Sitting in the shade!

[ReelThrill]

Had to cancel the trip I had planned for this morning to get some things done around the house. Got finished a little early and found this post on texaskayakfisherman.com.

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=126014


I've been looking for some kind of bimini top for my yak and thought I would give it a try, and try and build one. I had to make some changes because of the layout of the PA, but ended up coming up with something pretty similar. The design is good because it just sits in the rod holders in the back, and gets strapped down with one cord. I am also gonna put one strap in the front for extra support, and extra support on the back frame. This is what I have so far


I will put it together tomorrow and check to see if anything else needs to be reinforced. I also have to add a top to it. I have some ideas, but does anyone have any ideas on what would make a good top. So far I have considered tarp, canvas and the mesh you use for patio furniture. Any other ideas? Open to suggestions. Will post some pics of the finished product tomorrow.

[Branch_Office]

Well, first off I have a kayak bimini top I am going to sell that comes with 2 different color tops...posted last year and did not really get any hits. Second, you can get some great fabric for that at Wal Mart or Lowes in the garden department. Use some grommets and black bungie cord and you are ready to go.

[ReelThrill]

Thanks Steve, I was thinking the same thing. Post some pictures of the one you have for sale. This was $35 to make and is just a trial to see if it can suit its purpose. Will test it some time this week and post how it works out.

[Branch_Office]

I guess you know that Hobie has a bimini top as well that fits the yak already? It is kinda of pricey but is nice. Also have seen a bracket that you bolt on that holds the golf umbrellas and the small beach umbrellas that pivet.

[Branch_Office]

Here is a link to the post I had before for sale with pic..http://www.bckfc.org/forum/viewthread.php?tid=4217#pid41290. Price still the same!

Here is a link to another site with a top for sale as well..http://www.backwateracc.com/index.html?lang=en-us&target=d1.html?loaded=1

[ReelThrill]

I have seen the Hobie and the the second one you posted, but both are around $200. Will see how this holds up in the wind before I look for any others. Had it on the PA today and It covers a fairly large portion, while still being able to stand on my foot rest and cast without problems. I can also still cast from sitting down.

[tefishmaster]

Is it just me or is a top on a yak ....weird ??? :biggrin: :biggrin:

[ReelThrill]

It does seem kind of weird, but the main reason I did it is to be able to take the dog out. She seems really hot when we go out and she cannot get in the water, so I wanted some kind of cover. If it works out though, it may come in handy for the summer.

[Yak-a-Lou]

RAM tube holder mounted behind the seat and a golf umbrella...all set, easy to store and affordable.

Or... just get a sombrero and forget the bimini / umbrella route.

[marshdaddy]

RAM tube holder mounted behind the seat and a golf umbrella...all set, easy to store and affordable.

Or... just get a sombrero and forget the bimini / umbrella route.

You think his dog would wear a sombrero?:eek:

[nolafish]

reelthrill check your notifications. i may be able to help you out.

[ReelThrill]

Checked it nolafish, thanks a lot man. I will get back to you today with the measurements.

[Reel Rebel]

Great idea for dogs and Melanoma survivors...

RT, when you coming out with the Malibu X-Factor model? Count me in...top needs to match my blue yak...:biggrin:

[ReelThrill]

Will let you know how the test run goes RR. I'm gonna fill it with hardening foam tomorrow to add a little sturdier and add a little weight to it. Right now the whole things weighs less than 10 lbs. I think the little extra weight will help the straps in securing.

[revredfish]

I am impressed with what a man can do with, time, PVC, and the love of a dog. I would get your material either at wally world or check the prices on a lawn chair might be cheaper to disassemble one and use the material.

[ReelThrill]

Nolafish came through big time for me with a piece of marine canvas he had. Thanks a lot man, will post pics tomorrow when it is done.

[Mung]

You think his dog would wear a sombrero?:eek:

If it's a chihuahua or mexican hairless...

[nolafish]

you are welcome. will be looking for the pics

[ReelThrill]

Here are the finished pictures. Gonna take it out tomorrow for a test run.

[snake doctor]

Looks "professional," RT. I bet you will really appreciate that shade come June.

[Yak-a-Lou]

Excellent job!

[nolafish]

looks nice !

[ReelThrill]

Thanks guys. Not taking orders yet ST. If this one works, I'm gonna make one for my wife's kayak with a lighter design with more support. After I put it together I noticed some things that could be different and possible stronger. Will see how the test run goes tomorrow and decide from there. The top that I got from Nolafish fit perfectly and is very well done. Another thing is that the rod holders on each kayak are different. They are spaced different and sometimes point at different angles. The rod holders on my PA are angles almost vertical where the ones on my Outfitter are more of a 45 degree angle. When building I had to start from the bottom up and add as needed to take shape. Sort of like a puzzle where you get to add your own pieces.