Bimini tops - how effective?

[jtexas]

Some shade on the boat would be awesome -

Just how effective is a 5' bimini top on a 15ft boat? Between, say, noon and 5pm in the summer?
Is the height adjustable - can it be raised or lowered, or you have to decide on the height in advance.
Are bimini tops ok on small fishing boats, or is that just plain uncool?
Is there a more economical alternative?

If you have a bimini on your fishing boat:
Does it get in your way when stowed?
Does it get in your way when deployed?
Is it an integral part of your boating experience, or are you totally indifferent?

thanks!!

 

[salty87]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

mine's not on a fishing boat but in texas, it makes all the difference in the world. instead of getting beat up in the sun and being dead tired by the time the late afternoon rolls around, you're almost fresh and relaxed. it helps keep the dash touch-able and the seats bearable too.

 

[hal2814]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

A bimini top is the best aftermarket item I've ever bought for my boat. If you have kids onboard or ride in the afternoon heat, I'd highly recommend one. The height is "adjustable" when you install on most models but pretty fixed after that. The usual method is to cut the legs down to size. Personally, I'd try to stick with the premeasured leg heights. You can adjust the fore-to-aft angle of the top by adjusting the forward and read straps but usually that's more trouble than it's worth. I would recommend splurging on the sunbrella (or equivalent) material. It just holds up a lot better than the vinyl.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I would echo hal. You measure how tall you want it to be and order from there. I got it a little taller than I thought would work (by accident) but now I am glad I have the extra headroom as my wife is 5'10 and I am 6'1 and standing up underneath it is easy. Its a 6' long 3-bow top on an 18' runabout. go for the sunbrella. Storage is easy either laying on the top of the transom or in front of the windshield but either way its good. One of the best aftermarket things I have done to my boat.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

My boat has a t-top, and I would consider the shade a must here in Florida.​

 

[canoeist]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I bought one here:

http://www.gmitopdesign.com/page2-e-us.html

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I bought my 4 bow 8' bimini here on iboats.

It's 8' on an 18 foot boat so the proportions should be bought the same as yours.

It kept us cool for a week on the lake this summer when we wouldn't have been able to stand the sun otherwise.

BTW, mine is a Sunbrella also. It breaths well so it won't cook your head like vinyl or heavy canvas will.

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I love bimini tops. The only thing I hate is that on a small boat the rear strap is in the way of getting in or out of the boat.

 

[azlakes]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

Go for a b-top. It makes a huge difference and for longer times on the lake. No regrets.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I like mine. I have installed it on several of those calm and unbearable afternoons when boating. Of course I don't go 60mph down river with it on, but it's good to just sit in the shade on the river without having the sun beating you to death.

As for stowability, the model I have fits in a bag about the size of a good size duffel bag, and stows in the ski area. It's hardly noticable. Heck ... I didn't even know I had it until I went looking around one day, and found that the previous owners stored it in there. Heck ... I thought it was an old life jacket the first time I looked at it. Then my curious side kicked in. That really made my day since I was looking at buying one anyway.

Also, mine is the type that you see on a lot of the newer ski boats. When not in use it folds back behind the back seats, and pops up when you need it.

 

[JDP]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I just finished making one for my boat. Using conduit and Bimini parts from the local dealer. I used duck cloth for the material part. You will notice a huge difference the first time you use it. And like said earlier, it makes the seats bearable.

 

[vess]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I had trouble making a decision on the bimini, and worried that I may upgrade the boat in a year (it is 17 feet), so I purchased the anchorshade. Works really well, easy to put up, and it stows well. Don't have all the hardware in the way, or laying on the transom. That was a concern with my kids getting in and out of the boat, as they ski all the time. I figured that nice bimini would be trashed after a season of crawling over it. And the anchorshade stows easily, right in the ski locker, out of the way. We don't get the heat that you do down south, but there are a few days you have to have the shade.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Bimini tops - how effective?

I wont even look at a boat to purchase without a bimini top. I dont consider it a option its a must have IMO.
Rob