Well my Sun Tracker Bimini top exploded today...

[wrd1972]

...mainly due to going 30+ MPH with it open and insufficient mounts on the rails by Sun Tracker.

There are plastic mounts with a hole that mount to the rail and the capture and retain the fitting on the bottom of the square top for the Biminini. These plastic mounts stress and begin to wear and the front poles wont remain latched and this time, the thing let go in a violent manner and broke the square tubing for the main support completely in half. Thereforere, the Biminini is trashed and a replacement is needed.

Seems like I remember pricing a OEM Sun Tracer Bimini and the local stealer-shipship wanted nearly $2K. Aint no damn way thats happening. The aftermarket Bimini they had was closer to $700 IIRC. I would really like to have an original ST Bimini if the price is reasonable and regardless, the mounts are going to be beefed up.

What are my options for a ST Bimini and what would you guys reccomend for an aftermarket?
Thanks.

[badmoonrising]

Check eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=S ... bimini+top

[Bamby]

...mainly due to going 30+ MPH with it open and insufficient mounts on the rails by Sun Tracker.

There are plastic mounts with a hole that mount to the rail and the capture and retain the fitting on the bottom of the square top for the Biminini. These plastic mounts stress and begin to wear and the front poles wont remain latched and this time, the thing let go in a violent manner and broke the square tubing for the main support completely in half. Thereforere, the Biminini is trashed and a replacement is needed.

Seems like I remember pricing a OEM Sun Tracer Bimini and the local stealer-shipship wanted nearly $2K. Aint no damn way thats happening. The aftermarket Bimini they had was closer to $700 IIRC. I would really like to have an original ST Bimini if the price is reasonable and regardless, the mounts are going to be beefed up.

What are my options for a ST Bimini and what would you guys reccomend for an aftermarket?
Thanks.

You've stated the original bimini was made and constructed with inferior hardware, why in the world would you want to replace it with another inferior product?? Like BMR posted ebay may be a place to look fact is a manufacture I feel fairly comfortable about recommending now has a EBay store there. Scroll down on their site and notice you can upgrade, buy replacement components if damaged or needed plus down the road you can also purchase just a replacement canvas when the original fades or goes bad. I'm thinking they are all important factors when purchasing items that no matter how well made or constructed in quality are subject to depreciation simply due to exposure to exposure to harsh environmental elements. PS you can save some money from this manufacture by purchasing direct from their home site and saving the fees tacked on to products to cover ebay posting and skimming costs...

[kryptonite]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eALYq_h1SL0

Think these go for around 1,000. If I had to replace, this is what I'd go with.

PWR-ARM II, by Schwintek Inc.

[wrd1972]

/\ You've stated the original bimini was made and constructed with inferior hardware, why in the world would you want to replace it with another inferior product
Notice I said the the mouting hardware would be beefed up and more specifically, the front fram rail mounts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eALYq_h1SL0

Think these go for around 1,000. If I had to replace, this is what I'd go with.

PWR-ARM II, by Schwintek Inc.

Thats neat but I have no issue with a manual top plus I would be leary about its longevity.

I am currently searching for a 1.25" square tubing Bimini and it looks like most are around $700 or so. The question I have now is how long is my top? I would need to go down and try to reconstruct it in order to measure it. If any one knows the length of the top, either 8' or 10', on a 2008 PB, please post it.

[kryptonite]

My guess is that it would be 10' long. Most of the newer boats go with the longer version. Maybe someone with a PB could chime in...

[NH Tooner]

I just installed 2 pwr arms on the toon I'm building. they are very well built units. pontoonstuff sells them.

[San Pan Man]

What is the warranty on Sun Trackers ? most mfg's have five years, worth checking.

[GregF]

You should not have to pay that much for a Bimini.
I only paid $300 for a 10' top for my boat and all the hardware was metal. I did find a local manufacturer who makes them and got one that was ordered and not picked up tho.
I seldom actually use it but it is nice when I have a gang on board.
The frame lives, tied up in the roof of the lift and the sunbrella cover is in the dock box.
Usually, when it is just my wife and me, we use the umbrella.
That is 10 seconds up or down. I need to have it down to get into the lift or when we are doing some serious mangrove crashing.

[wrd1972]

Sun Tracker has a 1 year warranty on the frame. No go there.

Called Bass Pro Shops and they wanted $900 for an OEM frame but thats much cheaper than the local dealer. Yikes

Looking at a Northstar Products frame right now for $330 shipped but I need to first go to the boat and see if my OE frame is a 8' or a 10' long. I will likely order just the frame and hope it works with my Sun tracker canvas and if it does not, then order the appropriate canvas from Northstar for about $220 more.

[thebiminibuddy]

Northstar and Marine Mooring make a good products for a reasonable price and it's made in the USA, unlike some of the units displayed on some web sites.

[NH Tooner]

http://youtu.be/x84o7wdnY_c
my pwr-arm electric top

[lakebilly]

NH Tooner

I'm jealous!! They really look we'll made. I like the fact that the wall thickness of the square tubing is about 50% more than typical OEM bimini tops.

I also like the simplicity of it, Only two arms per side, no supports in the front and back. My only concern is whether or not my rail will support it.

[NH Tooner]

NH Tooner

I'm jealous!! They really look we'll made. I like the fact that the wall thickness of the square tubing is about 50% more than typical OEM bimini tops.

I also like the simplicity of it, Only two arms per side, no supports in the front and back. My only concern is whether or not my rail will support it.

i think the rails will be ok. We shall see.

[Bamaman]

See if any of the guys on this forum that are installing the electric bimini's (bought @ pontoonstuff.com) are willing to part with their old bimini's.