One of the current on going projects is finishing the bimini and dodger. Instead of making an all canvas unit, I decided on fabricating a hard top. I have been under many biminis that leaked over time. The stitching becomes deteriorated by the sun and requires restitching down the road. It is also much harder to mount solar panels and other hardware to canvas biminis.
I had gone back and forth on which material to use. I wanted a practical material that I could contour to the boat`s lines. I also wanted it lightweight and strong. That pretty much ruled out starboard which is a great product but weighs to much for the thickness I would need. I contemplated using a plywood core but ended spending a few dollars more and decided on core cell foam. I am also using pieces of 90 degree prefab fiberglass for extra support and rain gutter. I plan to mount 250 watts of renogy semi flexible solar panels on top as well as build a gutter system that also doubles to catch rain water. Both the bimini and dodger tops will be hand laid fiberglass with the corecell foam to help create a stronger and lighter structure. Both have a 1 inch stainless frame that is bent and attached using 7/8 tubing splines. I am hoping to get more pictures up as I make progress. And of course I have many other projects going on at the same time.
