Bimini sizing question

[JASinIL2006]

Hi all, I've read about a hundred old threads on bimini tops, and I'm still trying to get a handle on them. I have an 18'6" bowrider to which I'd like to add a bimini top. I've learned that the online 'sizers' (that ask for your boat type and then tell you what size top to order) are not always accurate, and I've learned that generally, folks regret getting biminis that are to short rather than too long, so longer is preferable.

I'm leaning toward an 8' top that allows me to stand up underneath (I'm 6'3"). My question has to do with determining the width, and with figuring out where to mount the bimini.

My choices, it seems, are mounting the main support brackets on the windshield frame or on the gunwhales, either inside the wind screen or outside. (If I mount it on the gunwhale inside the screen, I'd have to be careful not to get a top that was too wide, lest the support poles hit windscreen.)

I am not clear on what the advantages/disadvantages are re: mounting the top on the windscreen frame vs. on the gunwhales. I've seen lots of pictures where the top is mounted to the windscreen, but every online 'sizer' for my boat give me a width that would seem to suggest the brackets should be mounted on the gunwhales outside the windscreen.

Can anyone help me make some sense of this? I think I'd probably lean toward mounting on the outer gunwhales rather than the windscreen, but I don't know if that might cause problems I'm not thinking of...

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Jim

 

[sutor623]

Re: Bimini sizing question

Im pretty sure they sell good ones right here at Iboats.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Bimini sizing question

Right, I planned to look at iBoats as a possible source, but my question had to do with sizing...

 

[MikePNJ]

Re: Bimini sizing question

The mounting location will make a difference for your cover. Will you be able to remove it and store it away on the boat? Lay it back and see where it rests when not in use? Lay it forward over the windshield? It all depends on how big you go and what will work with your specific boat.

I keep mine laying flat down when I'm not on the boat and it's covered. When I get in I can mount it upright and not have to have it open if I don't want to. I can't leave it down and have people sitting on the rear seats in it's down location.

That would be something you may want to consider. Taking it apart is a PIA and it doesn't travel well. You will want to leave it assembled. Some boats I've seen have a storage spot for the bimini top.

Mike

 

[sutor623]

Re: Bimini sizing question

I just picked the make and model boat I had off Iboats, and it directs you to color. Mine fits great!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Bimini sizing question

The mounting location will make a difference for your cover. Will you be able to remove it and store it away on the boat? Lay it back and see where it rests when not in use? Lay it forward over the windshield? It all depends on how big you go and what will work with your specific boat.

I keep mine laying flat down when I'm not on the boat and it's covered. When I get in I can mount it upright and not have to have it open if I don't want to. I can't leave it down and have people sitting on the rear seats in it's down location.

That would be something you may want to consider. Taking it apart is a PIA and it doesn't travel well. You will want to leave it assembled. Some boats I've seen have a storage spot for the bimini top.

Mike

Thanks, Mike, that's helpful. I hadn't thought about how it would fit with the cover. I use a snap-on cockpit cover, and unless I want to be taking the bimini apart all the time, I better give some thought to how it might fit under the cover, or outside the cover. I sort of like the idea of installing it so the mooring cover could fit under the stowed bimini...

I also will look at where it might fit when it's closed and people are in the boat. I've seen lots of pictures of the closed bimini in a boot, in the upright position. Is if fairly stable that way?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bimini sizing question

I also will look at where it might fit when it's closed and people are in the boat. I've seen lots of pictures of the closed Bimini in a boot, in the upright position. Is if fairly stable that way?

A standard Bimini comes with 4 straps.
Remove the front 2 and it falls flat to the rear.
Replace the rear 2 with rigid supports an it will remain standing with the boot on.
Up and in the boot will usually take highway speeds, but I would drop it if on the road and not on the water.
Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to fold it up at speeds above 25 mph.
Some are rated as high as 45 mph.
When you mount it, favor positioning the Front lower than the rear or you will have an airfoil or a parachute instead of a spoiler.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Bimini sizing question

Lowering the front is a matter of shortening the front straps and lengthening the rear straps, yes?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Bimini sizing question

Mine is the stock model that mounts to the windshield frame and I like how much cleaner it looks as compared to some of the models my friends have where it mounts to the gunwhales, mine also comes apart in three sections and then stows away in the engine compartment which is nice only problem is that it takes a few extra moments to put it up and replacing the back straps with a solid piece is not likely but it really doesn't bother me. I had thought that having a somewhat narrower model that mounts on the windshield frame would be an issue but I can't say that I notice a difference. I am also a bit taller at 6'1" and I love the ability to walk under mine without ducking. Mine is also about 6' long and provides plenty of shade. I have a hard time drilling into the fiberglass, sure its easy but oof....