Long bimini on a short pontoon

[rosbertos]

I am going to be replacing the top and bent frame on my Gillgetter 716 Cruise Deluxe this year...the stock bimini is a 7x7. I found a retailer/manufacturer that makes a 7x7, a 7x8, a 7x9, and a 7x10...the front supports on a 7x8 fall right in the center of my side gates, so that one is a no-go. Are there any drawbacks to going with a 9 or 10 footer over the 7 besides the added "sail area" when underway? Would it look too goofy to have a single top that is more than half the length of the boat?

 

[MinUph]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

Can't see why it would look bad. We have three tops mid for and aft on out 18 footer and use the mid and aft all the time. I keep the for one off for the sun.
The only drawback I can see is if you want more sun in for the warmth. Don't know where you are so its hard to judge. Here in Florida we need the shade.

 

[rosbertos]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

Central PA...Should mention that we have a 2 year old who loved the boat last year and will be out with us all the time this year. My thinking is that you can retract the top for warmth, but you can't magically add length to a top if you want more shade.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

Yes you can roll up the top if it is made for it. With a little one the shade might be a good thing.

 

[calvinator]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

Here is a pic of mine with full bimini. My whole pontoon is covered sans the front 3 ft.



Everyone enjoys being covered and not roasted in the sun.

A portion of the top is zippered, so I can open that up and get some more sun if needed.

Haven't noticed any more sail effect unless I have the side curtains down.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

You cant have to much shade.

 

[Capt Sully]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

Chances are you wont want the Bimini up all the time, so you may want to see where it will fold down on the boat. It could be in the way of things ?

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Long bimini on a short pontoon

I have the standard top on my 24 fter so I drilled a hole in the center of my front round table and when we need the extra shade I put in my extra large beach umbrella in it. That give me lot of shade.