[C320-list] Bimini Top Sticker Shock

[Jeff Hare]

Bruce,

As a canvas fabricator myself in the Northeast, I can say for certain that this price is a bargain assuming a decent quality job and materials.  (Not talking premium b/c I'd expect closer to 2k+ for that).

No 2 bimini tops are the same.  They're never even symmetrical side to side, and if you pattern half and mirror it, you're top is pretty much guaranteed to have wrinkles and not have a drum-tight fitting top.

It is really hard to generalize because rarely are 2 jobs the same...but...  Here's an example...

The bimini I'm working on right now is a short bimini (stops just before the end of the boom for ~5'x12' dimensions) and requires 10 linear yards of Sunbrella (60" width) for all the individual parts and assembly, if you keep the fabric warp/welt oriented properly.  If they cheat, you have asymmetry in material stretch leading to wrinkle lines and poor fit especially over time.  

A spool of SolarFix/Tenara lifetime thread is close to $100.  You're pretty close to $500-600 materials when you include everything like straps/buckles/zippers, etc.  That's before you factor the time into patterning & install (4hrs), finishing up the pattern development in the shop 3-4hrs, layout & cutting, 3-5hrs, assembly ~12hrs.  Backstay cutouts and boots are tricky and easily add a couple hours. Many shops here in the northeast charge in between $60-80/hr for shop time and expenses.  

Some shops are set up with digital patterning, 3D CAD and computer layout/cutting and while their time will be allocated differently in the early phases, they have a lot of overhead and equipment maintenance which has to be accounted for in the pricing.

If they charge much less than that, they're losing money and probably won't be in business long.  Maybe this helps understand that the cost isn't just in the materials.

Cheers!
-Jeff


-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Hunter
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 9:11 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com; sail-ability sail-ability <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>; c320-list <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bimini Top Sticker Shock

Thanks John,                         Before we bought our 320, we were used to much smaller upkeep bills due to having smaller and older boats, every once in a while I need to check if I'm not eyes glazed and spending foolishly.
Bruce. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
 
  On Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 8:50 AM, sail-ability sail-ability<sail-ability at sympatico.ca> wrote:     WE just had our dodger done for almost 3KCAD. This did include lexan
  windows. I think the price of the Sunbrella has gone up considerably.
  anyhow I don't think 1750USD is out of the ballpark, especially if you
  know you're getting a quality job.

  JohnM

  1999#574

    ---------- Original Message ----------
    From: Bruce Hunter <swampcreek42 at yahoo.com>
    Date: February 8, 2017 at 8:20 AM
    Just received quote for bimini replacement, bimini only. Cover to
    fit on existing frame, $1750! It's a top notch shop in Annapolis and
    they did our dodger a few years ago for just above 2K but a bimini
    isn't as intricate, I was expecting a premium estimate but was
    pretty much surprised at the amount of premium this estimate
    conveyed. Again, this is a top notch shop and we love their work but
    I don't want to be foolish in purchasing something way out of the
    ballpark. What have some of you payed?
    Thanks,Bruce HunterPasadena MDNauti Time #719