Company:
Stitch Trim

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sunbrella Plus
Producer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Supplier: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC

Fabric 2

OTHER Sunbrella Contour
Producer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Supplier: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC

Fabric 3

PTFE
Producer: OTHER SolarFix
Supplier: OTHER


Design Name
Kent Rowbotham

Design Company
62601479314

Fabrication Name
Kent Rowbotham, Allison Rowbotham

Fabrication Company
62601479314

Installation Name
Kent Rowbotham, Allison Rowbotham

Installation Company
62601479314


Please describe the project specifications

Design and manufacture a new bimini top for a ski boat that is versatile, functional and user friendly.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The client requested a functional stylish stainless steel bimini top for their ski boat. The bimini had to be able to withstand travel speeds of the ski boat being in excess of 50mph and also fold down inside the boat for travel as the ski boat travels 50 miles to the lake.
As the ski boat is used all year round, the client also requested two types of covers for the bimini, the first one being for use during the very hot summer months that would provide full blockout protection from the sun and the second being one for use during the cool winter months that would allow the sunlight to filter through.


What is unique or complex about the project?

There were several challenges to providing what the client had asked for, with the first one being the design of the stainless steel frame that could be folded back down into the back of the boat easily for travel but still had to be incredibly strong to withstand the speeds the boat travels at during use. We designed and manufactured a frame that could be easily folded down with the use of two spring pins on each side that are easily removable/installed by the client when setting up and packing down. The frame was bent in a way to ensure it easily folded back and forward and fit inside the boat whilst still being aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The second challenge was to manufacture two different removable covers for different months of the year. We manufactured the first cover out of Sunbrella Plus to serve the purpose of the full blockout cover from the very hot summer sun. The cover was made to be easily removable being fully zip on with a few durable clips to hold in place.

For the second cover we had to put on our thinking caps and come up with an innovative fabric selection that would allow sunlight to filter through. After going through many options we decided on Sunbrella Contour, Sunbrellas' latest innovative shadecloth material. This was the choice in fabric because it offers the highest level of UV protection whilst still allowing optimal light transition. The client was also incredibly impressed with the bright funky colour selection that we were able to select to brighten up and lift the ambiance of the boat on a cool winter's day, whilst still matching the rest of the boat's colour theme.


What were the results of the project?

The client was incredibly impressed with our ability to deliver both removable covers and being able to quickly fold down and assemble the frame. The covers and frame far exceeded the expectations of the client and they are now happily enjoying their versatile, functional and user friendly bimini.


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