13.07.2015 Views

3 Bow Bimini Boat Top Instructions - Boat Design Net

3 Bow Bimini Boat Top Instructions - Boat Design Net

3 Bow Bimini Boat Top Instructions - Boat Design Net

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Creating an Openingfor a BackstayOn some boats an opening is needed to accommodatea backstay that is very far forward. If anopening is needed in the aft edge, make a slit in thefabric after the aft sleeve and tail are complete. Coverthe edges of the slit with a length of binding tape orleather being sure to maintain the sleeve opening (ripstitches locally if necessary in order to keep thebinding continuous as much as possible).If leaks are likely to be a problem, the slit can beclosed off in one of two ways. A flap may be sewn toone side of the slit and a Velcro closure used tosecure its other side. And, if necessary, a twist lockfastener and a tab can be added to securely link theends of the slit together. See Figure 1.Or the slit can be closed off with a zipper. Sincethere is no extra material to provide for the zipperinstallation, we recommend cutting two 2-inch widelengths of tape (any piece of fabric which is slit iscalled a tape) from the scrap bimini fabric. Make themthree or four inches longer than the slits. This lengthcan include the sleeve or not depending upon personalpreference, but stitches in the sleeve assemblywill have to be ripped for a few inches in order tosecure the zipper tapes.Attach a zipper half to one edge of one tape so theteeth face in and the zipper tape is flush with one longedge of the fabric tape (see step 1). Then fold theassembly over so the zipper teeth are even with thefolded edge of the tape and sew this hem in place(see step 2). Do the same with the other zipper half.These tape assemblies, when complete, are attachedto each side of the slit with the zipper teeth up andaway from the slit edge — in other words, the tapesare sewn with their raw edges flush with the slit edgesand the zipper teeth up (see step 3). Now, fold thetapes over and under so the zipper teeth are matchedup opposite one another under the cover (see step 4).Before sewing, zip up the zipper and press the assemblyflat . Place a topstitch through the final hems tohold them in place. At the apex of the slit a triangle ofleather or vinyl or acrylic can be used to finish the cutand to provide a useful pull tab as well (see step 5).In some cases (especially with widely spaceddouble backstays), it may be better to cut openingsinto the sides of the finished <strong>Bimini</strong> top (parallel to theaft sleeve assembly). Because side openings areunder stress they should be closed off with zippers notflaps. Start the zipper at the edge so that it closes lastat the opening for the backstay.ADDENDUMS131. 2.3.4.Figure 9Detail of a Split Awning5.velcro tapeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiShould roughly be equalto enable proper match up<strong>Top</strong> stitchFigure 1opening for backstayopening for topping liftUsing Tapes to Cover Zipper SlitsSlitOther zipperhalf would gohereCut to allow foldPull tab

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!