Bimini or T-Top

[DTL504]

I currently have a Bimini Top on my Proline 20 Sport, but was thinking about replacing the Bimini for a Custom T-Top on Ebay for 1850.00.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0456339571&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I could be wrong but it look like the T-Top has less protection from the sun/elements than a Bimini top. Would you consider this statement true for those who have made the change or have experience with both types.

What is the major advantage of buying the T-Top over my Bimini?

Here is a picture of my current Bimini:

http://s594.photobucket.com/albums/tt25/dtl504/Boat/?action=view&current=DSC01363.jpg

 

[ziggy]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

1st, i have neither a Bimini nor a t top, nor a cc. zero knowledge of your set up..

my observation is, shade, is shade. both offer this. the Bimini stops there though. looks like the t top has rod holders, a storage box, isinglass side panels coming down from the t top (this may be a winner as hiding from the elements can be a real plus), a place to hold on to to stabilize your self on the structure of the t top. i suppose the t top looks cooler too. other than that, shade is still shade... that's my observation w/o any knowledge what so ever on cc or Bimini's or t tops.. personally, i have a hard top and love it. being able to be out of the elements is worth it's weight in gold... good luck in your choice..

 

[Shamus O'toole]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

if you do any fishing at all go with the t-top. I love mine and would never have a cc with out one. I also have a 20 Sport so check out my siggy to see what yours will look like.

 

[joe009]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

after looking at your photo,you would get about the same protection with both.the advantage with the t -top is you have no poles in your way if you are fishing.if you want more protection ,you could get an extender for the t-top.on the t-top you could mount your gps,radio antennas,rod holders

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

For any serious fishing the T-top is the way to go, but remember to lower/remove fishing poles/radio antennae when going under bridges! I use a bimini top on my boat but we're more casual boaters and the support poles aren't in the way much and the sun/rain protection is wider/lower than T-top, so we're good with it. All depends on what you're doing!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

After changing to a T-top on my 21' CC, I found out it would no longer fit into the warehouse where I kept the boat! 10' high doors and a boat that was now 10' 3" tall!!

Other things to remember:

Now that the T-top is a permanent fixture of the boat, the stern/anchor light must be mounted up there. This actually was a benefit to me, as I hated to look behind me at night and lose my night vision from the lower gunwale light.

This gives a better location for the GPS antenna if you use one. Better signal all of the time.

The T-top offers better hand holds that the bimini supports, especially if you're running while standing.

Better storage areas. Between a weatherproof overhead console/box and zippered storage bag (called a "T-bag"..eewwww), this really frees up the under console storage area.

The boat will definitely look better with a T-top (personal opinion).

 

[Shamus O'toole]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

The boat will definitely look better with a T-top (personal opinion).

this is the most important part!!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

It appears your current bimini isn't much bigger than the T-top in the ad, so it's the convenience features of the T-top that would win me over.

And it looks cool!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bimini or T-Top

I have a bimini now and am considering a T top on a 21' cc. But I'm not sure yet.

A couple of thoughts:

I like the bimini, and often fold it up when running to reduce drag--it stands up like an arch, out of the way. This would also pertain to trailering.
I fish with it in the summer and it gets in the way; I love fishing in the winter when it's totally off the boat.
Neither works for fly fishing, so if you do that, stick with the bimini for cruising and remove it for fly fishing. T Tops can interfere with regular casting somewhat, too.
Bimini's tend to give more shade/rain protection b/c they are lower, and rounded down, but not by much. However you can hang curtains off a t top.
Neither gives much protection from rain without sides.
The higher the t-top, the less in the way, but also the less shade and cover.

A big old beach umbrella stuck in a rod holder is a wonderful thing. Very easy to get it out of the way for casting.

 

[Seon]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

I bought my T-Top from here: http://www.fishmaster.com/ for $1200 delivered. Great quality, great communication and lots and lots of testmonial. As for fitting in a garage or shop, it's designed to fold down for clearance.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

I went one step futher and went to a hardtop. Sold my last boat for no other reason than it was cheaper to sell and buy a boat with a hardtop than it was to have one installed.

Don't have to mess around putting the top up and down all the time. Everything is mounted on the top. Electroncis, anteenas, lights, rod holders, etc. Never own a boat w/o a fixed top again.

 

[MyViewGS]

Re: Bimini or T-Top

i've used both a bimini and a T-top and I think the best thing about both is SHADE !!! .... I do prefer the T-top for the benefits of the storage box and over head rod storage. Both do obviously have drawbacks too. I say its a personal preferance for what fits your needs best. As for me, when it gets hot and still on the water I cant get enough shade

MyViewGS