F28 Bimini or camper top

[Man Cave]

I just picked up an F28 and need some bimini or camper top advice. My first "big" boat. Anyone have any advice on getting a simple bimini in terms size and source? I am wondering if they are all pretty much the same size from 28' - 30+'. I don't want to go all out and have anything custom made...yet. Mostly is size info I need so I don't screw it up if I order one online.

[captainmaniac]

Canvas is normally a custom job. You need a specific width and length, and enough strength to hold up to your boat speed and headwinds. You could pick up some standardized product with a certain footprint and aluminum frame for cheaper, but you will regret it. Canvas guys can be flaky. See who others in your marina have dealt with to get a sense of who you can trust or not.

[prowlersfish]

Canvas is normally a custom job. You need a specific width and length, and enough strength to hold up to your boat speed and headwinds. You could pick up some standardized product with a certain footprint and aluminum frame for cheaper, but you will regret it. Canvas guys can be flaky. See who others in your marina have dealt with to get a sense of who you can trust or not.

I agree with Capt M , But if you need something now and less costly , you could get a Bimini top off line . Just measure very carefully per the sellers info , Pay close attention to height as you want to be able to stand up . And you what SS tubing . Remember these are a " kind of fit" if you plan on a full enclosure latter chances are you need to replace this top with a custom made one so maybe a waste of money . Any enclosure for this boat will be custom made with one exaptation.and

There is a possibly that Bob at Beacon marine may have a OEM Trojan Top and or enclosure . I know he had some at one time for some Trojans . So try him first .

[larryeddington]

FYI have an f28 that I am scrapping for parts, if you need something I might have it, new unused custom aluminum fuel tanks struts one good reverse rotation and tranny. Sorry no canvas. My good f28 which will go up for sale has complete ne canvas top and bottom to do that will cost about 5K. Any parts sales will have to go through the sales page of our website.

Good luck with your f28.

[Man Cave]

Thanks for the advice guys. So I picked up a pontoon boat bimini top just to keep the shade and rain off me. Also my flybridge deck core is soft, so water will pool under the helmsman chair and then leak into the cabin slowly. Re-coring that deck is on my list of off season chores. But I can get by for now with the pontoon bimini. Its almost a perfect fit actaully, but I can tell it won't hold up.

My plan is instead of spending $5,000 on a new system I am going buy a sewing machine and do it myself after some research. This is in keeping with my habit of over complicating and over doing all boat boat projects. I'll do that after I over do the re-wiring though.

[larryeddington]

I found some leaks on the f28, under the rails that the inside panels of the flybridge are screwed to. Don't think they were sealed well, also where the wires and controls go through can be a problem. I had planned to glass in a 4 in high piece of pvc around them, would have to slit one side but would be sealable. This would provide a coffer dam so water would go on by.

[mjrecker]

I have a 1979 28 Trojan flybridge canvas and eisen glass cover no framing just cover. Is this what you are looking for?

[mjrecker]

If you have the framing for the flybridge enclosure I will give your the canvas w/eisen that attaches to it. Contact me at 5178969644