1. How do you keep your prices so low?

Since we are able to sell a high volume of products, we are able to negotiate lower prices from our suppliers. We then turn the savings around in the form of our guaranteed lowest prices.

The traditional retail business approach of spreading costly retail stores across North America and shipping products from manufacturer, to distribution center, to retail store before they end up in your (the consumer's) hands, we believe may not be necessary or in the best interest of consumer's today.

Ultimately it is you, the shopper, who pays the extra costs involved with that traditional retailing model. Our belief at GMI TOP DESIGN, is that a product should be manufactured and shipped as little as possible, ideally once; directly to you. This saves money, and at GMI those savings are passed on to you.

2. How long will it take to get my order?

All orders are processed on the same day they are received if placed during our business hours, otherwise they will be handled on the next business day!

If you've order an in-stock item it will ship out the same day if ordered before 11:30 am EST, otherwise within 3-5 business days. Expect 3-7 business days for shipping via UPS.

3. Should I use Stainless or an Aluminum Frame?

Our Bimini top frames are available in aluminum & stainless steel 316.

Stainless steel is much stronger, will not corrode, and is nearly twice as expensive as aluminum. Furthermore, stainless steel's strength allows you to travel with the top up at higher speeds. For saltwater applications, stainless steel is well worth the extra cost.

In freshwater environments, aluminum is probably adequate for your needs and much more economical. Our aluminum tubing is anodized to resist pitting and oxidation.

Our tube size is 7/8" OD and provides plenty of strength in both metals. Furthermore our tubing is drawn giving it a denser consistency and much more strength than extruded tubing.

4. What is the difference between the Surlast and Sunbrella fabric?

Surlast is a polyester and Sunbrella is an acrylic. Although both fabrics offer very similar specifications, the sunbrella's fading resistancy is higher than surlast.

5. Are the Sunbrella or Surlast fabrics Waterproof?

Sunbrella & Surlast fabrics are not waterproof, they are water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of the finish as will cleaning the fabric.

6. How do I care for Surlast and Sunbrella fabric?

7. Why do white lines sometime appear on the sunbrella fabric, is that normal?

These lines can sometimes be seen on the following sunbrella colors : Beige, Toast & Charcoal Grey.

Mark-off appear as white scuff marks on the fabric and is caused when an object scrapes across the fabric, distorting surface fibers.

Crazing appears as thin white lines on the fabric and is caused by folding or creasing the fabric. Over time both crazing and mark-offs tend to diminish.

The primary factor contributing to mark-off and crazing is a resin that is added to Sunbrella fabrics during final finishing in order to increase its stiffness.

While increased stiffness from the resin adds greatly to the ease of sewing, it also increases the fabric's susceptibility to mark-off and crazing creating a surface membrane on the fabric.

8. How are your fabric samples sent?

All fabric samples are sent out via mail. All mail is sent from Canada. Most sample orders are processed and sent within 48 hours ( not including weekends). Expect about 4-10 business days before reception of the samples.

9. Why can't I place fabric sample orders over the telephone?

All sample orders are processed by our Fulfillment Center via our website. This automated system is set up for your convenience so there is a record of your order and assures all samples are mailed out in a timely manner.

10. Is your website a secure site?

Yes. Our website is protected and certified by Equifax , an authority you can trust for this purpose. (serial number: 03:C3:98).

Therefore, in the order form, for your protection, the connection is encrypted with the High-grade Encryption RC4 128 bit.

11. Who are we?

GMI Top Design has been manufacturing boat tops and various cover related products for over 30 years, specializing in only the highest quality sewn product lines for recreational products.

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