Bimini just going to be in the way?

[backyardhockey3]

We have an 18' bowrider with a doghouse. Usually 4 or 5 on board and we a big on the watersports. Decent size tube, waterskiis and a wakeboard. We already seem crowded and now I'm thinking about a bimini as I HATE the Sun. But will this just make the boat seem smaller? Will the rear poles/straps just be in the way when retreving skiis? And do I want poles or straps for support in the back?

Thanx.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

I have a 19 ft, I couldnt live with out it. I do not use the rear pole mount as my boat cover wouldnt fit without letting them down. I just use the 4 straps. IF I had a covered dock/place to park it I would prefer the rear poles to assist with shaking when it gets bumpy.We ski, wakeboard, tube etc without it being in the way.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

A bimini is never in the way if you want it. Have it built or installed ao that it lays down across the boat, just behind the dog house. That way, if you want to stow it, it's not hampering you if you have to gain engine access. The straps are not that big of a deal. You can release them if you're not moving for more area. In fact, they should only be about a foot away from the poles. A set of strut bars would be better for holding the top, but are a little more permanent. You can also install atrack system for the bimini so if you want to move it, just loosen up the thumb screws and slide it out of the way.

 

[Midnight Krawler]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

You don't need rear straps or poles.

http://www.geminicanvas.com/conversionkit.htm

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

My boat came with the bimini in the pic. It was always in my way so I took it off. I couldn't open the engine compartment without lifting it. And couldn't park it without lowering it. It is a huge one so maybe that's the problem. The thing is like 8' long. I see the smaller ones that roll up but stay vertical. That's the kind I want. Just have to get the cable company to move that low wire!!

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

I find the benefits of the shade you get to be well worth having to work around the straps a little bit when you retrieve skis ect.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

I'm not into watersports, but was probably more concerned than you about a bimini getting in the way of everything rigged up on my fishing boat. I didn't want to add a bimini, then be making the decision to take it off or leave it because it was such a pain to deal with. I mounted the bimini on sliders, on the gunwales outside egde. When it's laying down the bimini frame follows the gunwale above the rubrail, then crosses over at the very back of the transom. It doesn't obstruct anything unless it's in the trailering position, and even at that it's not a huge deal.

This isn't a stock off the shelf binimi as I added 2" of width to the frame (canvas still fits good) by cutting the tubes in half and splicing in an extension, then bent the legs in with a conduit bender to follow the contour of the hull. If I had not "customized" the top, I would probably had issues with it getting in the way...

(Nevermind the crooked mounting, I had the strap lengths all jacked up in this picture. It sits level when the straps are adjusted right.)

 

[V153]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

In the OPs case I would install a bimini that stacked on fwd stiff bars. Need to get it outa the way for a minute? No problem! Just release the rear straps'n flop the top fwd.

Sorta the opposite of this set up: But you wouldn't need anywhere near as much 'rake' in the straps.

Not that anyone should care but that top has been as fast as 57 mph without issue. It all boils down to being built and set up right.

I've built hundreds of bimini tops. Bent every frame, patterned each top, to the customers particular specs. If you want a product that does what you want it pays to hire a professional. But I digress

I'll tell ya what I sure wouldn't want to be without a bimini down here this time of year. To me working around the straps and stiff bars is a minor inconvenience.

 

[backyardhockey3]

Re: Bimini just going to be in the way?

Thanks for all the responses. I will definitely install something. July Sun = No Fun!