Bimini Tops for 26X

[Moondance]

Hi

I'm a new 26X owner of about 3 weeks ( 1996 model ) and have found lots of useful information on this site.

I'm in the Aluminum and fabric fabrication business and would like to get an idea of the amount interest in Bimini tops for the 26X.

How many 26X owners have the OEM model and how many would like to have one... but find the $495 price abit steep.

I think I can duplicate the stock Bimini for a substantial discounted retail price ( and still make a profit )

If I think there is a need and a market among 26X owner I will get to work on the design.

Also.. if there are any improvements you would like to see ( perhaps size wise ) please let me know.

I have a stock model on my boat.

I think I could aim for a retail price of about $295. (even using Sunbrella)

Hows that sound?

I guess the main questions are.

Does $295 sound reasonable?

Is the stock size desirable?

Would anyone care for a slightly larger model ( and how much larger)?

I can be emailed directly at info@softopper.com or post here.

I look forward to as many replies as you care to send.

Thanks

Bob

[Divecoz]

Can there be that much difference??

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Sounds like a reasonable price. My Bimini is a Mac-X standard grey Canvas. We prefer canvas. Whenever I replace it, I and 1st Matie prefer a lighter color...maybe even WHITE. Grey wasnt a preference, but it came with the boat. My former boat, a Mac 26C, had a black canvas, but was too hot.
Thanks for the E-Mail address for future reference when the need occurs.
Happy Sailing !

[GBroga]

How about you makin a dodger for that price?

[Scott]

Hey Bob, since you have an X, You may find as much or more interest in a full enclosure Using yours for patterns. Lets talk.
Scott

Followed up with e-mail

[Captain Steve]

got a bimini...need a dodger!

[jsserene]

I would be interested in a new bimini with a dodger. Maybe an adjustable height bimini to stand under when motoring.

[Idle Time]

I'd like a full enclosure but would settle for a dodger if I had to. We have the standard grey. Need the lighter color in FL.

What kind of money for the full enclosure if you could make one.

[Sloop John B]

I think the weak point on the stock bimini is the soft black plastic 'joints' and the plastic base upon which it mounts. Easy to 'strip' trying to lock the aluminum poles in.

I've seen stainless ones in the Marine catalogs. Maybe provide for an upscale version?

[They Theirs]

Sloop
I concur:
The Stainless Bows and Hardware would be cost heavy but durable.

[Moe]

I think the market for a stock 26X bimini might be pretty small, since so many already have the factory bimini. It depends on how large of a market you're looking for. You might could expand the 26X market by offering replacement canvas for the factory frame, for those who's is worn, or for those who want to switch canvas color.

A larger market might be that for the 26M for several reasons, not the least of which is that they are currently in production, and your price would be a big advantage, even to new boat buyers. The factory canvas being black now could also make your offering more attractive, especially if you offer a variety of colors. As with the 26X, offering replacement canvas for the stock frame might expand your market. While not as many 26M biminis would have sun-damaged canvas, many may want to replace the black canvas.

[Mork]

I would be very interested in full enclosure or Dodger etc.BUT would you could you ship to the UK??????

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I have the ss Bimini mounts that go on the Genoa track. $60/pair

[Moondance]

Hi Bill

Glad to hear that. I was thinking of making mine movable forward and aft for different seating situations.

----------------------
Also:

Just an update. I'm going to try and have a Bimini ready to show on here sometime in Febuary with a final price and over the weekend I'm trying to do a few sketches for a Dodger.

One idea I have is for the Dodger to be able to fold forward out of the way.

Do any do this already?

As a Dodger reduces visibility forward I think I would prefer to have it down most of the time when sailing if the weather is fine.

When anchored I'd probably put it back up to keep the cabin covered from the sun and or rain.

All comments welcomed.

Bob

[Greg]

I have the PowerSailing Center full enclosure. Undo the rear snaps on the dodger and it folds forward so you don't have to remove it for full visibility.
It pivots on a SS deck hinge.
By the way, anybody know what happened to PowerSailing Center? The website is not there now.

Greg