bimini top

[gostephen]

im looking to get a bimini top for my boat im but im not shure what material or lenth?

i want something that will last, that i can stand up under, the one that came with the boat is to low you cant stand up under it.

my boat is a 1989 18ft Celeberity Bowrider 181

 

[Ram58]

Re: bimini top

They have bimini tops right here on iboats. You can search by your boat model or by size if you know what you're looking for. The sites will walk you through the process. I like the Westland brand with Sunbrella material, but that's just my opinion.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bimini top

sunbrella, expensive, but you get what you pay for. mininum length to me is 6' i prefer 8'. you can order any height you want.

you measure from the mount point, to the height you want the top. that is the height of the top. http://www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-002.php

 

[mhlbnghm]

Re: bimini top

I also am looking at adding one of these to my Triton SF188. With the top up can the boat still be operated at some degree of speed - as in pulling tubes, skiers, etc?

Tks, JMB

 

[INJUN]

Re: bimini top

Speed should not be a problem if it is properly installed and sturdy.

 

[KurtG]

Re: bimini top

I got a good one from gmi top design; they have different fabric choices (colors) than i-boats. I also got the stainless hardware upgrade. The total was `$300 shipped for 6' 'linen tweed' sunbrella w/stainless upgrades and 2' stainless track.

 

[James P]

Re: bimini top

Sunbrella is what I have and it's top quality. On my boat I think the recommended max is 25 mph.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: bimini top

Around 2004 I bought a bimini that was made from sunbrella. It has performed well and it's still in great condition. Be sure you get a cover to go along with it.

As far as max speed, the only conditions that the manufacturer warned against was trailering the boat with the bimini up. I have been zipping along at 25-30 before into a pretty stiff head wind with no problem. Just take your time and do a good job on the installation.

 

[bekosh]

Re: bimini top

I asked about max speed when I got mine done and was told to keep it under about 40mph. So keep it slow and you'll be fine.

 

[Nandy]

Re: bimini top

Sunbrella is the way to go... Otherwise you will be shopping for a bimini soon again. The size depends on what are you using the boat for. If you fish a lot a bimini larger than 5 feet might be restrictive to your casting. If it is for family protection then probably as large as you can afford it. Keep in mind that the larger the top the more air it will trap so you will be affected by wind more than other boats. Be prepared for a little of noise to be added to the boating experience. Mine makes a bit of noise when the straps hit the tubing. I also have the tubing that makes the bimini stand, this eliminates the straps that goes towards the transom so the bimini is up ready to get off the boot and strap to the front. Mine is 6 feet long... Sometimes I wish it were longer but most of the time seems appropriate. This is in the cobia in the signature..

 

[BLDFW]

Re: bimini top

I put an 8' sumbrella bimini on my '86 Bayliner 6+ years ago ordering it right after the first day on the lake without it. There was no where to get out of the sun unless I went down in the cabin and who wants to do that!?? Anyway, it looked as good 6+ years later as the day I put it on so I was really pleased with it.

I'm about to order another one for my '70 Evinrude Explorer that I'm restoring. I'm going to include a 4' slide strip on each side so I can move it forward to cover the helm or move it back to cover the rear seats giving it a lovely retro chauffered look. I'd considering going to 10' but that might be a bit extreme.