Bimini Top for Rinker 270 Captiva Radar Arch

restobaugh

I purchased a Rinker Radar arch for installation on my non-Rinker boat. The arch will fit just fine but it did not come with the canvas top that is seen on many Rinker Radar arch boats online.  Does anyone know where I can purchase a canvas top and frame which is designed to fit the Rinker Radar Arch?  Or possibly the original manufacturer I can contact?

TonyG13

The photo you posted shows an arch on a Rinker. What "non-Rinker" did you put it on?

Any canvas top originally designed for a Rinker 270 that connects from the radar arch down to the windshield and also the frame on the aft section will have been designed and patterned for the Rinker - and would probably not be as "plug-n-play" a fit as you think.

You'd probably need to make modifications anyway, so your best bet would be to find a local canvas company to come out and custom measure something. That way you'll get an exact fit for your exact boat.

restobaugh

thank you but I have yet to find a canvas maker locally that will also make the stainless frame they will only make the canvas. 

restobaugh

the arch is going on my 24' boston whaler dauntless

TonyG13

Everybody has their pet projects, but can I ask why are you trying to put a Rinker arch on a Whaler? Why not just get a Whaler T-Top?

And there would be a number of logistics trying to adapt a Rinker frame and canvas in this situation. The geometries are not in your favor of trying to adapt a frame. Namely LOA, beam curve, the gunnel heights, the center versus starboard helm, full-width windshield versus, again, center-helm.

Are you trying to obtain a fully enclosed camper-type top? I don't think I've ever seen a Whaler with a full enclosure.

All that said, you'll probably need to spend some time planning out - and building - your own frame. Which isn't impossible, just takes a lot of thought. And you can buy all the parts, bits, and pieces online. Think of it as a giant erector set project. Once you build your frame to your liking, you can then get the canvas made.

restobaugh

the width is fine ... i have to adapt the gunnel mounting point a little but no big deal. I want my whaler to look somewhat like the Rinker in these pictures.

TonyG13

Interesting project! How far forward are you planning on mounting the arch base? And I'm sure you have enough internal structural backing to properly support it?

Based on the last photo, you probably won't have too much difficulty building a frame for the aft canvas portion off of the arch. I just still can't see how you will accomplish a forward portion enclosure due to the center helm and lack of full-width

Keep us posted with more photos as you progress.

restobaugh

I don't know what you mean by forward portion enclosure? I don't want any canvas in front of the front edge of the arch.  I plan to mount a light bar up there and don't want anything in front of it obstructing.  I don't understand why a factory built top can't be obtained. oh well. 

restobaugh

this is the effect im trying to get to in this picture

restobaugh

TonyG13

OK - that makes more sense. Did you get the Rinker arch for free? Because why not just get a Whaler T-top which would do exactly what you show on the Donzi?

What you want to do is possible, but like your canvas person said, you'll need to figure out the frame.

Those are long gone from Rinker since they are out of business and all assets sold. You could try Great Lake Skipper (greatlakesskipper.com) or RNR Marine (rnr-marine.com).

EDIT: Looks like Great Lakes Skipper has a few parts that might work for what you want to do, for example -- https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/rinker-boat-bimini-stanchions-32-inch-stainless-pair -- but you'd have to piece it together.