Bimini for 97 15' Challenger

[pigsticker]

I am probably acquiring an older challenger in the next couple of weeks and was wondering about a Bimini top for it since it does not come with one.

The seller has one for his 180 challenger. Will it fit on this 15' boat? He has offered to give it to me in the sale. If not, what are the dimensions for the correct factory size bimini for this boat? I have looked online for any for sale but have had no luck. Even checked out the bimini websites and they all require dimensions. I don't want to accidently get a custom made bimini thats too big or too small. Any help would be appreciated.

Or maybe anybody have a correct sea doo bimini they are looking to get rid of for this model boat?

Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

As I recall... you want a top around 84" wide. How tall you want it... is up to you. The Factory top was VERY short. It looks cool, but you dam near have to crawl under it. The one on my old Sportster was around 48" tall. That was a good height. I had to duck down a little... but you could easily move around under it.

Look on ebay for a generic top. I got mine for $120 shipped.

One last thing... I would recommend getting some solid rear stay poles for the top. That way, you can fold it back, and put the cover on it, when you want some sun. But, you don't have to lay it down. The problem with laying it on the rear deck is... it will chaff, and wear as it bounces around... and it could get damaged when people crawl over it, to use the swim deck.

 

[pigsticker]

Dr Honda,

Do you recall where you found such a great deal on your bimini? Everything i'm finding is $350 on up. Thanks.

 

[DriveFast]

If I'm lucky enough not to have any major repairs this season, I plan on installing a bimini on my '97 Speedster. I saw a dealer on E-bay selling them out of Canada. He claims to have original equipment, but they are $400+.

Even though the cost is double what a generic top costs, I was still considering it for ideal fit but mostly for the metal supports at the front and rear, and the claim that it will fit under the cover. (Most generics I've seen only have metal poles in the middle, and are held by tension straps front and rear.)

However, after reading Doc's comment about the low profile, I might reconsider.

 

[pigsticker]

I am into the digging now on a bimini. Dr Honda, You mentioned that you got yours on ebay and that it was 48" high. Do you remember the length on this model you illustrated on your sportster? I found one that is 71" long and 44" high but wondering if the 71" long is too much top? Anybody else have experience that can chime in?

Anybody know the dimensions on the factory top?

 

[pigsticker]

Drivefast,

Where is the dealer you found in canada so I can investigate this a bit more too? Web address?

Thanks

 

[DriveFast]

ebay. http://www.ebay.ca/sch/miqdist/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

I found it by searching ebay by the specific part number (obtained from SeaDoo's manuals.) I too am curious as to the dimensions.

 

[DriveFast]

I did a little comparison of the original vs generics on overtons. After factoring in sunbrella fabric and rear supports, the cost is about the same. So I guess it's really about size now. The top can't be up when running at normal speed, so it's only for cove time. And then, bigger top is best.

 

[pigsticker]

Wow! Just got off the phone and ordered a Bimini from this company. The only way I found the info on them was in a really old forum from this website that came up in a google search. I got the Bimini in sunbrella fabric (my color of choice) rear stay poles and shipping for $259.00!!

This was a 79-84" wide, 5' length by 40-46" high. The gentleman said it should ship end of this week or early next week. Stay poles were not included with the purchase so they had to be added on at $35 for a set. Shipping was $25 to the states.

Here is the link to the bimini I ordered: http://catalogue-us.anp.ca/products...Width_79___84__x_Height_40___46___3_Bow_.html

 

[A.J.C.]

This one is 84" wide. Its only $120 as well. Maybe worth trying!

Ebay Link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Navy-Blue-3-Bow-Frame-BIMINI-TOP-Cover-Boat-6L-x-54-H-x-79-84-W-1-Frame-Boot-/360623218238?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item53f6d19e3e&vxp=mtr