Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

[Teutonics]

Hey gang,<br /><br />I did a search and couldn't come up with a recommended fabric for a bimini top.... which is best? BoatUS recommends sharkskin, which was surprising because it is cheaper. I'm not sure if the benefits of sunbrella (breathable) are advantages over sharkskin (waterproof, doesn't stretch, less expensive) for a bimini?<br /><br />Which one would you choose and why?

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

Another brand to look at is Top Gun. I've had that material on my boat top for around 10 years and it has held up very well.

 

[Teutonics]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

I did see the Top Gun, and it is a polyester like the sharkskin. I even found it clearanced... even better! Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

I like sunbrella - very durable.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

Just had a tunea made from sharkskin, to replace sunbrella. Sharkskin does'nt breath as well as sunbrella , and the colour fades fast but it is much more durable. Perfect for a bimini top.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

A fact is that Sunbrella is the BEST.No doubt about it.Not the cheapest but the best.Resistant to all elements and superior chemical resistance.You can actually use bleach on it if you had to.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

Whatever you do, don't do as I did on the frame. I wanted a bimini on a bass boat. figured it'd get plenty of rough treatment so I went with stainless steel. <br /><br />Wrong thing to do. It was so heavy that it discouraged it's use. A good quality marine treated) aluminum should do just fine.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

Whatever you do, don't do as I did on the frame. I wanted a bimini on a bass boat. figured it'd get plenty of rough treatment so I went with stainless steel. <br /><br />Wrong thing to do. It was so heavy that it discouraged it's use. A good quality marine treated) aluminum should do just fine.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

Top gun is made by sunbrella, I have all my covers made up of top gun,8 years and still look's great and very durable has not shrunk or faded

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

For a Bimini, my vote is Sharkskin. <br /><br />1. "Breathability" for a bimini is a useless feature, so who cares? <br />2. It's the lightest weight fabric out there which makes it easier to handle, and should put less stress on the attaching points during high winds/high speed use, etc. <br />3. It has the same 5 year warranty as Sunbrella. <br />4. My bimini is dark navy Sharkskin and I'd buy it again in a hearbeat, after 3 years of heavy high speed use it still looks brand new with zero fade or wear.<br />5. Apparently it's a bit cheaper to buy.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Sharkskin or Sunbrella for bimini top?

Just thought I would add in case you didn't realize it....you can buy bimini's right here on I-boats, and they offer to send you free fabric swatches anytime to help you choose material and color. Their prices and service are consistently good also. Click on the link at the top of this very page on 'biminis'