Chris,

I am doing great, thanks for asking. Yes, you are correct, the original Bimini did have a stainless steel tube brace that went to the front windshield, but I have since replaced it with the strapping material that is more common on every other bimini you see out there today (courtesy of the Rag man). Hey, is there anyway we can talk you into catching a quick flight back to T-Town and heading up to Boyne Thunder with the rest of us Formula Guys? Would be neet to see a 382 Poker Run special acutually running in a Poker run. Could be like a Formula Rendezvous.......

I want to head up Thursday after work, but my son is playing in a Basball Tournament on Thursday night, so I probably wont make it up till Friday....Noon.... I am guessing.

Believe me, there is nothing I would enjoy more than to make it back there, run the boat, and hang out with you guys. Tracy (Wrinkleface) is a really good friend that puts a lot of time and effort into the event every year, and has consistently and generously offered me a ride on his boat too. Unfortunately my commitments here in Vegas limit my weekends off. Hoping that changes within the next couple years and I will have more leisure time.

Hoping for a safe and fun weekend for all you guys ... I will definately be there in spirit!

Close as I an get for now. 100% fresh paint from the factory, still need to re-apply the Poker Run graphics. My maintenance guy wanted to let the paint dry (off-gassing) first before re-applying them. Hoping to get most of that done on my next trip back there.

You know that guy too?! I'm sorry!

Hopefully we'll see you on the lake sometime this summer.

Quick update for anyone else that is having this same dilemma...

We ended up taking the canvas all the way down to the cockpit cover snaps. No drilling the windshield. Also mounted the bimini inside the cockpit. It can be folded and left up, or the whole thing stores in the engine compartment. I also had him put a roll up window in the front section for easy bow access / air.

Pics

thought i had more, but they didn't come out...

if we end up getting that 380 we will be looking to do the same thing since it has a windscreen

I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I'm glad we were able to make it work without messing with the stainless frame. It seals up really nicely this way too.