Over Tower Bimini for older AR230 boats for $350

[Port0222]

Hello all --

it has been a while since I posted, so I wanted to share a simple mod that I made for my boat. We recently had a baby and needed a bimini. the stock bimini for the early AR230 is cumbersome and does not work with my speakers, Was in the way when entering / exiting the boat, and it was ugly. Not to mention that my boat did not even come with one when I purchased it.

So I purchased this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/75-85-inch-...3ade9d1&pid=100623&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=262498384539

The seller makes it clear that it will not work with double tube towers (like the AR models) -- this is because it is one long zipper in the center (Same with the boot cover) After much debate, I decided to pull the trigger and see if I can make it work.

Attached you will see some photos of it installed. I took it to my local Tailor who removed the zippers from the canopy and added Velcro (And cut a hole for the center pole) as well as added the zippers she removed to the boot cover (With the same hole) The total bill was $40

Add that to the $310 I paid for the bimini shipped (MAKE AN OFFER)= $350

Some things to note --
It does not come with adapters for a 1 7/8" tube, so I had to be a little create and use 2 adapters stacked
It is really tall -- I am 6' 5" and can walk under it
It is actually really solid at speed. no rattling or vibrating.
It folds flat and tight to the tower -- I can provide pics if others are interested.


Let me know if you have questions and happy to help -- I can also send pictures to help your tailor make the right cuts upon request.

 

[dirksgoat]

interested, more pics?

 

[96Pirate]

Does that provide enough coverage? It looks like it is just forward of the tower. On my '07 it extends back behind the tower and about as far forward as yours. But I have always loved the idea of fastening to the tower instead of laying aft like mine. We tend to not use ours that much so it might not be something I would invest in but it looks great. Nice job!

 

[Port0222]

interested, more pics?

@dirksgoat Happy to share more pictures. I will take a few this afternoon. Anything specific you want to see? I can provide close ups to the attachments (What I had to modify) and I can take pics of it closed and secured. Anything else?

 

[Port0222]

Does that provide enough coverage? It looks like it is just forward of the tower. On my '07 it extends back behind the tower and about as far forward as yours. But I have always loved the idea of fastening to the tower instead of laying aft like mine. We tend to not use ours that much so it might not be something I would invest in but it looks great. Nice job!

Attached to the tower is a HUGE upgrade. I was on an 04 that had his laying across the aft and it is in the way. For coverage -- The 04-07 had an approx 8ft bimini. this is closer to 5 ft. It provides a lot of coverage for driver with the sun in any direction, With the sun in front of you, it provides adequate coverage to the passengers in the rear. If the sun is behind you -- perfect red neck amount of coverage.

 

[Port0222]

Attached to the tower is a HUGE upgrade. I was on an 04 that had his laying across the aft and it is in the way. For coverage -- The 04-07 had an approx 8ft bimini. this is closer to 5 ft. It provides a lot of coverage for driver with the sun in any direction, With the sun in front of you, it provides adequate coverage to the passengers in the rear. If the sun is behind you -- perfect red neck amount of coverage.

@96Pirate -- I should also point out -- I only purchased mine to use on rare occasions (Hot days with baby) and we find we leave it up a lot -- you can find sun when you want it and you can find shade when you want it and it makes the boat look 5 years newer.

for $350 -- I would recommend it just to get rid of the large bimini that everyone has to climb under or over.

 

[96Pirate]

We don't use it that much but before launch I always lift it up to attach the legs since I don't want people climbing over it. So this would certainly eliminate me having to do that. Awhile back I looked into replacing mine with the '08 version but from what I recall your option would certainly be more cost efective. Very tempting. The pics you mention taking above would be great to see @Port0222 Thanks!

 

[Port0222]

@dirksgoat @96Pirate

Here are some more detailed photos. The first one shows what has to be modified. The Center Velcro portion used to be one continuous zipper. I had the tailor cut a hole for the center support bar, remove the zipper (And save for later) and add Velcro in its place. The Velcro is a nice feature as it is strong and helps keep the Bimini taught.


The The boot needs the same alteration, but I had the seamstress reuse the zipper from the bimini as well as the zipper from the boot to create the opening.

The remaining pictures show the bimini collapsed with boot as well as the tower connector that comes with it.

I have really liked this modification and highly recommend it.



Cameron

 

[96Pirate]

@dirksgoat @96Pirate

Here are some more detailed photos. The first one shows what has to be modified. The Center Velcro portion used to be one continuous zipper. I had the tailor cut a hole for the center support bar, remove the zipper (And save for later) and add Velcro in its place. The Velcro is a nice feature as it is strong and helps keep the Bimini taught.
View attachment 59558

The The boot needs the same alteration, but I had the seamstress reuse the zipper from the bimini as well as the zipper from the boot to create the opening.

The remaining pictures show the bimini collapsed with boot as well as the tower connector that comes with it.

I have really liked this modification and highly recommend it.

View attachment 59559 View attachment 59560 View attachment 59561 View attachment 59562

Cameron

Thanks @Port0222 Nice work and looks OEM to me. I am certainly thinking about it.

 

[jocolo21]

i had mine built using the stock tubing and modified to go infront cuz the stock position wouldnt clear the speakers but mine starts a the back of the tower

 

[MadDogH]

@jocolo21 Nice looking bimini! Where did you have your top made? That is exactly what I am looking for for my 2010 AR210.

Some questions : Does it come with a boot? How much was it?

 

[jocolo21]

 

[MaximusJK]

@jocolo21 if you don’t mind me asking, how much was it to have Eastside make the bimini? I live in Maitland and the stock Bimini on my 230 is looking pretty ROUGH. Yours is almost exactly what I am looking for replacement-wise

 

[jocolo21]

$450 i believe it was to make the custom bimini and modify the stock tubes

 

[MaximusJK]

Not too shabby at all! I appreciate it!

 

[jocolo21]

you are welcome

 

[Ameyer76]

you are welcome

That looks like a great Bimini. What does it look like when it is stored....does it attach to the rear tower bar by Velcro or what? Thanks in advance.

 

[jocolo21]

That looks like a great Bimini. What does it look like when it is stored....does it attach to the rear tower bar by Velcro or what? Thanks in advance.