I made a hard bimini out of Deckolite (maybe Dekolite ?) that worked well.
It is end grain balsa between skins of "glass. Stuff's rather expensive
though.

"Glenn (s/v Seawing)" wrote in message
news:jADKi.764$x%6.264@pd7urf2no...
We cruise on our Gulfstar Auxillary 41 centre cockpit. Our bimini is now
old and will need replacing this season. I have been thinking of
replacing
with a hard bimini that will last longer than a sunbrella one, allow the
mounting of solar panels, water collection & other cockpit ammenities.

I am considering building one myself. Some folks at the boat-yard
suggested
building one out of some kind of foam, that can be cut & fit & when the
desired shape is reached, painted with resin to harden and so on.

Anyone built a hard bimini? Advise? Used this foam stuff?
Advise?...what's the stuff called & where can it be aquired? Advise on
bimini for a cruising boat?

Thanks all!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing