Warning: Making the framework of this bimini top is expected to take you about 30 hours, if you are an experience pipe bender. This process may take you upwards of 50 hours if you are a beginner. To save you the time, frustration and expense of wasted materials you may want to price a new bimini top with many vibrant colors by clicking here ( HYPERLINK “http://www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-004.php” http://www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-004.php)
Items you will need:
- ¾” plywood
- double walled 7/8” (OD) outside diameter tubing (conduit or stainless steel)
- fittings
Step 1:
Create a ¾” plywood template that has an exact bow you are looking for in your bimini top. To get your bow dimensions, you will need to learn how to measure your boat. (link to “how to measure your boat” page)
Step 2:
Once you have the plywood template cut with the correct bow, you are ready to bend your tubing for your framework. Please be aware there are different thickness options for your tubing. Of course you want your bimini top to be strong. So when you purchase 7/8″ tubing you want “Double Wall” tubing. Take a look at the images below to see the difference. You can purchase this at your local hardware store or check this company out online to meet your needs (http://www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-026.php)
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.websweeper.com/boater/pics/double-wall.jpg” \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.websweeper.com/boater/pics/single-wall.jpg” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Step 3:
Now that you have purchased the correct tubing you are ready to bend it. Get your plywood template and lay in out as a template for your bend. Bend your framework with a conduit bender to match your plywood template.
Step 4:
Repeat step #3 to bend two or three (depending on the style of bimini top) more tubes leaving the strait legs long at this point.
Step 5:
3 Bow: You should now have (3) bent tubes in the shape of your bimini top to place the tubes together.
(measure the tubing and place fitting on)
4 Bow: You should now have (4) bent tubes in the shape of your bimini top to place the tubes together.
(measure the tubing and place fitting on)
Once bimini framework done click here to make your tie down straps.