bimini top

[mikekreft1]

If you have a bimini top open to provide shade is there a speed restriction on them. My boat will go 35-40. Is that to fast or can I leave it open at those speeds. I dont have a top yet I am just thinking about adding one.

 

[gewf631]

Re: bimini top

I've had mine up at full throttle (about 45 mph) - as long as the mounts and straps are tight, it's fine.<br /><br />I usually cruise in the 25-30 mph range, and it's fine at those speeds.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: bimini top

I cruise at about 20-30mph but only leave the front bimini open because it's mounted to the aluminum of my wrap around windshield and also has straps. <br /><br />If cruising I'll leave it on but if I plan to go WOT I always try and take our back camper portion completely off. Even though it has a zippered boot to keep it all nice and tidy, once up to speed it does start to wobble a bit in the wind. With only 4 small points of contact holding it onto the boat, I'd rather play it safe and not have it blow off and end up searching (and hoping) an air-pocket floats the camper top for retreaval. <br /><br />Oh, and make sure you check to ensure all the poles have been tightened into fittings! Sounds like I'm talking from expierience doesn't it?! hahaha...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: bimini top

I think you can look at the top and get your answer. When you get too fast it starts distorting and really tugging on the mounting straps. I think 35 is about as fast as I ran with mine.<br /><br />Mark

 

[maxxpower]

Re: bimini top

The wind can play a big factor with a bimini. I have a bimini that you can stand under, if it's not very windy I can do 35 to 40 mph. If I am heading into a stiff wind it starts to distort at 20 mph. It all depends on the size, frame, and installation of the top, however if you do plan on cruising with it up alot you may want to go with the lower convertible style because they tend to be more ridged.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: bimini top

I have a bimini you can stand under and we were doing about 45 last night trying to beat the sun back to the dock. No problems. I guess it depends what you have for a frame. Cheap frame equals more distortion.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: bimini top

double post...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: bimini top

When first installed, it was acting as a bit of a parachute...but then I raked the front down a bit and it just slices through the air with no problems at all. Once you find the sweetspot it doesn't even flap. A few skin cancer spots mean my top is up 100% of the time, and I've run 35 to 40 many times, never even saw the thing sway or distort at all after I got it angled right to avoid the parachute effect. Just gotta have the front and rear straps adjusted real tight. That was one of my reasons for buying Sharksin...the lightest fabric out there. My thinking is that less weight at the end of long poles is better, and I'm thinking I was right. A great fabric, IMO.

 

[QC]

Re: bimini top

I agree and have run over 50 into the wind with my last two boats and the bimini up. With that said, I have also had a front strap break once (weakened by the sun) and that is not a fun experience. If someone was in the wrong spot when this happened, it could've been ugly . . .

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bimini top

in Fla you see almost everthing . i've seen kids pulling boats 75mph on the interstate with bimini up. they just don't think. depending on the size of your boat the binini will act similar to a sail. it's like everything else on a boat, you have to have the right set up.