[C320-list] Bimini Top Sticker Shock

[Elizabeth Schwartz]

Ahoy all......BOATS.....Bring Out Another Thousand S....Joe...#245


On Wed, Feb 08, 2017 at 10:58 AM, Jeff Hare wrote:

> 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 ; c320-list 
> 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 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     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
>
>