Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

[Blue Crabber]

Well, as the title says, i am looking to buy a bimini top for my boat but have no experience with them.

I have it narrowed down to either Sunbrella or Sharkskin frabic. Anybody have a personal experience with either. What would you suggest? Thanks!

 

[KurtG]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

I suggest you look at "gmi top design" for their sunbrella tops.

 

[exsailor]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Night and day difference between the two materials. I wouldn't use anything but Sunbrella on my boat.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Three years of service with my bimini made from Sunbrella with no problems. Still looks good.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Sunbrella is superb!! quality

 

[Expidia]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Sunbrella for Bimini's and enclosures.

Top Gun for custom made trailerable covers, because it does not stretch as much as Sunbrella and has a better feel to it. Probably easier to clean too.

The one thing I'm not crazy about with Sunbrella though with my bim. and enclosure is being it's burgundy in color it gets white marks and streaks on it. It's OK to clean with a brush and mild soap but I'd prefer it didn't mark up at all. I guess it's just the nature of the beast

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Go with the best...Sunbrella

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Sunbrella tonneau cover on our last boat still looked brand new after ten years in the elements all season every season. I expect the same from the one we just got made for the Scout. The Scout in fact has on it the bimini from the other boat and still looks new after six years hard use with the Sunbrella used there too. Looks new except til I did do somthing stupid and scrub it with Tide so I do have some bleached spots. Totally my fault though...

I've got no experience with the other stuff so I can't really comment. The fact that two suppliers in my area carry nothing but Sunbrella probably says something, though...

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Sunbrella for my bimini and moring cover.

 

[Ram58]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

I like the sunbrella over the other materials.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Thanks for the input everyone! Looks like Sunbrella is the majorities vote and the 2 that voted for Sharkskin didn't explain why, so...

Sunbrella it is!!

Thanks everyone. Hopefully order it this week!

 

[mike-the-cobra]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Just out of curiousity, what length are you ordering. I am ordering the Shademate (Westland) for mine this week (gray) and it is similar to your boat (180 Freedom). What brand are you ordering?

I am thinking of going with the 6'. 6' x36"(mount where the convertible top mounts) by 67-72".

Never had any trouble with the last boat mounting on the side glass.

 

[MRS]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

I did get the sharkskin have not had it long enough to really say much about it. But last weekend it rainned like crazy while we were out nine miles from the ramp ran about thirty mph. for the nine miles back top was fine dried out fast plus it did cost alot less than the same top in Sunrella.......

 

[MRS]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

Opps old post hope you enjoyed your top.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

My sunbrella bimini and snap covers are both original and 12 years old...some of the stitching has come loose but the material is still in A+ shape.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: Bimini Top - Sunbrella or Sharkskin ??

sunbrella--rocks