric cover will fold rearward and rest against the rear triangular supports. This leaves the forward
3/4 's of the boat open for casting. Not a perfect solution I admit but I will see what else can be done over the winter.

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 17 Feb 2020, 15:31
by RONHAS
Very good stuff.
I'll have this solution in mind for MOTS's canopy installation. :clappy

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 19 Feb 2020, 19:14
by Alan
Good luck on your installation and take pictures! I love mine you will too. :thumbsup

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 28 Feb 2020, 23:27
by Sibfisher
Looks good Alan like to somthing like that myself, how and who can I contact to get me started.

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 02 Mar 2020, 13:15
by Alan
I simply reviewed the sizes available an chose the best fit for my boat. Remember width is more important than length. You want to have the supports centered on the top the tube as much as possible. It does not have to be perfect as there is some flexibility in the mounts and rods. I ordered a Seamax top with the inflatable boat kit and simply put it together and dry fit it to the boat with a friend. In my case with a F-rib I had to insure the mounting pads adhere to the tubes were not at fold area as the boat folds for storage. The Seamax Bimini was available on Amazon under Seamax Bimini top. I used an 2 part adhesive I was familiar with rather than the one part adhesive supplied. I hope this helps you start and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 02 Mar 2020, 23:49
by Sibfisher
Thanks for getting back to me Alan I will check them out and see if they are suitable for my Sip

Re: New bow cover and Bimini top

Posted: 16 Mar 2020, 22:17
by Davo
It looks great. I hope you get many years of use out of it :thumbsup