A bimini top is the open shade, which is generally installed over the cockpit in a boat. The frames are made from square or round metal tubing, which is designed to be folded down when it is not needed. Different from a ‘dodger’, which provides the captain with a full enclosure, the bimini is only a cover for warding off the sun’s powerful rays.
Credited by different sources as an invention of Rhode Island or the Bahamian island of Bimini, this cover is a practical solution for providing shade in hot and humid climates. The open sides allow air to flow through, keeping the captain cool, while a partial or full enclosure such as the ‘dodger’ would hold heat and be impractical.
Materials
Inexpensive bimini tops are constructed from cotton canvas, which is prone to leaking and fading. Over time, this material breaks down faster from the strength of the sun. Polyester acrylic blends are a better choice for durability and resistance to color fading. This material costs a premium, but will outlast the cotton canvas alternative.
Color choices for these sunshades are extensive. Besides neutral shades of beige, black, white, gray and ivory, boat owners can find brilliant hues or red, orange, purple, green, yellow and more. The color choice typically complements the color of the boat or trim.
Getting the Right Size
When ordering bimini tops for boats, be sure to have exact measurements on hand. The width must be precisely measured for it to fit. When choosing the height, decide whether it should be tall enough for people to stand under or just tall enough to sit under. The second configuration is seen in speed and ski boats where the captain is unlikely to stand while the boat is moving. If the vessel has a deck, a taller top is a sensible choice, while fishermen may prefer a medium height.
Determine how much and for what area the cover is needed. Measure the width along this portion. Once in place, many models come with deck hinges to allow mounting at various angles. Regardless of the size, these units are easy to install using simple mounting hardware, a power drill and screwdriver. Even though the installation process is simple, always follow manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the boat.
Types
A boat bimini top is easy to find for any type of vessel. Manufacturers make specific models for pontoons and ski boat towers, as well as simple ‘T’ type console or floor mount covers. A console model typically fits on and mounts to smaller consoles, but will install in any boat. The floor mount version fits larger consoles on larger vessels.
Although the type and size of bimini tops are based on the vessel and owner preference, there are some considerations when choosing. One of these is determining the height of the cover. Although many people dream of having a top tall enough to walk under, this is not always a practical decision.
For starters, in a 15 to 24 foot pleasure boat, the passengers are rarely standing. Some exceptions to this would be pontoon boats or fishing boats. A second reason to have a lower top is coverage. The higher the installation, the more difficult it is to cover the desired area. Wind is also a factor, as the wind resistance will be greater in a higher bimini.
Speed
Piloting the vessel with the top up requires conscious consideration of speed. When the speeds get high, having the bimini top up can change the way the boat handles. Make sure the anchors are mounted to a solid area, and never drive on the highway without folding the bimini down first. Taking care to purchase quality and install carefully will ensure the owner gets the longest life from their boat bimini top.
Boat Accessories