Owning a Bennington pontoon boat is a gateway to endless water adventures, offering comfort, style, and durability. One of the standout features of these vessels is the Bimini top—a retractable canopy that provides shade and protection from the elements. However, like any boat component, the Bimini top and its parts may need replacement or repair over time due to wear, accidents, or exposure to harsh weather conditions. This comprehensive guide dives deep into everything you need to know about Bennington pontoon Bimini top parts, including their features, replacement options, sourcing strategies, and maintenance tips. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a newcomer, this article will help you keep your pontoon in top shape.
What is a Bimini Top and Why Does It Matter?
A Bimini top is an open-front canvas canopy supported by a metal frame, typically made of aluminum, that attaches to a boat’s deck. It serves as a shield against sunlight, rain, and wind, enhancing comfort for passengers during long hours on the water. For Bennington pontoon owners, the Bimini top is more than just a functional accessory—it’s an integral part of the boat’s design, tailored to complement its aesthetic and performance.
The importance of maintaining or replacing Bimini top parts cannot be overstated. A damaged frame or worn-out fabric can compromise safety, reduce protection, and detract from your boat’s overall appeal. Fortunately, Bennington pontoon Bimini top parts are widely available, with options ranging from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacements to custom-fit aftermarket solutions.
Key Components of a Bennington Pontoon Bimini Top
To understand your options for replacement parts, it’s essential to break down the Bimini top into its core components:
- Canvas Top: The fabric portion of the Bimini, typically made from solution-dyed polyester or similar durable, water-repellent materials. It provides UV protection and weather resistance.
- Frame: A sturdy structure, usually aluminum, that supports the canvas. The frame includes horizontal and vertical supports, often with hinges for folding.
- Mounting Hardware: Brackets, screws, and connectors that secure the Bimini top to the boat’s deck or railings.
- Storage Boot: A protective cover that encases the folded Bimini top when not in use, safeguarding it from the elements.
- Zippers and Fasteners: High-quality zippers (like #8 YKK with metal sliders) and fasteners that ensure the canvas stays taut and secure.
Each of these components plays a critical role, and damage to any one of them—whether from a collision with a low branch or prolonged sun exposure—may necessitate a replacement.
Features of Bennington Replacement Bimini Tops
Bennington replacement Bimini tops, such as those offered by brands like NorthStar, are designed with precision and durability in mind. Here are some standout features:
- Custom Fit: Unlike universal Bimini tops, Bennington replacements are engineered to match specific models and years, ensuring a seamless fit.
- Material Quality: Made from solution-dyed polyester, these tops are water-repellent and resistant to fading, mildew, and tearing.
- UV Protection: The fabric blocks harmful ultraviolet rays, protecting passengers and extending the life of the boat’s interior.
- Warranty: Many replacement tops come with a 5-year warranty, reflecting confidence in their longevity.
- Color Options: While tan or beige is standard, other colors are often available upon request to match your boat’s aesthetic.
- Included Boot: A storage boot is typically included, adding convenience and protection.
For example, the NorthStar Bennington Replacement Bimini Top and Boot is rated highly by users for its exact fit and robust construction. Priced around $450, it’s a popular choice for owners seeking OEM-quality replacements.
Where to Buy:
- NorthStar Products Inc. (OEM supplier)
- Great Lakes Skipper (discounted OEM parts)
- eBay & Amazon (for individual components)
Pricing:
| Part | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bimini Top Only | 450−450−600 |
| Full Frame + Top | 600−600−1,200 |
| Storage Boot | 50−50−100 |
Table 1: Specifications of a NorthStar Bennington Replacement Bimini Top
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Solution-dyed polyester |
| Water Resistance | Water-repellent |
| UV Protection | Yes |
| Fit Type | Custom fit for Bennington frames |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Storage Boot | Included |
| Price | $450 (approximate) |
| Color Options | Tan (standard), others on request |
Sizing and Compatibility: Finding the Right Fit
One of the challenges of replacing a Bimini top is ensuring compatibility with your Bennington pontoon model. Manufacturers provide specific measurements to help you select the correct size. These measurements are typically taken from seam to seam along the center of the top, starting from the back. Here’s a breakdown of common sizes offered for Bennington pontoons:
- 2001 Models: Back to first seam: 31” | 36 3/4” | 40” front
- 2005-2007 Models: Back to first seam: 31” | 36 3/4” | 40” front
- 2008 Models: Back to first seam: 40 1/4” | 20” | 43 1/4” front
- 2009-2025 Models: Back to first seam: 43” | 29” | 46 1/2” front
If your model isn’t listed, some suppliers offer custom duplication services. By sending in your original top, they can replicate it exactly, ensuring a perfect match.
How to Measure Your Bimini Top
To avoid ordering the wrong size, measure your existing top carefully:
- Lay the Bimini flat and extend it fully.
- Measure from the back seam to the first seam, then to subsequent seams, ending at the front.
- Compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart.
This step is crucial, as an ill-fitting Bimini top can sag, flap in the wind, or fail to provide adequate coverage.
Where to Source Bennington Pontoon Bimini Top Parts
Finding replacement Bimini top parts can feel daunting, but several reliable sources cater specifically to Bennington owners:
1. Bennington Dealers
Your local Bennington dealer is often the first and best option for OEM parts. Dealers have direct access to Bennington’s catalog and can order exact replacements for frames, canvas tops, and hardware. While this route may be pricier—sometimes exceeding $600 for a full frame—it guarantees authenticity and compatibility.
2. Online Retailers
- NorthStar Store: Offers custom-fit Bimini tops with high customer satisfaction (4.6/5 stars). Available in beige with other colors on request.
- Great Lakes Skipper: A go-to for OEM and aftermarket boat parts, including Bennington Bimini frames, tops, and accessories. Prices start as low as $2.49 for trim molding and climb to $599.95 for arch Bimini tops.
- eBay: Sellers like “tbnum21” offer components such as the Bennington Style Pontoon Bimini Top Center Square Connector Bracket for $10.80, ideal for small repairs.
3. Specialty Marine Suppliers
Companies like Boat Outfitters and Corinthian Marine provide a range of pontoon accessories, including Bimini-related parts. They often collaborate with Bennington to design custom solutions, such as lounge backrest storage that integrates with existing Bimini frames.
4. Local Fabricators
For damaged frames, a local metal fabricator or muffler shop with tube-bending equipment can be a cost-effective alternative. Aluminum is softer than steel, making it easier to straighten or weld (using heliarc techniques). This option is particularly useful for minor repairs rather than full replacements.
Table 2: Comparison of Sourcing Options
| Source | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bennington Dealer | OEM quality, exact fit | Higher cost, slower shipping | $300-$600+ |
| NorthStar Store | Custom fit, good warranty | Limited color options | $450 |
| Great Lakes Skipper | Wide selection, discounted prices | May not always have exact parts | $2.49-$599.95 |
| eBay | Affordable, specific components | Quality varies, shipping delays | $10.80-$100+ |
| Local Fabricator | Custom repairs, lower cost | Requires expertise, no canvas | Varies ($50-$200) |
Cost Considerations
The cost of Bennington Bimini top parts varies widely depending on the component and source. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Canvas Top: $300-$450 (e.g., NorthStar Replacement Bimini Top)
- Full Frame: $600+ from dealers; $300-$400 for individual tubes
- Mounting Hardware: $10-$50 (e.g., brackets or connectors)
- Storage Boot: Often included with tops; $20-$50 separately
For budget-conscious owners, aftermarket options or partial repairs (e.g., straightening a bent frame) can save money without sacrificing quality. However, investing in OEM parts ensures longevity and a factory-like finish.
Real-World Scenarios: Replacing Bimini Top Parts
Boaters frequently encounter situations requiring Bimini top repairs or replacements. Consider this example from a pontoon owner: “I hit a low branch in a canal with my 2016 Bennington SL20, bending the horizontal frame and damaging the Bimini frame. I couldn’t find parts online—help!” Forum responses suggested contacting a Bennington dealer or Great Lakes Skipper, with some recommending a fabricator for minor frame bends. Costs ranged from $300 for a tube to $600 for a full front frame, highlighting the variability in repair options.
Another owner replaced their entire Bimini frame through a dealer for over $600 after an ill-fitting $300 tube failed to align properly. These anecdotes underscore the importance of verifying fit and weighing cost versus convenience.
Common Bimini Top Issues & Solutions
Problem #1: Bent or Damaged Frame
Scenario:
“I hit a low branch and bent the horizontal frame on my 2016 SL20. Can’t find a replacement online—help!”
Solutions:
- Straighten the Frame:
- Take it to a metal fabricator or muffler shop (they have hydraulic benders for minor adjustments).
- If the aluminum is cracked, welding may be required.
- Replace the Frame:
- Option A: Buy from a Bennington dealer (best for OEM parts).
- Option B: Check Great Lakes Skipper for discounted OEM frames.
- Option C: Consider an aftermarket Bimini frame (may require modifications).
Cost:
- Single bent tube replacement: ~$300
- Full frame replacement: $600+
Problem #2: Torn or Faded Bimini Fabric
Solution:
- Replace just the fabric (if the frame is intact).
- Measure your current top (seam-to-seam dimensions) before ordering.
Bennington Bimini Top Measurements:
| Model Year | Back to 1st Seam | Middle Section | Front Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 31″ | 36.75″ | 40″ |
| 2005-2007 | 31″ | 36.75″ | 40″ |
| 2008 | 40.25″ | 20″ | 43.25″ |
| 2009-2025 | 43″ | 29″ | 46.5″ |
Maintenance Tips to Extend Bimini Top Life
Prevention is better than replacement. Here are practical tips to keep your Bennington Bimini top in pristine condition:
- Clean Regularly: Use mild soap and water to remove dirt, salt, and bird droppings that can degrade fabric.
- Store Properly: Always use the storage boot when the Bimini is folded to protect it from UV rays and moisture.
- Inspect Hardware: Check zippers, fasteners, and mounting points for wear; replace as needed.
- Avoid High Winds: Lower the Bimini during strong winds or storms to prevent frame damage.
- Repair Small Tears: Patch minor fabric tears with marine-grade repair kits to avoid costly replacements.
Additional Bennington Pontoon Accessories
While replacing your Bimini top, consider upgrading other parts to enhance your boating experience. Great Lakes Skipper and similar retailers offer:
- Trim Molding: $2.49-$24.95 (e.g., tan PVC or beige table edge)
- Gauges: $16.95-$69.95 (e.g., oil pressure or tachometer)
- Storage Solutions: $26.97-$143.97 (e.g., fish ruler lids or tackle boxes)
- Seating: $499.95-$699.95 (e.g., reclining helm seats in various colors)
These accessories can complement your Bimini top, ensuring your pontoon remains functional and stylish.
Conclusion
Bennington pontoon Bimini top parts are essential for maintaining the comfort, safety, and aesthetic of your boat. Whether you opt for a custom-fit replacement from NorthStar, source OEM parts from a dealer, or repair a frame locally, understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions. By selecting the right parts, measuring accurately, and maintaining your Bimini top, you can enjoy countless days on the water without worry. With prices ranging from a few dollars for hardware to hundreds for full tops, there’s a solution for every budget. Equip your Bennington pontoon with the best Bimini top parts and sail into your next adventure with confidence.
Happy Boating!
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