| There are a lot of different bimini tops out there. Or | | | | for the entire time you own their bimini top and frame. |
| are there? If you really look you will find a lot of | | | | When you are shoping for a new bimini top and frame |
| DISTRIBUTORS out there that sell bimini tops made by | | | | make sure the company you buy your bimini top from |
| companies like Carver, Attwood, and Taylor Made. | | | | only use marine grade thread that is treated to hold up |
| Sure you can find some that manufacture their own | | | | against UV rays. They should use YKK or Lenzip |
| but how well do those companies stand behind their | | | | zippers with metal sliders not plastic sliders. They |
| work? You can tell the confidence a company has in | | | | should use color matched binding and send the entire |
| its products by the warranty it is willing to put on it. | | | | bimini top through a machine called a surger to make |
| Many businesses simply warrant the material. For | | | | sure the material will not unravel around the edges. |
| example Sunbrella has a 10 year warranty against | | | | The front and rear "pockets" (pieces of material that |
| fading and deteriorating. Glen Raven Mills who makes | | | | go around the framework) should be sewn down with |
| sunbrella warrants the material, not the bimini top | | | | three lock stitches instead of just one. This ensures |
| manufacturer. But what about the craftsmanship of | | | | the bimini top won't seperate when tension is applied to |
| the bimini top itself? You may find some distributors | | | | the frame to hold the fabric tight. A zipper is usually |
| and manufacturers that will give you a 2-3 year | | | | utilized in the pocket so it can zip around the |
| warranty on their craftsmanship. I find this insulting and | | | | framework. |
| you should too. Basically they are letting you know that | | | | Heavy duty stainless strap hooks and heavyweight |
| they are not confident in either their ability to sew a | | | | webbing straps should also be utilized. All the parts that |
| quality item or they are not willing to use the correct | | | | hold the framework together should be treated to |
| raw materials to do so. | | | | resist UV rays. Their should be a warranty on those |
| The main factor that determines cost of a bimini top is | | | | parts as well. Should you break a strap or the pieces |
| the fabric. The fabric manufacturer such as Glen | | | | that hold the frame together, you should be able to |
| Raven Mills' Sunbrella already warrants the material. All | | | | have those parts replaced for free. Why? Because |
| that is left to a bimini top are zippers, thread, and | | | | they are inexpensive items and your piece of mind |
| binding -also called edging. These are very inexpensive | | | | that you have a company standing behind you is |
| items. You shouldn't have to buy a brand new bimini | | | | worth it. You are also more prone to tell your family |
| because your zippers break. You also shouldn't have | | | | and friends about a company that will do this for you. It |
| to pay a custom canvas shop a lot of money to | | | | just makes sense for everyone. |
| replace that zipper. You SHOULD be able to send it to | | | | It will pay off for you to do your homework on the |
| the company that manufactured it and have them fix it | | | | company you buy your bimini top from. Make sure you |
| for you. These items are inexpensive for the | | | | ask these questions and demand answers. Make sure |
| manufacturer and these are items that you can't walk | | | | you are aware of what kind of service after the sale |
| into a big box store to buy. You are at the mercy of | | | | you will be getting. If the company you want to buy the |
| the manufacturer or a custom canvas shop to have | | | | bimini top from does not offer a warranty for more |
| your bimini top repaired. There is at least one company | | | | than a few years put them on the spot and ask why. |
| out there doing what is right- they gurantee their work | | | | Demand better. Demand service. Demand quality. |