Bimini

[Roland Gendreau]

I have gotten a few quotations for a bimini for my 1992 C34

One of the quotes I got was from The Canvas Store (www.thecanvasstore.com). They claim to have the exact dimenstions of most producttion boats and the design looks pretty much what I have in mind.  The pricing is pretty attractive also.  Installation looks pretty straight forward so I am not afraid to buy it and install it myself.

Has anyone out there used them? Any comments on fit,  finish and general workmanship?

Are there any other vendors out there that sell mail order that you might recommend?

Thanks

Roland Gendreau
Gratitude #1138

[Mark G]

Please let me know how you come out. What price did they quote and can you send a photo of what you have in mind? We've been thinking about adding one to our '91.

[Ron Hill]

Roland : One of the items that you need to check is how the Bimini is mounted to the boat.
Best is to have it mounted on to the stern pulpit, rather than the cockpit coming.  It's stronger and it make less obstacles for docking.  Also think about a light colored Sunbrella.  Makes alot of difference when the sun beats down.  Mine is white and I love it.  Having to have a new one made after 13 years - and it's still white.  

[Roland Gendreau]

The quotation I got from The Canvas Store was as follows:  

A Sailing Bimini for your '92 Catalina 34 is $1,245.00, with the 1" stainless steel upgrade at $225.00, with shipping at about $100.00. We use Sunbrella Marine Canvas, and the bimini is designed with two bows forward of the backstays and one behind for additional helmsman's sun protection. The bimini features a masthead viewing window and a storage "Boot" for when the bimini is stowed.  Photos are included so you can check the fit and finish.

I cannot see how to attach a photo to this message; if you want to see the photo of the bimini they provided with the quote,  go to http://photos.yahoo.com/ferllyr and look in the bimini folder.

The photo they provided is actually a MKII.   The bimini is mounted off of the stern rail as is suggested above.

Let me know what you think of it.

Thanks
Roland

[Rick Johnson]

I had a dodger from www.harborcustomcanvas.com on my C30.  I'm planning on getting a dodger and bimini from them for Godspeed in the near future.  Very good workmanship and lots of nice touches.

My .02,

Rick

[Jon Schneider]

I used The Canvas Store for a new dodger, bimini, and sail cover.  Their work is very good, but they are impossible to deal with.  I ordered the work in early March and was promised it in three weeks.  It was all finally finished in mid-July.  They required constant follow-up and calling.  I sent them my original dodger and they lost it.  The "forgot" to build side panels for the doger.  Ugh, a real hassle.  If you can afford the time and follow-up, go for it.