What material to replace bimini?

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 6:36 pm

I want to replace the canvas and "plastic glass" on my new to me 11 meter express. The question is what brand name, or type of meterial to use? Standard canvas or Sunbrella? Esinglass or EZ2CY? There seems to be several types of both. The boat is located in the great lakes area. Any pros or cons? Recomendations? Tips?

Thanks, Randy

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:07 pm

I have the 40mil strato glass. Very pricey but I love it. When it's clean it looks almost like glass. ONLY bad thing it doesn't like to be rolled up in 15 temp
I don't know what my canvas is, 1st time I've had this kind. But it has an inner layer like thick vinyl. EXtremily durable

Ron

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:37 pm

Sunbrella is the best ... all we use on the tops we manufacture ...

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:40 pm

Sunbrella & 40mil stratoglass. Mine is new this past summer and love it.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:45 am

I also went with the .040 Strataglass and am pretty happy with it.
When I redo the aft sections of mine, I am going to try the Crystal Clear 20/20 and see how it compares.

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 1:16 pm

I am starting to see people going with Stamoid. It is less of a fabric and more like a plasticised vinyl. It is lighter weight and will roll up / fold up smaller than a piece of Sunbrella will, but because its like a vinyl it doesn't breathe as well. I am a Sunbrella man myself...

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:30 pm

Thanks guys,
It looks like Sunbrella and .040 Strataglass is the set up to go with.

Next question; Would it be wise to just give the shop my old canvas and glass and have it replaced with Sunbrella and strataglass or should I wait untill they can measure it themselves??

It's all shrink wrapped now is why I ask.

Jerry your in the area any recommendations as to who does nice work?

Randy

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 5:50 pm

Esinglass or strato glass 40 mil ( lighter won't last as long.) sunbrella for sure , my last enclosure was esinglass and sunbrella , over 10 years old when I replaced it ( the esinglass still was very clear. ) used strato glass this time ( its just coated esinglass) and stamoid . if I was to do it again I will use sunbrella for sure , nothing wrong with stamoid but like sumbrella better . But I hope this last as long as the last one , then it should out last me .

Let them measure it so if it don't fit its on them

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:45 pm

The girl that does my canvas ABSOLUTLY won't use the old as pattern. She insists on starting from scratch to get it perfect. that's why I use her.

Ron

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:53 pm

rbcool wrote:The girl that does my canvas ABSOLUTLY won't use the old as pattern. She insists on starting from scratch to get it perfect. that's why I use her.

Ron

Thats the way good canvas shops do it

JGedridge · Post by **JGedridge** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:07 am

Do not use the old pattern because its all stretched out. We use nothing but Sunbrella and Strataglass for your application. For a small bass boat we would use the cheap glass, but use the strataglass.

Now these days, Sunbrella has an 8 year warranty and its pro-rated to 10. So it is a good product.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 10:54 am

Yes - we only use Strataglass as well ...

And a new pattern is critical. Never use the old one.

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:57 pm

Thanks guys,

Looks like I have wait untill spring.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 11:18 pm

Randy,
I myself would not use the old as a pattern either. Make new.
I feel the absolute best around here is Al Seifert. He has a place on 12th. St right behind JA Ross.
Al is not cheap but he does first class work.
With all the boats that I have had I have used just about everybody around this area and I have never seen the quality of work that Al does come from anybody else.
My last top that I did on this boat about 2 years ago I had done in Ohio while I was stored inside for winter. It came out ok but I wish I would have waited and had Al do it.
I had my 22' fishing boat done last year by the Amish down in Conneautville. The quality is fine for a fishing boat and the price was fantastic.
I was watching as they were shrinkwrapping your boat a couple of weeks ago. That thing is a Beast!

JGedridge · Post by **JGedridge** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 9:33 am

Theres a lot of good guys around Jerry. You had Irwins canvas do your boat, I remember.