3 Bow Bimini Boat Top Instructions - Boat Design Net

Installing a Window in a Bimini TopPlasti-Panewindow materialSecond row ofstitchesThere are no hard and fast rules regardingeither the proper size or the properplacement of windows in biminis. Use thewindow to check the trim of the main but keepit small enough so that the primary function ofthe bimini—the provision of shade is notimpaired.No attention need be given seamlocation when placing windows. Windows canbe placed squarely over seams but, if theycome in contact with the bimini frame, theywill be subject to scorching and cracking andsome form of protection will be necessary toinsulate the window material from the hotmetal.Start your work by cutting the vinylwindow material to whatever shape youdesire. Now place strips of seamstik bastingtape around the edges of the vinyl. Smooththe vinyl in place over the bimini fabric. It is agood idea to use staples at the four cornersof the window to make sure that it will notbreak free when you start your sewing.Sew all around the vinyl with a zigzagstitch between 1/8-inch to 3/16-inch long andwide. A zigzag stitch is desirable since itdistributes stress over a broader area, but astraight stitch can be used. As you approachthe staples at the corners, remove them.14When sewing around a window it is agood idea to break the task up. That is, don'tsew all the way around in one pass. Rathersew down one side at a time and try to sewparallel sides consecutively. For example, rollthe bimini from one edge and sew all alongthe closest window side. Finish the stitchingwith a short reverse stitch at the beginningand at the end. Then continue rolling thebimini to the other parallel window side andsew it. Now pull the bimini out from under themachine and roll it the other way sewing thelast two parallel window sides. This techniquemakes it easier to keep the window frombreaking loose from its basted position.Now cut out the acrylic bimini fabricunderneath the sewn window. To finish theraw edges simply sew acrylic binding tapearound the edges with two rows of zigzagstitches (use the binding tape like a trim, i.e.,sew it on flat verses sandwiching the edge).The lengthwise edges of this tape have beenturned under providing a finished look that willnot fray. If the window is rounded, it may benecessary to cut radius slits along therounded edges so that they will fold underproperly. Use seamstik basting tape to holdthe binding tape in place until it is sewn.Now flip the bimini over and sew thebinding tape around the edges of theplastipane under the bimini and your biminiwindow is complete!