How to Replace a Bimini Top (Without Losing Your Cool)
If you’re here, chances are your current canvas is more “seen better days” than “shade in style.” Don’t sweat it; bimini top replacement doesn’t require a degree in marine engineering (just a bit of patience and maybe a Phillips screwdriver). We’ll walk you through the whole thing, step by step, using a Taylor Made replacement canvas. Let’s dive in!
Bimini Top Replacement Video
What You’ll Need for Replacing Your Bimini
- A clean, dry workspace
- Screwdriver (Phillips or slotted)
- Your new bimini canvas
- A touch of can-do spirit
Step 1: Remove the Old Canvas
Start by taking off the bimini boot and setting it aside. Open up the entire bimini top and lay it face down on the ground, positioning the legs of the frame pointing skyward like a capsized spider.
Step 2: Disassemble the Frame
Unstrap the webbing from the frame and use your screwdriver to remove the bolts from the jaw slides on each side. Hang on to the hardware; you’ll need it later. Once the side connections are free, collapse the frame inward.
Step 3: Release the Snaps
Before yanking on the tubing, find the center snap inside the bow pocket and gently unclip it. Do this on both the front and rear bows. Then, slide each bow out of its pocket — center, front, and finally the rear (watch for fittings snagging on the fabric). Boom. Old canvas off.
Step 4: Prep the New Canvas
Lay out your shiny new canvas on a clean surface, orienting it just like the old one.
Step 5: Insert the Rear (Primary) Bow
Lay the bow with the most fittings in place to test alignment. Then gently feed it through the pocket, guiding any hardware so it doesn’t catch or tear the fabric. Once through, snap that center snap to the bow to lock it in place.
Step 6: Add the Front Bow
Repeat the process with the forward bow, watching for cutouts where the straps go. Carefully thread it through, and don’t let the ends poke out where they shouldn’t. Secure the center snap once it’s fully in.
Step 7: Slide in the Center Bow
Insert the middle bow (or bows, depending on your frame setup). Twist and feed it gently through the pocket. You’re on the home stretch now.
Step 8: Reattach the Frame
Begin rebuilding the frame one side at a time. Connect the two longest bows first and reinsert the bolts into the jaw slides. Tighten everything securely, then repeat on the other side. You should now have a fully reassembled frame with your new canvas in place.
Step 9: Add Stanchions & Straps
Attach the stanchions to the rear bows and secure with bolts. For the front, feed the straps through their cutouts, wrap them around the bows, and loop them through to hold tight. Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 10: Collapse & Cover
Fold down the frame, wrap the straps to keep it tidy, and slide the boot back on. That’s it! Your new bimini top is now ready to mount back on the boat.
Step 11: Reinstall and Adjust
Mount the frame into your existing deck hardware, deploy the top forward, and adjust the straps until there’s nice, even tension on the canvas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bimini Top Replacement
How do you measure for a replacement bimini canvas?
Step 1: Midpoint
Begin by identifying the midpoint of the area where the top will be installed.
Step 2: Width
Measure the full width across the mounting points, using the midpoint as your guide to determine the overall coverage area.
Step 3: Length
Determine the length of the top by measuring the distance from the bow to the stern across the area you want the top to span.
Step 4: Height
Decide how tall you want the top to stand above the mounting point.
What is the best material for a bimini top?
The best material for a bimini top is marine-grade acrylic or solution-dyed polyester, as both offer excellent UV resistance, water repellency, and long-lasting durability in harsh marine environments.
What is a bow on a bimini?
A bow on a bimini is one of the curved metal support bars that hold the fabric in place and shape the frame of the top.