I would agree with "Rick"--except for the radar reflective material. The surface area of the hems are so small, and the effectiveness of radar wave frequency material is not all that good. Perhaps Rick has some information on this?
I used 1" SS pipe, on the Tom Cat. There were 3 bows and two vertical supports on each side so that the frame was totally free standing when the front panel was zipped out. Zippers in the front should start at the inside and zip outward, so you can open partially at the dock.
I mentioned a number of different vinyls in a PM to you. Be sure to get the best material for your purpose--there are trade offs, of clarity and scratch resistance, against the ability to roll the fabric up. Strataglass, EZ 2 C, Crystal Clear, are all high quality, pressed (not rolled) vinyl with excellent clarity and scratch resistance. I referenced a Sail-rite article. I opted for windows more easily rolled up, over the stiffer one with better clarity. But they had the scratch resistance and were 30 mil.
You want to decide if you want the clear vinyl to roll up--and how to protect it if you roll, vs hinge up at the top, and have velcro under the Bimini to hold it out of the way.
The type of frame support depends on your desires ref fishing--some want a top which slides all of the way forward to clear the cockpit. Others prefer the "Cantilever" design (I don't think that 3 Rivers has any experience with that).
You want velcro flap over the outside of the very forward zipper, and may want it over the second zipper aft.
You want all sewing to be done with UV resistant thread--"Tenara" is the most common. " Profilen" is another. Some canvas workers don't use it because it costs more and is a bit more difficult to use.. But it will last the duration of the Bimini--other threads will fail from the Florida Sun.
As for the canvas worker--see some examples of his or her work. Here in Pensacola, we have several--only one is good enough for work on my boats.
Here are a couple of photos of my Bimini frame on the Tom Cat. Note that it goes to the deck, not the pipe railing. Note that there are two vertical supports on each side, with quick release pins. There is a wide area to board thru. I have an extra hand railing on the cabin house aft, not necessary if your radar arch goes all of the way across. You want the hand hold as you come out of the cockpit to the side deck.
Note the aft hand rails have a cut out for the clear vinyl.
I had personal reasons for small windows in the side--and we did not put in insect screen--I probably would have insect screens and slightly larger windows in retrospect.
This is a photo of the extra hand rail--was on a 25, I didn't find any photos of the one on the Tom Cat. These are thru the overhang, so it is thru solid glass--easily done.
