Bimini top or rain top for Warrior

[last chance]

Originally Posted by gbin

Well, I've heard of happier reasons to get a new boat... OUCH!!!

Gerry

I'm sure we'll enjoy the 26' boat but the old v21 was set up the way I wanted it. now I've got to switch everything over to the new boat. one thing that's going to be much better with the new boat is we'll be trolling with a 9.9 four stroke mercury kicker. I had autopilot on the 21' boat but it was the kind that went on the steering when and I was afraid to use it with a kicker.. but this boat has the same type of autopilot and he said he used it as a kicker with his all the time.

[walteye]

I have a 2010 Crestliner Raptor 2050 that I bought a Bimini top from Dowco (I wanted the full enclosure from them that Crestliner had them make-but they stopped making them) and I am very satisfied. I would have liked a full enclosure that I had on my 2003 Crestliner SuperHawk (see my pics) but no one locally wanted to make. As a walleye fisherman-I fish in all weather and would have liked the side curtains in pouring rain- but I at least have something. If a full enclosure is available - get it. You don't have to put the sides on or attach the windshield pieces-I used my full enclosure as a bimini more often than not. And being beaten by the sun-ain't no fun!!
Walteye

[DW]

Originally Posted by That Minnesota guy

Thanks for rotating them.

I'll generally leave it at home unless I know I am using it, mainly because I don't like how it stows.

I like the small eisenglass panels of your top on the section above the windshield. That reduces heat buildup when using the top as a sun shade. Mine is all eisenglass which lets in too much sun..

Your storage problem illustrates the single most important feature of a top. My factory top stows on the floor all the time except when the top is raised. If you can’t figure out how to do that on your boat my recommendation is don’t get a top. If your top doesn’t stow out of the way it won’t be used because the top is an unmanageable nuisance. It won’t stow in your boat and probably won’t stow in your truck. The only solution is to leave it home.

[Opus Dog]

I have included several pictures of my Bimini Top. It's just a regular one ordered off the net and rail mounted. I have the pool noodles attached to keep it from rubbing against the boat. It just sits on the back deck when folded down. I really like it a lot and use it on most days. When on the water and the temp gets to about 50 degrees and above the Bimini goes up. I did replace all the straps with higher grade straps. The back straps hook directly to cisco rail mounts. The front straps just rap around the rails. If in a jam and need to put on the floor, the quick release will allow me to easily disconnect and drop it down and it wont mar the boat.

[Opus Dog]

I like how it sits across the back deck and doesn't hinder access to anything.

[Opus Dog]

Forgot to upload the last photos.

[320bull]

I have a 208 and had a custom bimini top with removable clear panels for between it and the windshield as well as removable side curtains. It leaves me room for fishing behind it as well. Its mounted in tracks so I can slide it rearward and store it right in front of the motor. Been very happy with it. I will post up some pix here shortly. Cost me 1300 bucks if I remember correctly but the fella came and did the work on the boat in my barn over the winter otherwise it would have been less. i couldn't be happier with it

[320bull]

Is there a picture posting tutorial?

[MikeG1]

Looking forward to those pictures. Thanks.

[320bull]

Not the best pictures. The jump seats are not usable and the storage below is cumbersome to access when its down but the live well is functional.