Sharkskin or vinyl Bimini top? Which is better?

[WhereBob]

I'm looking at getting a new bimini top for my boat. Which is better for shade and rain factors?

I know vinyl(20 oz. marine acrylic) casts total shade (can't see the sun through it) and repels water/rain well but how well does the sharkskin material(6.5 oz. marine polyester) do in this areas? Big difference in thickness.

Thanks

 

[bhammer]

Re: Sharkskin or vinyl Bimini top? Which is better?

I have sharskin for my boat cover and you can't see through it and does not leak one bit. I think it will last longer than vinyl as well.

 

[Ram58]

Re: Sharkskin or vinyl Bimini top? Which is better?

Both will repel water good. Sharkskin should outlast the vinyl. I have Sunbrella which also repels water, has total shade and is supposed to outlast the other two.

 

[WhereBob]

Re: Sharkskin or vinyl Bimini top? Which is better?

Sounds like sharkskin will repel water. I am stilling wondering however if it provides full shade from the sun?
I would like to get the sharkskin but I need full sun protection for my son.

Thanks for the replies so far

Bob

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Sharkskin or vinyl Bimini top? Which is better?

I picked up a sharkskin cover from i-boats during a clearance sale...Im quite happy...and have followed up with a bimini...Great stuff the first year no fade no tears and no seams stretching.