Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Outsider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,022
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Don't know, mine is rated for only 35, so I stow it before grabbing the last 1000 rpm ... ;)
 

Boss Hawg

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 9, 2009
Messages
1,433
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Never really noticed a difference on mine-
 

Old Screwball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
240
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Hmmmmm, seems it would depend on which way the wind is blowing......:facepalm:

I'm sorry, being an *** to a new guy. I also have not noticed a difference. I can go about 24mph with my 2012 18' Party Barge with a 75hp Merc and a 13.5 X 17 three bladed prop.
 

Mi duckdown

Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,575
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Why worry about it? It's boating.
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

lol It actualy adds a mph or 2 if the wind is the right direction but im only running a 9.9.
 

Boss Hawg

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 9, 2009
Messages
1,433
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

lol It actualy adds a mph or 2 if the wind is the right direction but im only running a 9.9.

I guess if you can go fast enough the top should give you a lift & you can fly across the water :p
 

brotherkicksave

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
36
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Hmmmmm, seems it would depend on which way the wind is blowing......:facepalm:

I'm sorry, being an *** to a new guy. I also have not noticed a difference. I can go about 24mph with my 2012 18' Party Barge with a 75hp Merc and a 13.5 X 17 three bladed prop.

You've posted 7 (sorry 6) more than me, I guess I'm the only guy you can call "a new guy". Oh yeah, and I joined this forum 5 months before you. So, really you're being an *** to an "OLD GUY".
 

brotherkicksave

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
36
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Why worry about it? It's boating.

Because my boat is 30 hours old, and continues to loose performance at the top end every time I take it out. If there is a problem, I'd like to get it fixed under warranty.
 

Boss Hawg

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 9, 2009
Messages
1,433
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

If thats the case i think i'd take it to the dealer & have it checked out- New pontoons cost WAY to much money to have problems of any kind!
 

muskiemike12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
153
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Did you break the motor in right?
 

BobGinCO

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
539
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Zero difference. With one or both biminis deployed.

That surprised me!
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

mmmmm it would depend on how much its losing, it may be simply your adding stuff and the extra load is slowing you down.
 

emoney

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

I don't think it would cause an issue that would be that noticeable. Probably better to follow the "take it into the dealer" advice and have it checked out. When you say "top end" are you saying that you're loosing top end speed or ??
 

brotherkicksave

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
36
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

I don't think it would cause an issue that would be that noticeable. Probably better to follow the "take it into the dealer" advice and have it checked out. When you say "top end" are you saying that you're loosing top end speed or ??

Yes, I am unable to see 30 mph anymore. AND the engine that once was revving at over 5000 rpm now sees only 4800.
 

muskiemike12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
153
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

You are slowly killing your motor. You have been lugging it for the last 30 hours. You should be pushing over 5500 rpm's. I hope you did folllow the proper break in procedure. You need to reprop. Drop 2 or 3 inches in pitch.

Did you try raising your motor higher yet? Do that before buying a new prop.
 

SoArkSi

Cadet
Joined
Oct 5, 2011
Messages
21
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

Dont know for sure on the bimimi part but ive noticed some tops are flat topped where mine is leaned back a little bit so mine would cup more air than some. So every ones will probably drag different
 

IHDiesel73L

Seaman
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
70
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

lol It actualy adds a mph or 2 if the wind is the right direction but im only running a 9.9.

That answer is heartening to me as a bimini will be a necessity for us. My wife and daughter are the fairest of fair and will be sitting under it the entire time with floppy hats and SPF 80 on :D
 

Rancherlee

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 6, 2006
Messages
621
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

If the wind is blowing pretty good I can notice a difference. Yesterday I could run 28 with the wind and 25 against it and with running against the wind I could see the fabric of the bimini lifting up pretty good, usually it stays pretty tight to the frame.
 

brotherkicksave

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
36
Re: Open Bimini Tops-How much do they slow you down?

The answer is.....open canopies don't slow the boat down at all. I purchased the boat as a factory demo,so it had 10 hours on it already and was, purportedly broken in.

I have decided to raise the engine off of the transom 3 bolt holes, possibly 4.

I will report on my findings.
 
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