Bimini top size recommendation for our 1993 142 ProMag?

[Up ta Par]

Just got my first boat(!!!): a like-new 1993 Smoker Craft 142 Pro Mag and need to know what size bimini to get so my wife + lab can get some shade. I am concerned about some things:
-Since I am 6'1", I want to be able to walk easily under it: What height size should I get?
-When the bimini is folded back is it a maddening obstacle when I have to get to the motor, gas can, battery area? (Should I get a support brace to prop it up? Or do the weak nylon fasteners make that purchase worthless, as I have read from brace users online at sales sites?)
-Does the color affect the heat beneath it? Thinking about either Royal blue, dark green, navy (but can't find it) or gray. Does the sharkskin fabric look good, hold up well?
-Is this a installation job I can do by myself? (ie: How difficult is it?) They charge way too much at the marina to have them do it.
I am boating/fishing on inland Michigan lakes, FYI.
THANKS!

 

[Up ta Par]

Re: Bimini top size recommendation for our 1993 142 ProMag?

In answer to our saga of finding the right bimini top for our 14' Smoker Craft fishing boat, we finally decided on buying one online from Overton's, after buying and returning one from Cabela's store, which was way too wide even though it supposedly was the correct size. The one we ended up with is great! 46" height is perfect, as one sits way more than stands when fishing. The width was 67" to 72" and that was just the right size, too.
Installation was easy, but we did have to run out and buy shorter screws so they wouldn't be a potential scratch injury problem if we were to have to grab under the boat rim for some reason. It holds up well in wind and is easy to put up and take down. We made sure when installing that it folded down in a location just behind the rear swivel seat, and in front of the gas/battery area, so getting to those things is no problem.
The wife and lab now are satisfied in spending more time out on the sunny days fishing! Little adjustment in casting for us with the straps in the way a bit, but that doesn't bother us at all, and the fish don't know the difference!

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Bimini top size recommendation for our 1993 142 ProMag?

...We, too, procurred our top from Overton's. We're in out third season with it and cannot think of boating without it.
Just a couple of suggestions. Put a twist or two in your straps to keep them from vibrating in the wind (and as a final tension adjustment). We found that the rear clips can be mounted so that the straps are near to vertical......lots more casting room!!