I think this is being over thought. The Havasu guys run basic looking 7/8" (most likely .065 wall) stainless tubing. The difference is that they put some vents/slots in the canvas. I agree that through bolting with a backing plate is the way to go. I've been running a basic Taylormade Bimini for over 10 years up to 65 mph with no issues. It does have a sewn in tag that says not to exceed 45 mph though. I really think that the canvas would be more prone to failure than the frame ripping out out of the gunnels.

A friend turned me on to a place called Northstar products Inc. (http://northstarproductsincDOTcom) All stainless, accon fittings, sunbrella and was around $400. They actually have connectors that allow the top to break down and ship flat. I have had it over 45mph and didnt budge. I dont really run with it up, but speed is really a factor of how its mounted. Tight and parallel with wind direction so it doesnt act as a parachute.

Mine is the 7'6" and covers from just over my head at helm to head rest on sunpad (33ol) It was around Noon in this pic, notice the shadows where it covers, its also level to water as it sits b/c thats close to the same position running.

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The black top on the formula was the friend that recommended.

Will did you get my PM? don't know if its working....

Liquid? Your run your stock Taylor top at what speed? (and into what wind speeds?) and it has lasted you how long? Have you even replaced the set screws?

I am not sure what I was doing differently than you when my Taylor (stainless 7/8 with stainless fitting and set screws with stainless rivets) on my Baja blew apart at less than 60 MPH tweaking the frame beyond repair (I sold the canvas on CL for $85). It seems like people are getting mad at me for up-selling a top. I want to remind everyone that I am not selling anything and have nothing to gain.
If you can get a stock top to work for you great.... If you get tired of going slow because the top is up (or the wide is up) then think about stepping up for a high speed top

The "panels" (that you "used to see") allow 65% of the air to flow through? They also allows 65% heat and harmful rays through. Have ever noticed the towels on top of Bimini's at the raft up? They are not drying them, they are covering the "panels" because of the sun coming through it.

I ended up calling a shop in Havasu recommended to me by Eliminator boats (I forget the name). They said "no problem" and quoted me $1200. When he learned that I wanted him to ship it to me in Oregon he said that would not work. explaining that would have to be custom fit to the boat. He gave me most of the info I shared earlier and told me to have it made locally. The only thing that I did differently than he suggested was to use the double wall 1" (7/8" inside of the 1" tube) instead of the recommended 1.125" and the trick I learned about using the flexible spa tube as a shim while stretching the top (great trick for anyone that has a stretched out top they want to tighten up).

"I run 65+ mph into 25 mph winds all day long with no issues" (and tow it with the top up too)

I will try to get pictures with in a few days, My top does not look like anything that special, the 1" tube is not that noticeable and the only thing really trick about is the over sized tube that has another tube inside it and the through bolted hardware. It is the science the flat shape of the top, the angle, where it is attached and the fact that you need to allow it to stretch and then re-tighten by replacing the inner bows) that makes the difference.

Looking forward to the pics. I'm thinking that a top will come in handy next summer as we will need the shade for our newest crewmember who is due in late March.

Here are the pics of the top, like I said, it is nothing special to look at.
The pictures of the Baja are showing the basic top "before" is blew apart

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top looks really nice. Definitely what I'm looking for.