Help locating bimini top w/frame for 12' jon boat.

[kendog13]

Look at all dealers my search engine had but not one that stocks one 12' L x 44" W. Any leads?

 

[LDUBS]

Welcome to Tin Boats!

I'm far from an expert. I think you will have a hard time finding a long Bimini top that is only 44" wide. Not much help I'm afraid. I will throw this out for consideration. If you use your boat for fishing, a full length Bimini top will get in the way of rods just about all the time. Not trying to change your mind. Just a consideration.

My previous 15' boat had a Bimini top that was 5' or 6' long. Tall enough I could stand under it without much stooping. Even though shorter than the boat was long, it provided a lot of much appreciated shade. It still got in the way of the rods when landing a fish until I got used to it.

We need the Jon boat guys to weigh in!

 

[airshot]

Not gonna find a 12' long bimini, if you really need that length you will need two tops. Two bow tops are 4' long, three bow tops are 6' long and four bow tops are 8' long. Any longer requires custom made tops.

 

[mbullen]

I'll vouch for quality from these guys. I personally own three versions of their biminis along with various seats, cushions, and oars.
Not disappointed in any of it.
If you truly want full coverage, you'll find 4, 5, 6, and 8ft lengths along with an 5 or 7ft. extension option.

https://oceansouth.us/product-category/biminis/bimini-tops/

https://oceansouth.us/product-category/biminis/bimini-extension-kit/

 

[kendog13]

Thanks for your response as I suspected. Thinking I can either cut 3" from the center and join using PVC or clamp both sides 1 1/2" out from sides. If anyone has let me know.

 

[mbullen]

Thanks for your response as I suspected. Thinking I can either cut 3" from the center and join using PVC or clamp both sides 1 1/2" out from sides. If anyone has let me know.

If it's just the width that is of concern, dial up each of the types linked above.
Multiple mounting widths are available.

 

[LDUBS]

Thanks for your response as I suspected. Thinking I can either cut 3" from the center and join using PVC or clamp both sides 1 1/2" out from sides. If anyone has let me know.

Three things, just thinking out loud:

- Like @mbullen links, they make a 5' Bimini that fits your width. Could you use two 5' long ones to get a total of 10'?

- If cutting 3" out of the width I would consider putting a dowel inside for rigidity then joining using the dowel on the inside and PVC on outside. Even better if you could find aluminum tubing to slide over the outside.

- I assume for a standard bimini frame the bows are bent to 90 degrees. Whatever it is, I wonder if you could bend them just a little more so it will fit to the hinge on your gunnel.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Adjusting the width of the frame is easy peasy, it's getting the fabric to fit the narrowed frame and not be all floppy and such....

 

[kendog13]

Thanks so much you'all. I did find on that would fit directly from oceansouth. I'll help others when I can on here.

 

[thill]

Typically, the legs of the ones that say 54" wide can be flexed in at the bottom to fit narrower boats. I've done it on all my smaller boats and have been very happy with the end result.

I hope you can find a couple that will fit your needs. I see an 8 foot x 54" one on Ebay for $116 that may work for yours: https://www.ebay.com/itm/386879603138

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Thanks so much you'all. I did find on that would fit directly from oceansouth. I'll help others when I can on here.

You know you have to post some installed photos!