This video tutorial walks you through every step to make a canvas or vinyl bimini top for a powerboat. We demonstrate the process on a Maxum 2900 SCR, but the same techniques apply to sailboat biminis as well.
The video covers everything from patterning to sewing, using an existing bimini frame with a radar arch—often called an "attached" bimini. You can also follow the same steps to make an "unattached" bimini, where tubing supports the entire top.
VIDEO EDIT NOTE: The drawing in the video at 50:01 min shows panels with the "Sout" and "Pout" and "Sin" and "Pin" on the wrong side. "Sout" and "Sin" should be on the right side not left.
How to Make a Replacement Powerboat Bimini Chapters:
Intro - 0:00
Determining Fabric Required – 0:26
Patterning Prep – 2:40
Making Patterns – 6:23
Transferring Patterns – 30:09
Cutting Tails, Sleeves & Facings – 32:55
Preparing Sleeves & Tails – 38:59
Joining Panels & Center Pocket(s) – 49:34
Attaching Facing Strips – 59:14
Attaching Sleeve & Tail – 01:01:23
Finishing Sleeve – 01:05:26
Reinforcement Strip for Snaps – 01:13:17
Binding Raw Edges – 01:15:51
Adding Weather Stripping – 01:18:20
Installing Bimini & Snaps – 01:19:34
Materials List – 01:24:54
Materials List:
• 3M Filament Strapping Tape 3/4" - Item # 5643 - https://www.sailrite.com/3M-Filament-Strapping-Tape-3-4?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas - Item # 129 - https://www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-3-8-for-Canvas-60-Yds?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Dura Skrim Patterning Material - Item # 103134 - https://www.sailrite.com/Dura-Skrim-2-Patterning-Material-74?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Marine Grade Fabric from Sailrite - https://www.sailrite.com/shop/fabric/marine-fabric/marine-canvas-fabric?facet_marine_uses=Biminis+%26+T-Tops&utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• #10 Molded Tooth Finished Zippers from Sailrite - https://www.sailrite.com/search.php?query=Lenzip%C2%AE+%2310+Separating+Molded+Tooth+Zipper&utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Thread from Sailrite – V-92 Polyester or Sailrite Lifetime thread - https://www.sailrite.com/shop/notions/thread?facet_notions_material=PTFE&facet_notions_material=Polyester&facet_thread_size=Tex+90+%28V-92%29&facet_thread_size=Tex+135+%28V-138%29&utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Acrylic Bias Binding from Sailrite - https://www.sailrite.com/shop/notions/trim/binding?facet_brand=Sattler&facet_brand=Sunbrella&utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Shelter-Rite 18oz Black 61" - Item # 1120121 - https://www.sailrite.com/Shelter-Rite-18oz-Black-61?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Xtreme Seal Foam Black - Item # 102187 - https://www.sailrite.com/Xtreme-Seal-Foam-Black?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• SnapRite® Snap Fastener Button Silver 1/4" Barrel (Nickel) - Item # 104154 - https://www.sailrite.com/SnapRite-Snap-Fastener-Button-Silver-1-4-Barrel-Nickel?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• DOT® Snap Fastener Hard Action Socket (Nickel Plated) - Item # 333058 - https://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastener-Hard-Action-Socket-Nickel-Plated-Key-SSB?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
Tools List:
• Tape Measure, Fine Tip Marker, Scissors, Straight Edge (yard stick), Pencil
• Fabric Marking Pencil Yellow - Item # 111002 - https://www.sailrite.com/Marking-Pencil-Yellow?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Tape Measure 120 Inch - Item # 102986 - https://www.sailrite.com/Tape-Measure-120-Inch?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• McLube™ Sailkote 8 oz. - SKU: 120679 - https://www.sailrite.com/McLube-Sailkote-8oz?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Soapstone Fabric Marking Pencil White - Item # 102766 - https://www.sailrite.com/Soapstone-Marking-Pencil-White?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Fabric Marking Pencil White - Item # 101026 - https://www.sailrite.com/Marking-Pencil-White?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Sailrite Edge Hotknife Package (110 Volt) - Item # 103800 - https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Edge-Hotknife-Package-110-Volt?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Sailrite Ultrafeed LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine - https://www.sailrite.com/shop/sewing-machines/portable-machines?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• 1" Swing-Away Straight Binder - Item # 100103 - https://www.sailrite.com/Binder-1-Swing-Bracket?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Deluxe 5 1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide - Item # 103597 - https://www.sailrite.com/Deluxe-5-1-2-Magnetic-Sewing-Guide?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• SnapRite® System (4 Dies & 100 Mandrels) - Item # 104237 - https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-SnapRite-System?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
• Pres-N-Snap Installation Tool - Item # 109011 - https://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Snap-Fastener-Tool?utm_source=DIY&utm_medium=Powerboat_Bimini
Watch our next project on this boat: https://youtu.be/816cfEKdHiE