bimini - small boat

[KurtG]

I've read a lot of posts and measured the boat, but still not clear what height to go for a bimini top.

In 30 years of boating, I've never used a bimini, but want to get one for the current boat should I get the boys out as much as I would like.

The boat is 15' long and I have about 18" deck to rail. Boat (in avatar) is dual console with captain chairs. There is a bench seat aft of the pedestal seats and v-seating in the bow. The boys like to sit in the bow, but expect I'd have them fish in the rear (easier to help them).

So far, I was leaning to a 6' bimini with rails, but the height has me stumped. I'm 5'11". Most boating will be sitting, but sometimes it's nice to stand to be able to see the crab pot floats which can be quite thick at times.

Since I've never used a bimini, I don't know the issues going lower or higher in height.

Thanks-

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bimini - small boat

figure out where you want to mount the top. i really suggest a sliding rail mount. either gunnel top of side mount. the height of the top is measured from the mounting point to where you want the top to be.

slide tracks can be top or side mounted. http://www.iboats.com/Top_Slide_Tra...59951643--**********.096446016--view_id.14131

measuring bimini. http://www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-002.php

this was one of my boats, i am 5'10" i could walk under it with no problem. also has the slide mount, this allows you to adjust the top, as to where the sun is placed. it also allow you to store the top infront of the windshield, if fish out the back, or on the transom, when towing.

 

[KurtG]

Re: bimini - small boat

TD-Thanks.

Do you know what size (length and height) that bimini is? It appears larger than the average 6'.

I looked on one of the whaler sites and saw common heights as 42" and 46" for the 15' whaler and I know the whaler has a shorter deck to gunnel top height.

If I were to order the 48-54" high one from i-boats, and add the 18" height from deck to gunnel top, I'd be looking at ducking a bit or justing getting under (66-72") while standing. I wasn't sure if this was too tall for a small boat, but am worried about feeling cramped in something shorter.

Here's my boat

and two similar models one with short and one with a tall bimini:

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bimini - small boat

it is a 6 foot top. it looks larger, because it is on a 14 ft boat. mine was a 54 inch height before i cut it down for the green boat.
the short model you will not be happy with. especially fishing. this is the boat my top was originally on, i transferred it the the green boat when i sold this one, and cut 24 inches of the main brace. as i was not going to be fishing out of the green boat. 54 inch height would give you +- 6 ft clearance.

 

[mthieme]

Re: bimini - small boat

Personally I like to be able to stand.
I also feel that a bimini is utilitarian and not the most aesthetically pleasing option on a boat.
I recommend a taller one.

 

[winfan]

Re: bimini - small boat

My boat is 17'. This is the bimini that came with mine. It is a bit "tall" but I love being able to walk under it and so do my buddies. On thier boats I was constantly hitting my head. I am 6' tall.

 

[kandil]

Re: bimini - small boat

Make sure it is the type that you can use while moving some Bimini tops you can only use when stooped or trolling.The one I got was very flimsy photo #3 so I added extra support photos #1&2