3 Bow Bimini Boat Top Instructions - Boat Design Net

a forward and an aft pattern.Mark the patterns at the bows on oneside where the bimini cover should stop (See"Side marking" in Figure 6 ). It is important tokeep the cover beyond the bend in the frameto prevent it from riding up over the curve.Measure up from the floor or the frame andtransfer these marks to the other side of eachbow. Do this for both patterns.We like to raise the side marking at themiddle bow about 3 inches. This gives the topa more graceful appearance. But it is normalto make the bottom edge of the cover straightfrom bow to bow. If there is a curve it shouldbe an upward hollow to prevent flapping.Before removing the pattern make sureeach panel is labeled outside, inside, fore,aft, and center line.Remove the pattern material. Add a 1/2-inch seam allowance to the forward and aftedges of each pattern. Connect your sidemarks with a straight line (or with a slighthollow as discussed above). Cut out thepatterns. They should look somewhat asshown in Figure 8.exposed basting tape on two bows, i.e., overthe forward and center bows or the aft andcenter bows. Then, starting at the center ofeach bow, smooth the pattern material downonto the basting tape working toward theouter edges.Once you have the material as smooth aspossible put a line on top of the middle bow andalong the surface opposite the legs of the foreand aft bows. This line will define each pattern(Figure 7). With a three bow frame there will beThe Fabric CoverNow lay the patterns on the bimini fabric.They should be oriented on the thread line ofthe fabric down its length.With the fabric under your pattern (Figure9 ) mark all the edges with chalk or pen orpencil. Cut the panels with a "hotknife" ifpossible (a soldering iron or gun works quitewell) to prevent raveling. A scissors may alsobe used since all edges will be covered.Label the cut fabric panels, fore, aft, inside,outside and center line as was done on thepattern material.Should any portion of the pattern extend beyondthe width of the 46 inch fabric (this may happenif the spread between any two bows is greaterthan 40 inches), fabric will need to be added tothose areas. Cut this fabric from the scrap5