bimini top for factory tower

[Ktown]

Does your bimini fold-up?  Do you trailer your boat with it installed?  I have the factory bimini, but have been looking for one that sits higher, or in this case, on top of the tower and allows me to keep it installed (preferebly stowed) when storing it. 

[hoffy]

The bimini does fold up. I trailer by boat around, but have not thoroughly tested it because I just had it put on. The boot has a buckle that hooks around the tower to keep it secure when traveling. On the lake the bimini doesn't vibrate and is very solid. Since the Toyota tower is really low compared to new boats this bimini is really good because you can walk under it and it's out of the way. When storing your boat you fold the bimini up(still on top of the tower) and tip the tower forward like you usually would. Overall it is very high quality and would recommend it. Below is a pic of it folded up and a closer shot of the bimini.

[flyn2001]

K-town...this style bimini would look sick ("very pretty" in your language) on your boat.  You might even be able to get the design to look like this...

[Ktown]

That bimini is perfect.  That seems like the perfect set-up for what I want.  Thanks for the pics.  I'll have to look them up when I finally bite the bullet and replace mine.  Again, very nice set-up.

[Ktown]

Hoffy,

How much coverage are you getting with your bimini?  Did you pick the length, or did they tell you what would fit properly?  I think I would like a little extra protection if it's possible.  I think I will email them and ask some questions.  Will you PM me your last name so they can reference your bimini?

Thanks,

[hoffy]

The bimini is bigger then it looks in the pictures. It provides a good amount of coverage. The guy told me what would look the best on the boat, but I told him I wanted it to be on the bigger side. This guy could do just about anything, so I'm sure it is possible, if you can cover the bill. I'm PMing you my last name, but if you say the yellow Toyota, he'll know what your talking about.

[Ktown]

Bad news for those of us outside the state of California.  The company that made Hoffy's bimini sent me this response today.

"Unfortunately that bimini top was a custom build that was not patterned. The over the tower biminis specifically can't be built by measurements alone.   We would need the boat in our shop to build the bimini.   If by chance you live in Northern California let us know, otherwise I'm sorry but unfortunately we can't build a bimini for your boat."

So I guess I will have to find an alternative.  Hoffy, thanks for the help, but I guess it's not meant to be.

[brad]

I think you can get the same type of bimini from sewlong.com (custom covers) in Salt Lake City.

I believe they have done a number of covers for Epic boats.

Once mine wears out, I'll be looking to do the same thing.

[Ktown]

Brad,

I just sent them an email tonight.  It looks like they have a very similar model, and it would be nice if they have already measured an SX.  That would keep me from messing up the measurements!  Are you planning on getting the FCT or the FTT semi-trampoline style? 

Thanks,

[tenn162000]

well- i would like to get one too...  i don't know if we could do a group discount type thing...  I mean the factory towers are all the same, right...   I don't know if buying 2-3 at one time custom made is cheaper for a manufacter to make or what...

[brad]

I would get the FCT type.

It will probably be another year or so before my gets worn out.

Let me know if I can be of any help since I'm 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

[elgringo-inaz]

Here is a pic of mine with top on/up.

[cyclone]

ohmygod. its the Costco Banzai tube. Within one week last year, every lake in the country was covered with those things:)

Nice bimini, btw!

[PSullivan3]

looks like the lunar module landed,houston the eagle has landed

[Ktown]

I finally ordered a new bimini top today.  I went with Custom Covers (Sewlong) out of Salt Lake.  They were very friendly and much more helpful than the other companies out there.  I decided to get the Folding Trampoline Top (FTT) instead of the over tower FCT version.  I wasn't sure, but decided I liked the FTT a little better for my set-up.  The cost was 695.00 plus shipping, and it is all stainless.  I will post pics when I get it installed (probable 2-3 wks).  If anyone is interested in my grey Toyota (stock) bimini, let me know.  It does not need a tower to mount.  I will sell it for 200.00 (plus shipping) or the best offer.  It is in very good condition.  Pics upon request.