bimini top

[boater56]

I'm looking at installing a bimini top. The top that came with the boat snaps directly to the windshield and seems too low and too short in length to keep all the passengers out of the sun. The top I'm interested in is higher and longer (it's 6.2 feet tall, 8 feet long and doesn't snap to the windshield.) The poles are offered in heavy duty aluminum or stainless steel. Are the stainless steel poles worth the extra cost? Is the extra weight of the stainless steel poles a consideration?. The fittings would be stainless either way. The boat is a 21 foot cuddy cabin.<br />- Thanks

 

[RC]

Re: bimini top

When I ordered my bimini I got it with the heavy duty aluminum poles and have had no problems whatsover. From what you are describing though yours is quite high and nearly twice as long as mine. You may want to go with the stainless steel for better support.

 

[boater56]

Re: bimini top

DeltaR<br />Thanks for the reply. Not sure if I'm getting the right height. I'm 5'10" so I figured 6'2" from floor to ceiling would give me and taller passengers a little room. The installer said they usually leave around 6 foot from floor to ceiling. Does this sound about right?

 

[RC]

Re: bimini top

Well, I'm only 5'9 and I have to duck a bit to walk thru. I just don't like the look of the ones that are taller. Personal preference. I think mine is also only 5' long so you got another 3' there. Again depends on how much shade you want. My boat is an open bow and I wanted to be sure there was plenty of sun up front and at the rear seats.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: bimini top

Mine are aluminum poles....I can run 35 mph all day long with the top up absolutely no problem. Height is a function of what you want from a personal choice. I got mine tall enough that nobody has to ever duck (I'm 6 foot 1). It's convenient and functional. The downsides of a taller bimini include 1.) less shade when the sun is lower in the sky morning and afternoon, and 2.) some people don't like the looks.<br /><br />Keep in mind that if you happen to buy one that's too tall, it's real easy to cut a foot or so off the poles to shorten it...especially aluminum. However it's much more difficult to make it taller if you buy it too short.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: bimini top

Mine has aluminum poles also, I run 45-50 frequently with the top up. Never had a problem.

 

[Solittle]

Re: bimini top

Boater56 - Many Bimini tops are attached to the gunnels at a fixed point. When you want to take it down they get in the way. Look for Bimini that has a slider mount. When down mine slides all the way back and out of the way.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: bimini top

SoLittle raises a good point. There's several alternatives to this, depending on the size of the boat. Slide rails work well, but a fixed mount can be fine also as long as you either a.) have support struts to keep it up out of the way when folded, or b.) have a bimini that is tall enough, and is mounted in the correct position, so that when folded back it rests neatly on the rear platform of the boat. Your boat will dictate the best setup. Definitely an important consideration, though.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: bimini top

Strength is not an issue either way, but if you're going to boat in the salt, go with the stainless.

 

[jddenham]

Re: bimini top

I got the tall kind that doesn't attach to the windshield.

If I could redo it, I would get the kind that snaps to the windshield, but with a taller frame.

 

[Mark42]

Re: bimini top

FYI - Bimini tops that snap to the windshield are called Navy tops.

 

[mike176]

Re: bimini top

I liked havin the top that snaps to the windshield when i had a DC boat, it had the feel of a cotpit and kept the sun compleatly off. I now have a CC so i have to go with the tall one, but its better then nothing. I don't bother with even bringing it when i go fishing because it just gets in the way then.

 

[greg_upnorth]

Re: bimini top

FYI - Bimini tops that snap to the windshield are called Navy tops.

I am glad you posted that, saved me the trouble of asking if my boat top is technically something other than a bimini! Seriously, i was thinking of starting a topic about a week back, asking if the canvas top pictured in my avatar was considered a bimini or something else....Navy Top, i kinda like the sound of that!

 

[tnewby6]

Re: bimini top

I have a 1977 glastron t 156 and I need a bimini top and a center windshield. does anyone know where I could find those.. or what size bimini top will work?? just the poles would be good to.