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Join Date: Apr 2006
03-19-2009, 4:25 PM
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I am thinking about making a bimini for my boat as I think $ 500.00 an up is a bit much for what they, I only have a need for one once in a while and frankly I'm kind of poor right now so I don't want to spend a lot. I was looking at buying some 3/4" EMT conduit and have an electrician I know bend the corners and so on to make the frame. I found the parts to mount and getting canvas or vinyl is easy. mounts: http://www.canvascountry.com/shop-bimini-accessories.html Anyone have pics/ideas for bimini's you have made?
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Join Date: Apr 2005
03-19-2009, 5:25 PM
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We are going to have tower biminis (no straps) for $350.00 in about 60 days.. I will probably do a group buy for about $275.00 (probably cheaper than you can DIY) in about 30 days. Ken Land Bullet Lines www.bulletlines.com
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Join Date: Sep 2007
03-19-2009, 5:40 PM
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you do one for 275, I will buy one tomorrow
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Maumee River - Ohio
03-19-2009, 5:44 PM
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I may jump on that wagon as well Ken! Why 60 days? I met with my canvas guy this past Monday throwing ideas around for a custom build. Any chance we can get pics of the biminis you are offering at this price?
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Join Date: Mar 2005
03-19-2009, 5:57 PM
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Ken, are these the same ones that used to be $600?
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Join Date: Apr 2005
03-19-2009, 6:05 PM
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I had to go by my notes from my last meeting about this product, so I will need to firm up the group buy offer, but $275.00 should be close. Retail is $450.00.. They are not the same biminis.. This new bimini is a new design that costs us less to manufacture Here is the only pic I have right now. Thanks, Ken Land Bullet Lines www.bulletlines.com (Message edited by bulletlines on March 19, 2009)
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Join Date: Jun 2003
03-19-2009, 6:34 PM
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Wow, thats a no brainer. Wait for the Bullet Lines one. I've got a contact at the UCD waterski team that will definitely want on for teh team.
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Join Date: Jun 2003
03-19-2009, 6:36 PM
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Will it be made out of sunbrella?
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Join Date: Mar 2008
03-19-2009, 6:42 PM
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Don lol my friend. Try Ski-it-again.com. Find an older bimini. Take off the canvas. Split the bimini frame apart where it is joined in the middle. Cut it down to fit your tower. Rejoin: get a short piece of copper tubing that fits inside the bimini piping, and rivet the two halves back together. This is what I plan on doing shortly. I will post a link to threads of others projects I have seen tomorrow.
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Join Date: Mar 2008
03-19-2009, 6:43 PM
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Oh and bimini tower clamps can be found at diywake.com for $15/ea +sh
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Join Date: Apr 2005
03-19-2009, 6:44 PM
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I will have to go back and check all my notes before I have full details. Our bimini will have clamps included, and Wakemikey your DIY bimini will more than likely have straps to hold it up: the bimini is the easy part, make it mount solid to a tower without straps is not something everyone is going to be able to do. Ken (Message edited by bulletlines on March 19, 2009)
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Join Date: Mar 2005
03-19-2009, 7:40 PM
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Nice design. I like the way it is lower=provide better shade. The higher the bimini=less shade, depending on time of day, sun angle, etc.
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Join Date: Feb 2005
03-19-2009, 8:31 PM
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count me in for a group buy. Way to make them affordable Ken
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Join Date: Sep 2007
03-19-2009, 8:36 PM
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Ken, How long will this bimini be? Thanks
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Join Date: Feb 2002
03-19-2009, 8:38 PM
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$275 is a great deal. I made mine a few years ago from a $250 generic Overton's Sunbrella piece.
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Join Date: May 2007
03-19-2009, 8:41 PM
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I'm in for group buy. +1
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Join Date: Feb 2009
03-19-2009, 9:59 PM
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Dave, I emailed you. Thanks, Spencer
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Join Date: Apr 2002
03-19-2009, 10:04 PM
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A friend of mine in Dallas made this one a few years ago..... first bimini above the tower I ever saw.
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Join Date: Jan 2009
03-20-2009, 3:13 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
03-20-2009, 6:05 AM
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I would go to towerbiminis.com They are very nice people and they have tower mounted bimini tops.
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Join Date: May 2008
03-20-2009, 6:15 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2006
03-20-2009, 6:17 AM
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Yes they are Sean ... for $750 and up! I had one on my Tigé and after using the Moomba one i don't know if i'd do it again just for the strapless deal. Just my 2 cents
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Join Date: Mar 2008
03-20-2009, 6:54 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
03-20-2009, 9:26 AM
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Ken, If those bimini's will fit my first generation Next Level Designs tower then I might just do that. I would like to mount it a bit higher on the tower if possible?
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Join Date: Sep 2007
03-20-2009, 10:42 AM
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Razz... I havent ever actually used one. I have the factory Mastercraft one on my boat. I like how easy it is to use. We just have done alot of machining for Tower Biminis in the past. I know they fill alot of dealership orders. Thanks for posting up the pics hunter.... they look pretty dang sharp on the boats.... i'm not sure how user friendly they are. But heck.... they look good :-)
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Join Date: Mar 2008
03-20-2009, 1:19 PM
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Ken thanks for the tip on the straps I will research.
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Join Date: May 2002
03-21-2009, 10:05 PM
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Ken, will you have one for an Illusion X tower?
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Join Date: Apr 2008
03-22-2009, 1:32 PM
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Ken, Keep W/W in the know because I'm sure there is alot of guys that would go in on a group buy me included. I just need one to fit my New Dimension Tower.
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Join Date: May 2008
03-22-2009, 4:29 PM
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Ken, I will also be in Line for one that fits a Tige E series tower.
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Join Date: May 2008
03-22-2009, 5:56 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
03-23-2009, 8:37 AM
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I dont think I would have one with straps. Not after having one without them.
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Join Date: Feb 2009
03-24-2009, 1:22 PM
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Ken, I am in for a group buy also
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Join Date: Mar 2006
03-24-2009, 1:47 PM
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I'm in for a group by. Chris what do you mean nevermind. The one your posted would be $750 with the double brace. If ken can do it for $275 that would be AWESOME!
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Join Date: May 2006
03-24-2009, 1:51 PM
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I'd be in for a bimini as well.
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Join Date: Dec 2008
03-24-2009, 5:24 PM
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I would also be interested in buying one of these Bimini's. Seems like a great deal.
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Join Date: Sep 2008
03-27-2009, 12:32 AM
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Ken, Will they fit the Evolution tower and if so are they going over the top of the tower?
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Join Date: Mar 2009
03-27-2009, 10:12 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2009
03-28-2009, 4:25 AM
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That top is killer...VERY nice.
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Join Date: Nov 2008
03-28-2009, 4:39 AM
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KEN, Count me in on the group buy.
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Join Date: Mar 2008
03-28-2009, 5:39 AM
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OK not to be a jerk but can we keep posts like "DIY bimini" here and "Bullet Lines $275 Bimini Group Buy" in another thread? Ken that is an awesome awesome deal. For me personally, everything adds up and some people want to DIY. TRACE - I see you have some supports going from the bimini to the tower. Were these included from the manufacturer or did you rig them yourself? I have no problem with straps, but if you know how to avoid using them, great! Scotty that top looks awesome!!! Very clean. Nice job bud. What kind of boat?
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Join Date: Mar 2009
03-28-2009, 5:51 PM
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Thanks Doug and Mikey! Thanks a lot! My boat is a Tige 22v. And Dave: This top is made out of conduit but it is Ridged Aluminum 1" you could easily do it out of 3/4" but i would not do it out of metal EMT. Any good electrical supply should have it, and it is not much more. I might post some more pix soon now that it is finished. The main thing i love is that i can stow a board in 5 seconds and in Texas you always need shade.
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Join Date: Jul 2003
03-30-2009, 11:56 AM
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Ken, I would like to get in on your Group Buy. Thanks!
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Join Date: Apr 2006
03-30-2009, 3:57 PM
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Scott that looks really good. Similar to what I have been thinking of doing as well. I was figuring I would try and make a bit cargo net or something on top to get some bags out of the way as I don't have much storage in my boat. 1" aluminum tube eh? I'll look in to that for sure. I just have to figure out how I can hang/mount it to the tower itself on my boat. Good Job though, looks great!
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Join Date: Mar 2008
03-31-2009, 6:04 AM
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I cut apart an old bimini this weekend. It was super easy took maybe an hour. Finishing it up next weekend, will take pics. A little extra fabric since I cut out about a foot of metal.
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Join Date: Jan 2003
03-31-2009, 9:35 AM
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I'll put my name in the hat for the group buy, if this is indeed possible. I have a 2001 Super Air with a FCT. Thnx.
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Join Date: Feb 2002
03-31-2009, 7:15 PM
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quote:TRACE - I see you have some supports going from the bimini to the tower. Were these included from the manufacturer or did you rig them yourself? I have no problem with straps, but if you know how to avoid using them, great!
Those are the standard poles that you see holding biminis up in the air on I/O's going down the road. I just cut them a lot shorter and oriented them upside-down, with the base on the tower.
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Join Date: Jan 2007
04-04-2009, 12:37 PM
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Ken, Any word on when you guys may offer the bimini for sale Weskel
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Join Date: Oct 2003
04-05-2009, 6:49 PM
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Damn Scott, that is nice!
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Join Date: Mar 2006
04-06-2009, 11:33 AM
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Scott post some more pics man! That thing is awesome.
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Join Date: Apr 2009
04-07-2009, 3:27 PM
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Ken, Will it fit a Samson Sports Razor tower?
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Join Date: Feb 2007
04-07-2009, 4:41 PM
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Ken, I'm in for the group bimini buy if that will fit my '04 Supra with the wide rad-a-cage and no crossbar (like the one here - http://www.supraboats.com/archive/04launch/image1.jpg) Sorry to jack with the DIY thread
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Join Date: Mar 2009
04-08-2009, 4:53 PM
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Thank ya'll for the high 5s! So i thought i would post some finished pix since i said i would and Brenner ask, so here they are. Just thought i would say a little more here about the thing. It was very easy to make, took 8X thinking than work and that is why i posted here, thought i could help and not waist all that thinking. But MAN, not having boards laying everywhere is fantastic! Yeah, im the SPF 50 kind of guy if you know what i mean bimini wise, but having a place for boards...priceless. And being 75mph towable, well think about oh ScottyMc next time your fighting with your bimini. I switched out to quick connects 2 years ago on my old bimini because i (and friends) dropped about 6 thumb screws to the bottom of the lake (you've been there RIGHT!) But those dang quick connects where 30 bucks a piece X4!!! and still hated putting it up! Anywho, been dang windy here havent been out much and hopefully will rain this weekend! PS. i was going to put a Tige sticker on in but one of my buds said to put my name on it and i thought OK! so can you the my sticker on it? it says "ScoTTops" LOL C U on the Lake!
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Join Date: Mar 2009
04-08-2009, 4:59 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
04-09-2009, 7:37 AM
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In for a group buy if it happens sooooooon. Prostar 205 w/MT1 tower.
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Join Date: Apr 2006
04-09-2009, 1:17 PM
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Scott thanks for the additional photos. That's pretty much exactly how I would like to make mine. I sourced out the 1" rigid aluminum tube. Where did you get the brackets that mount the bimini to the top of the tower?( the monster tower looking clamps) Now I just have to get the boat back so I can start.
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Join Date: Mar 2008
04-09-2009, 1:59 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2002
04-09-2009, 2:36 PM
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Don't get the adjustable poles. Use the solid ones, take the fitting off of one end, cut them to the proper length, and reinstall the fitting. I have quick release pins on my poles at the tower, and disconnect the poles to stow. I use a couple velcro straps to hold the bimini up against the tower when it's stowed.
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Join Date: Mar 2008
04-09-2009, 3:19 PM
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Any links for cheaper pricing on the poles? I see some people have used one set of poles, some use two. Thanks! Should have some more pics this weekend.
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Join Date: Feb 2002
04-10-2009, 5:26 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
04-10-2009, 7:29 AM
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yeah I have the same question as dave I need to find those monstertower looking clamps at the top! very nice job by the way. that thing looks awsome!
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Join Date: Apr 2002
04-10-2009, 10:03 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
04-10-2009, 11:13 AM
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They are actually only $19 each on the diywake.com website. But the ebay has free shipping. Which is cheaper? Don't forget to get a plastic protective sleeve for these clamps or they will mess the paint up on your tower real bad. I would call Monster Tower and ask them nicely. --- --Does anyone have a pic of their non-ridgid bimini collapsed/folded up against the tower? I want to see what you do with the support poles and if it would be worth moving away from straps. --Do the poles also offer extra support when driving the boat with the bimini up??? -How are people attaching the short velcro strips onto the bimini to easily attach to the tower for storage? Do you attach the velcro to the boot or right to the bimini? Thanks all!
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Join Date: Mar 2009
04-13-2009, 3:30 PM
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Dave i used a combination of old wakeboard racks that i had and just made it work. You could use just a standard wakeboard clamp for the tower and just drill through the 1" conduit and bolt to the clamp. I couldnt find any good 1" clamps, wished i could have.
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Join Date: Oct 2008
04-16-2009, 1:54 PM
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Hey Scott.....just saw your post on here, and the bimini looks great!
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Join Date: Mar 2006
04-17-2009, 3:01 PM
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Looks good Mark need more pics
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Join Date: Mar 2006
04-19-2009, 6:37 AM
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Any word on the bulletlines bimini group buy?
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Join Date: Jul 2006
04-29-2009, 9:07 AM
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Any updates?
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Tyler
04-29-2009, 11:58 AM
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just want to get on the list for group buy. Ken, email me you have more deets.
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Join Date: Mar 2009
04-29-2009, 8:17 PM
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Another for group buy. Let me know.
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Join Date: Feb 2003
04-30-2009, 6:45 AM
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Another one for the group buy!
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Join Date: Dec 2003
04-30-2009, 12:10 PM
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I'M in for a group buy..I wanted one that could go over top of the speakers though...perhaps I can rig this one...as well...can I rig it so it only attaches to the tower so I can leave it up when I tarp my boat?
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Join Date: Dec 2003
04-30-2009, 12:11 PM
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looked @ the pic again..disregard the tower attachements..it looks like this one will work.. Sweet..let me know when they're in! All black canvas please.
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Join Date: Aug 2004
05-05-2009, 10:25 AM
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Scott, That is exactly what I would like on my ride, maybe a smaller tube than 1' if possible. Can you post your steps to help ease the pain for those of us who who like to make our own. Thank you.
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Join Date: Jul 2006
05-05-2009, 11:24 AM
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Got email from ken that he is still working on the bimini's, no word when they would be ready.
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Join Date: Mar 2008
05-05-2009, 2:03 PM
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I am having trouble getting my DIY older bimini to fold up and down on my Monster Tower. It fits underneith the tower and speakers fine. But I would like to raise it up higher to be right under the speakers. Problem is then when I close it, it wants to close up over the speakers. The rear bar is behind the speakers and the front bar is in front of the speakers. No good. I fixes the width but it's still not working that well. We'll see.
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Join Date: Apr 2002
05-05-2009, 2:14 PM
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Hey Mikey, Titan's bimini has a slider down by the lowest mount on the tower so that you can lift or lower the bimini into various positions when you put it up or down. When I open mine, I have to lower it way down so it'll open, then I expand the bimini, and push it up just below the speakers. When I close it I lower it down to clear the tower, collapse the bimini, put the cover on it, then lift it way up so it's up against the tower & the front of the speakers, then strap it in place. Not sure I've seen that slider on any other make of bimini. Works pretty slick.
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Join Date: Mar 2008
05-05-2009, 8:38 PM
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Bill - I am thinking I may be able to adjust mine similar to what you are describing. I can loosen the screw holding one of the bars and lower it. That may allow it to pass the speakers and fold flat against the main bar. Even if I can't adjust this height quickly, it might work to fold and just leave the bars uneven bars. Still kinda unsure about this project..
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Join Date: Aug 2004
05-06-2009, 4:44 PM
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Scott how does yours fold up?
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Join Date: Mar 2009
05-08-2009, 7:13 AM
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My bimini does not fold. It is 70mph towable. I never fold the tower down. If i needed to remove the bimini it would take about 3 minutes to remove 4 allen screws and pop 2 quick links in the front and would go up back about as fast. As for steps for building the thing, pretty strait forward. Might post something this weekend. I really love this thing you need to make you one! 3/4" rigid would be good.
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