Shortening Bimini Top ---Questions?????

fdheld34 · #1 10-01-2013, 10:41 AM

I would like to shorten the height of my Bimini top by about 1 foot.
Here is a picture of the top.

fdheld34 · #2 10-01-2013, 10:43 AM

I figured I could cut ends of all poles (see pic showing where I will cut)by the same amount and the geometry of the top would remain the same.
Has anyone ever lowered the height of their Bimini top like this?
Will this have a negative impact on being able to tighten the fabric??
Thanks so much for input!
-Fred

castalot · #3 10-01-2013, 12:09 PM

Don't think you would need to cut the top one just the bottom two

Bushwacker · #4 10-01-2013, 12:09 PM

Fred,
Cutting that rear support bow will move the top forward a bit, which is a good thing. Bimini tops are notoriously wobbly, so moving the top forward would allow you to install some side supports off the side windshield that will substantially stiffen up the top. See pics below. I've subsequently replaced the outer screws with fast-pins that allow the top to be dropped quickly. (Unless I have the VHF antenna up . . . those turnbuckles take a bit to loosen up!) Denny

Mikem8560 · #5 10-01-2013, 07:44 PM

lowering the top would require cutting the frames as you plan the effect od lowering the top the canvas will still be the same length the canvas is made to fit the frame at the curve now lowering will make the end at the side incorrect and lose. maybe not that important to you . once you cut and lower you could pull the canvas tight a mark where the seam needs to be taking in to make the canvas evenly tight

where the center bow has straps that support it and not a pocket as some they can just be adjusted to fit

fdheld34 · #6 10-01-2013, 09:53 PM

Thanks all for the info

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikem8560

once you cut and lower you could pull the canvas tight a mark where the seam needs to be taking in to make the canvas evenly tight

where the center bow has straps that support it and not a pocket as some they can just be adjusted to fit

Just the info I needed...
Think I will go ahead and leave well enough alone for now and do some more thinking
Thanks again
-Fred

drtyTshrt · #7 10-02-2013, 06:23 AM

Seems to me that only cutting the bottom two supports would achieve your desires. The other two supports are the ones I adjust to tighten the canvas.