Flybridge Bimini/Enclosure and Aft-Deck

Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas, Virginia Beach, Va., United States

The client requested a better-fitting top and windows than the original factory version. He also wanted the U-zipper windows to swing up and store, instead of rolling and beating up the plastic. In addition, he wanted a new aft deck enclosure with stylish windows to set his boat apart from others in his marina.

The flybridge bimini and enclosure replacement were redesigned from the original to fit and function better. The aft deck enclosure is completely new, with windows designed by the owner. The flyridge forward windows are swing-up polycarbonate, with U-zippers and Velcro® flaps. The aft window U-zippers also swing up. The doors to the sides were totally redesigned to swing in rather than roll up, as well as fitting much tighter than the originals.

The most challenging aspect of this project was the shape of the bimini because it is 7 feet wide at the front and 11 feet wide at the back, yet it is all one piece. This creates an inside corner at the transition that is difficult to fit, fabricate and keep tight and wrinkle-free. In addition, the location of the doors leading forward from the bridge to the side decks creates an odd junction of planes and surfaces to connect to. The size of the swing-up U-zipper windows was also a challenge, especially the aft two, as they would not reach the frame overhead and required special straps to hang them.

Immediately after completion, the boat traveled through a torrential storm, including marble-sized hail. The canvas went through the storm unscathed and leakfree. The owner was very impressed.