sunbrella bimini? height for challenger 1800

[1800chall_tim]

has anyone in here installed a "sunbrella" bimini on a challenger 1800? if so what height did you choose? 36" from the rail seems to be a popular height but i am concerned about head room. was it difficult to install bimini in the limited rail space on the challengers?

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... it's a little of an invalid question. "Sunbrella" is a Fabric, and not a manufacture of tops. But... I'm sure there are a bunch of people here who have put tops on, made with Sunbrella fabric.


If I can throw in my 2 cents. I can't give you an exact width because I had a smaller boat... but as far as the height goes... the lower tops look great, but it's a pain in the butt to have to hunch over to get to the rear seats. I recommend a taller top to be more comfortable. As I recall... I used a 48" tall top on my boat.

Now... the 1800 isn't much wider than my Sportster... so I would think an 84" wide top would be fine. Basically... just measure the mounting point distance.

 

[1800chall_tim]

the cover i am looking into is from boat covers direct it would be 46" high and 6' long, now, do the mounts go on the outside edge always or do some mount to the top of the rail. i want solid rear supports, should i get the adjustable length ones? or the pre-cut length ones? if so then what length would you recommend? sorry for all the questions, i just don't want to mess up and regret it!

 

[Dr Honda]

You can mount them on top... or on the sides. That's up to you.

Originally, I was going to mount mine on the top rails, but it was going to be in the way of my controls, so I did a side mount. The aluminum frames on these tops are very flexible, and it was easy to pull it out a few more inches. I would recommend a side mount, just to make sure everything clears. Also... if it's wide enough, you can just fold it back on the aft deck.

The solid rear stays are a very good idea. I only ran the straps for one year. As far as the length goes... you won't know until you are trying to mount them. I don't recommend buying the adjustable stays. First... they are known to slip... and second, they are expensive. What I did was to buy a set of generic fixed length stays. (Relatively long) I think they were only about $20 with all the hardware. Then... I put the mounting hardware where I needed it to go... and then re-worked the stays.

The stays are basically an aluminum tube with plastic ends pop-riveted on. I just drilled the rivet to remove the tube end. Then, I figured how long the tube needed to be. After that... I just cut them off, and drilled new holes, and put a bolt though it, to hold the end on. (Easy)


A few tips on the install......

When you drill the holes... make sure you come back with a big drill bit and cut the gel-coat. (almost like a countersink) The reason for that is... when you thread the screws into the hull... the fiberglass is strong, and slightly flexible. BUT... the gel is hard. So... when you start threading the screws in... the gel will chip and crack. If you cut it a little bigger than the screw hole... you will keep it from cracking, and the mounting hardware will cover it.

Also... get yourself some "Thumbscrews" for the mounting points. That will make removing the top for storage very easy.



Here's a few more mounting pics, with the solid rear stays.

 

[1800chall_tim]

one last question. does a sea doo cover fit over the bimini with it folded all the way down? i have a factory cover and i imagine that if it doesn't fit i could buy a cheaper one size fits all cover. thank you for all the help it is much appreciated!!!!!

 

[RFoster130]

That is where you have a problem with the universal fit Bimini. I had one like doc's that was 46" tall. It wouldn't fit under the cover. I had.a slight mishap and bent it. I bought a new oem Bimini and it does fit under the cover because it is shaped to fit the contour of the boat and isn't as square shaped.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... what he said.

The generic tops aren't going to fit under the cover. That's why I said to get thumbscrews.

The OEM top... mounted in the OEM spot... using the OEM hardware will fit. BUT... they are so short, they are annoying for anything other than riding around.

 

[RFoster130]

I dunno what you want to spend, but JM camper in Maine is the cheapest place to get the oem Bimini. For your boat it's 439. Just in case you are interested.

 

[1800chall_tim]

RFoster130, do you have a pic. of yours to post? i am curious what the oem bimini would look like. the cover i am about to purchase is about $570 with stainless fittings and solid rear stays and a storage boot. it is 46" high, 6' long, and a 79"-84" width.

 

[RFoster130]

Wow don't waste your money, get the one made for your boat cheaper. Stainless isn't necessary. The factory one has the rear poles and comes with all the extras like the boot and the pins to pull out for folding it down. It will look much better and is cheaper. I think the quality is better too. I don't have a pic of it up though. The factory one also has 4 bows instead of 3, which I think is better. Here it is for ya.

http://www.jmcamper.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=355

 

[1800chall_tim]

what do you think about the head room issue that doc mentioned, do you find it a pain to move about while on the water. if the wife and or kids like to move from front to back while under way.

 

[1800chall_tim]

the one i mentioned was total cost with shipping free, j/m camper is $40.50 shipping. 439 +40.50=$480 so for $80 more i have stainless steel fittings and more head room. with thumb screws it will be easy to take off and cover the boat.

 

[1800chall_tim]

i am not trying to offend you, if the oem works great for you then great! i was just reasoning with myself i guess because before i got your last post i had already ordered the one i formentioned. thanx Tim

 

[RFoster130]

I think there is plenty of head room. The other issue for me with the universal fit one was that I couldn't take it off and take it with me because it was too big to fit in the bed of my truck. The oem is nice to just leave on and it fits under the cover. I'm sure you will be happy with either, just offering my opinion since I've had both. If price wasn't a factor, I would go with the oem every time.

 

[Dr Honda]

I'm cheap... so I wouldn't own an OEM. I think I had $150 into my top.

 

[1800chall_tim]

i am taking a chance here and i ordered the after market i mentioned. i will post pics. when it is on. (if i like what i see) and if it doesn't work out i will send it back and try the oem top. either way, this will be a big help to all who find this tread in the future. thanx to all for the input! :thumbsup:

 

[1800chall_tim]

i am taking a chance here and i ordered the after market i mentioned. i will post pics. when it is on. (if i like what i see) and if it doesn't work out i will send it back and try the oem top. either way, this will be a big help to all who find this tread in the future. thanx to all for the input! :thumbsup:

here is my top all done

 

[Dr Honda]

Looks good. What size did you get?

 

[1800chall_tim]

Looks good. What size did you get?

i got the 79-84" width x 46" tall x 6' length with stainless fittings and solid rear stays. it is sturdy even at 3/4 throttle, haven't the nerve to try WOT with it open yet. but i must say i hit a wake at 1/2 throttle with it open and it felt like i flew a little farther than i should have!!!

 

[Dr Honda]

Mine was cheap aluminum, and plastic fittings, and I would go full throttle all the time. And yes... it seems to hang when you jump a wake. :biggrinjester: