Tear in Bimini....has anyone repaired one?

[Stacey in SC]

Hi guys!

Stacey in SC....first post in quite a while! I have a tear that has come up in the front section of the Bimini over the driver. It is in the fabric, not on a seam. It's about 8" wide, and extending a bit each time we open it.

We plan to get a new Bimini next year, most likely. Trying to get a last year out of this one.

Has anyone done a repair? I can sew, so may try that....or maybe a patch. Wonder if anyone else has already done this?

Thanks in advance!

Stacey in SC

 

[Andy S]

We haven't repaired the bimini but we have repaired the cover of the boat. On one tear Cindy was able to sew the tear back together and on another she had to put a patch over the tear. When the cover finally failed it failed at the factory seems, about the only things that held up was Cindy's repair work.

The thread we used was marine/uv resistant thread, I think we got it off eBay, which we still have plenty if you want any.

Also, instead of sewing you might want to try some boat cover repair tape

 

[Andy S]

I know with your three boys you are probably pretty busy but if you have Saturday, Sept 17th free maybe you can come join us on a Cooper River run, https://jetboaters.net/threads/cooper-river-run-to-locks-fall-edition.10514/

 

[Stacey in SC]

I'll check, Andy - thanks!

Yes, I figured I would try marine thread and/or a patch. I can't imagine tape really sticking to this fabric....

 

[tdonoughue]

Bet this would work, too: https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Clea..._SR375,480_&psc=1&refRID=3X3QJW0FPN2J9W25S6VV

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Tear aide should buy you some time. Type A will work on Sunbrella.
Give them a call for suggestions.


https://www.sailmakerssupply.com/product/tear-aid/repair-tape

 

[Crlos16]

I repaired mine using some "stick-on Nylon Patches" wife picked them up from Jo-Ann " fabric and craft store" I personaly dint think it would work, but lasted for over 3 seasons till I sold the boat.

 

[Ronnie]

I used both tear aid on the visible side of the cover and iron patches from Joanne's fabric to repair on the underside of my last mooring cover. When the tears were bigger I just used the iron patches, they are cheaper and come in longer sections, and different colors as well. Some of it was a close match for my mooring cover. If your Bimini is blank the iron patch should blend in Nicely.

 

[Stacey in SC]

That is awesome, guys - thanks!!

 

[gthh]

Stacy
...for a rip that size I would take the Bimini off close the rip and cut two strip strips of iron on denim patch and iron on the top and bottom at the same time.

If you want, spray the top side of the patch with some 3M 302 and water repelant. Hey feel free to be creative. These patches come in different colors and you can cut any shape as long as it covers the rip about an inch all around.

I wouldn't call it permanent fix but it still is gong strong after 3 years and no plans to replace mine until it blows off when I WOT with my Bimini up- not a good thing!

 

[biglar155]

Here's my cover patching thread: https://jetboaters.net/threads/patching-the-yamaha-cover.5593/#post-96284

Granted, this was a tiny hole compared to what you're dealing with, but I bet if you double-sided it it would hold up at least for the rest of the season - maybe beyond.

My little patch job is still holding on after 2 seasons of 150 mile round trips to the lake.

Just checked: Looks like Amazon doesn't carry it any more, but West Marine (among other places) has it: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/attwo...8eyTpeqy4u0MU8EteD2K_by1Yy5fiBRvOAaAkiG8P8HAQ