What Bimini is right for my size and shape

[Ilyae]

I am new here, but I referenced this forum many times in the past. i look forward to contribute in the future also.

I just got my first boat - 1995 Maxum 2100SR bowrider. It has low hours and in great condition. I am excited to take it out in spring, and for now I am shopping for accessories.

One item I believe I will need is a Bimini to keep us in shade in the hot California sun.

My searches revealed suggested 4 ft and 6 ft long Biminis for this boat, but I feel I need more coverage and want to go for 8 ft long roof.

My searches suggest 36 to 42 inch high Biminis for this boat, but I feel that there will be not enough headroom. I am 6 feet tall. So I plan to buy one 54 inch high.

I narrowed down myself to "New Pontoon BIMINI TOP BOAT COVER 4 BOW 54" H 79" - 84" W GRAY 8 FOOT LONG" currently listed on eBay.

Questions for owners of this or similar boats: what size do I want for this boat? is my reasoning accurate? what else should I consider in my selection?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

You should check your measurements . . . a 54" height sounds way to high. I also think with a boat of that size, 6 feet of bimini will be fine. Often longer coverage is done with a second bimini mounted at the stern.

So, measure twice, buy once.

 

[Grandad]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

I agree with tpenfield, 54" may be too high, but I don't know your gunwale height. The higher it is, the less shade it will provide. In my opinion, many biminis are way too high, too short, and sometimes too narrow to give adequate shade. They're not very sleek looking either if too high. - Grandad

 

[MJG24]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

You have to just get in your boat and do the measurements. Both for height and width/coverage. Many sites have the proper way to measure, but you sill need to get in your boat and go by where exactly you will be mounting it.

You don't want it too high, but you don't want to have to duck to fit under it. You won't always get optimun shade all day.

I have a 20 ft. boat and have a 42" high 6' top. Works very well. I didn't want shade for the whole boat. And I wanted to fit under it - I'm 6'2".

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

Congrats on your acquisition. Let's hope it's a quick winter so you can get on the water!

The easiest way to get your measurements is to take your height (72") and deduct the freeboard height of your gunwales (let's say it's 24"). 72 - 24 = 48...you want a top that is at least 48" or you'll be ducking under all the time...big hassle. Good Luck

 

[Solittle]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

Your best bet is to take the boat to a custom shop and have one made to fit your boat exactly.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

I am new here, but I referenced this forum many times in the past. i look forward to contribute in the future also.

I just got my first boat - 1995 Maxum 2100SR bowrider. It has low hours and in great condition. I am excited to take it out in spring, and for now I am shopping for accessories.

One item I believe I will need is a Bimini to keep us in shade in the hot California sun.

My searches revealed suggested 4 ft and 6 ft long Biminis for this boat, but I feel I need more coverage and want to go for 8 ft long roof.

My searches suggest 36 to 42 inch high Biminis for this boat, but I feel that there will be not enough headroom. I am 6 feet tall. So I plan to buy one 54 inch high.

I narrowed down myself to "New Pontoon BIMINI TOP BOAT COVER 4 BOW 54" H 79" - 84" W GRAY 8 FOOT LONG" currently listed on eBay.

Questions for owners of this or similar boats: what size do I want for this boat? is my reasoning accurate? what else should I consider in my selection?

Thanks in advance.

Width: 79" - 84" Max. Length: 72" Height: 36" - 36"

Ordered that for a 19' boat 8' beam . Mounted the supports on the outside of the boat...so length and width cover's the entire cockpit..It does not look like a bimini (little canopy) but it looks perfect to me and the wife&kids... Im 5' 11" and its a tad short but i have never thought about it being taller. Do a mock up and look at the boats profile. I have about 18" between the winsheild and the leading edge of the bimini.

When i see traditional bimini's they look odd..big old boat and bandaid top. It really is nice for everyone having that top cover the cockpit for everyone on a hotday..no one ever complain's.

Looked at this mourning its actually a bimini that could be called a canopy..

 

[Ilyae]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

Thanks to everyone for contributing to this question.

I got into the boat and did some measurements, with some rough eyeballing.

Height. Originally planned 54'' was way too high, many inches over my head. It seemed too high from side view and would cause less shade in afternoon hours. 36'' was obviously too short as I would have to duck all the time. I prefer a comfortable walk-through path even if I have to sacrifice some visual or optimal shade. 46'' seemed like near or a couple inches over my head, so that being the only available choice, I settled with that.

Length. If I were to use existing mounting center hooks, 8' would extend to 1/2 foot over windshield, and to about end of tanning cushion on the back, not covering a small swim platform. 8' seemed perfect full cover for me. But since I could not find 8' l at 46 h at affordable price, I went with the only remaining option 6' length.

I ended up ordering "3 BOW BOAT BIMINI Top COVER 46? H x 79? - 84? W BEIGE". This boat accepts 85-90 W per other websites, so I am hoping 84 will be sufficient with a little push. Mounting center hooks are inside of the side glass windows, so I have to go with narrower option to clear the glass from inside. When it arrives in a week, I will try it and update this post.

 

[babbot]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

I went through this difficult decision the beginning of the season. I have a 17' and ordered a 46" x 72" here on iBoats. It is a little high but they can be cut down a little so higher is better than to short. As long as possible in my opinion. All bimini's look terrible when they are up so mine as well be useful.
It was THE best option I ever put on a boat. The first thing the kids say when we go out is put up the cover. Makes a long day much more enjoyable to get out of the hot sun especially in no wake zones where there is no wind.

 

[bstone81]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

May be too late with this. But iboats has some "how to's" on their site for measuring your boat for a bimini top. You can find it here: Bimini Tops and you can find additional information here: How to Measure for a standard bimini top

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

I love having the top on the boat, Nice being able to get out of the sun for the family. Boat does not look as "cool" but it sure does what it is designed to do.

LK

 

[Ilyae]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

Alwhite00. I like the front-to-back coverage. I wanted something like this.

A quick update: Bimini arrived, and I tried it (without installing it yet). Height 46 is a little too high, I have about 4 inches over my head. But that is acceptable, and can be cut down if needed. Width is side to side, so pretty good. I would have wanted more side coverage - mine extends about 3-4 inches over the rounded frame. Length is 72. Front aligns with the windshield glass vertically, but the back stretches to about 2/3 of the boat, less than what I wanted. Considering this manufacturer has only 6 ft longest in this height, and 8 ft would be much higher (pontoon), I decided to stick with this configuration.

Next: install it, decide which way I want supporting tubes to be when it is packed, and pictures to share. May not happen for a few weeks due to rains.

Thanks for advice everyone.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

every time I see this thread title I read it as "bikini"

A couple of thoughts on strategy (I have a bimini for the summer on my 21' center console, and love it)

As noted, the higher it is, the less shade and goofier it looks. And if it's too big that's a problem too.

Depending on your level of activity, a little ducking isn't so bad. For me, fishing, I'm running all around so I want it high enough. But I'm, not that tall. If you are mostly sitting around, lower is OK.

You can't realistically cover the whole boat and don't want to. At anchor, you can extend it by hanging something (from towels to fabric to matching sunbrella) from the ends and sides (see "bimini clips") and they make flop-over extensions. You don't need these when you are running, since the breeze cools you.

Think about how it stows. I fold mine up into the cover and leave it up like an arch, right above the windshield. If you lay it down, you want it to sit just behind the rear of the "cockpit" so it doesn't take up any room.

I don't use it all the time or leave it up for long runs, or put it up on cool days or short trips. I take it off in the winter because it does interfere with fishing. Others may find they leave them up all the time. I'd rather not have a great big one if I left it up a lot, but it would be OK at anchor.

I've seen people rig two of them which provides a lot of shade as well as many options.

 

[V153]

Re: What Bimini is right for my size and shape

Reckon I just don't get it. Why people insist on buying some pos foreign made one size fits all top'n then have to modify it to almost fit. (Kinda a sore spot with me since I run a canvas & cushion shop.)

When I build a bimini top, or any other product, I work closely with the buyer to determine what his/her specifications are. My bows/frames are bent by hand by me out of one solid piece of tubing. Not three screwed together leftovers. Top quality material & thread backed by a guarantee.

But no, folks would much rather "save" by throwing their money at China. Well go right ahead and see where we end up. In the meantime please stop bringing your garbage into my shop expecting me to make it work.

Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.