99' 215 DC Bimini

[Mulv80]

I would like to order a new bimini for my 99' 215 DC.  Does anyone know the dimensions of the factory top and the distance between the mounting points on the boat?

[dxs217]

I'm away from home for the next week. When I get back, I'll get you the dimensions.

[pigbike]

I can measure mine but it's covered up and raining out right now. I will get it measured when I can if someone else doesn't get it first.

I actually measured mine a few months back, but don't remember what it was.  Can't find the paper I wrote it down on either.

[Mulv80]

Thanks fellas.  GMI tops in Canada who I have ordered from before are apparently raising their prices in February.  So I'm trying to order before then.  Thanks again.

[Mulv80]

Still looking for measurements if someone can help me out.  Thanks.

[pigbike]

Mulv,  Sorry it took so long to get back to you but everyone in my house has had the Flu including me

I measured my top and it is 60" long, and 78" wide. It also is 45" high  measured from the top of the gunnel (where the bracket mounts) to the inside top of the bimini. Hope this helps you.

Roy

[Mulv80]

Thanks Roy!  Hope your feeling better.

[Mulv80]

Gmi Top offers (2) sizes that will probably fit my boat one is 73-78" and the other is 79-84" wide.  My brother went down to where my bimini top is stored and measured the bottom of the top and came up with 88".  I know Roys measurements are accurate at 78" between the mounting points.  Is it reasonable to believe the top is tensioned 10" to fit these mounting points or did my brother measure wrong?

[wingtime]

From building bimini tops in the past I can tell you that the sides of the frame are usually built so the uprights are angled out a few degrees.  This makes them a little more stable side to side.  So a little "pre-load" is desirable.  For the true width of the top measure just below the bends at the top of the uprights.

[pigbike]

Remember that there is a slight overhang on each side. My measurement of 78" is the width not counting any side overhang. If the top was layed out on the ground flat and measured, it would be more then 78" if you count the 2" or so side overhang.

If you have the frame why not take it to a boat top shop and let them do it right. My boat is also a 1999 and I believe this is the original top, but cannot be sure of that as I just purchased it last year.

Where are you located at Mulv?

[Mulv80]

Roy, I'm in Philadelphia.  I called around to a couple of shops and the prices ranged from $700 to $1000 for a top with stainless frame.  My current top is aluminum and the frame has seen better days.  GMI Top in Canada wants $349 for Sunbrella or Top Gun with stainless frame, and its only $25 to ship.

[pigbike]

My frame is aluminum but is in good shape. If you want stainless your going to pay for it. I would measure your current frame and use those measurements. The people who make the top should be able to duplicate what you have in stainless and put the right top on it.  Maybe a phone call to them can get you the right top and frame.

[pigbike]

A friend of mine here has a boat top shop and he told me that he uses the Sunbrella for tops and Top Gun for boat covers. I didn't ask why, but there must be a reason for this, as it would be easier to stock one fabric in different colors then both.

[dxs217]

Mulv, can you post new pics of bimini?

Just might be interested in one myself...

Thanks
Dan

[Mulv80]

I still havent ordered the top.  I can't decide on the size, mainly the width, 73-78, 79-84, 85-90?  The company has been helpful however they are recomending the 73-78" top since my mounting points according to Roy's measurements are 78" apart.  I don't see how its not going to look silly considering the original OEM top is 88" wide.  When I asked the company for the exact measurement of their tops they couldnt give me a straight answer.