To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

[harpjames35]

Hi boaters. I am a new boater and need some advice from you all. I have an old fishing boat (pics of it can be seen here: www.pre-wire.com/boat.html ). I am considering putting a bimini top on it to fight the sun, but am not sure if it will go with the boat or if it will look horrible. Also I want to know if it will make it difficult to fish on it. Pretend that this is your boat (sorry , I know its not too pretty, but you only have to pretend for a moment), would you put a bimini top on it, and do you think it would look ok? Thanks for everyones opinion. You all were the first people I wanted to ask.

 

[Dan Beisel]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

i think it's a cool lookin' boat! i don't know anything about bimini tops but i would think it would be ok as long as you don't have to cast overhead. but what do i know, i fish out of an old ski boat! what does the cat think?

 

[DJ]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Absolutely, go for it.

 

[harpjames35]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

The cat is a stranger to me, lol. Those pics were the ones that the old owner posted before I bought the boat. I have since gotten a new trailer and new motor, and cleaned up the boat a LITTLE. As for the old ski boat, hey man, fish outta whatever you can, as long as your fishing.

 

[Dan Beisel]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

amen to that, go for the top!

 

[jimchere]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

My setup is pretty similar to yours and I have a bimini. I love it and I hate it (the top). When its a sunny hot day and I'm bottom fishing for fluke/flounder or whatever, its great. But, when the birds are flying and the water's churning with blues and its time to haul butt and do some spin casting with plugs, it gets in the way and I wish it weren't there.

 

[poolshark38759]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

have looked at the folding ones in like cabela's or bass pro?? they might do what you want!!!<br /><br />i am considering one for my jon boat..

 

[mls2002]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

I've fished for many years. None of the other boats had a bimini until my current one. I wouldn't leave home without it. At first I thought it was only used in the rain, but what a difference when the sun is beating down. It is a little harder to keep on course when the wind is blowing. At least with an electric trolling motor.<br />Not too noticable when running the outboard. If I ever get a different boat I will also get another bimini.

 

[harpjames35]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

mls:<br />how difficult is it to fish and cast with it hanging above your head (if you fish from it)?

 

[beckerdg]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Lot's of folks don't like bimini tops because they don't look cool. I know I feel a lot cooler under mine. My top is positioned on the front half of my boat over the seats and the back half I leave open so no issue with fishing. I think I have a bit more room than you though. I have canvas for the back half too, but rarely use it.

 

[BillP]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Since it's a fishing boat I'd say no to a bimini...but since you are in Orlando (looks like Orange Park) and I know how hot it is here (I'm 40 miles east of you)I change to yes. <br /><br />Some things you can do to make it easier...Put sliding tracks for the bimini so you can move it fwd and aft. Place the tracks so you can fold the bimini down at the motorwell or up near the bow. Get the drift?

 

[harpjames35]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Thanks everyone for your sugestions. My main concerns were that it would look rediculous on an old fishing boat like that, and my 2nd was that it wouldnt be practical since all I use the boat for is fishing. I think that I am going to try to make it a while longer w/o it, and during that time I'll give it some more thought. I don't want to jump on it and spend 250-300 on a bimini and end up not liking it in the end. If I change my mind and go for it I'll let y'all know. Thanks again.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Harpjames, a previous post concerning my bimini, on a post for T-tops may interest you.<br />

I have changed my mind for now. I have a bimini top, but when you are fishing in the sun, you want some shade, but the bimini is always in the way, and makes it hard to set the hook. My buddy has got a couple patio table umberellas (which he says are cheap, easy to use, and really work well, and can be mounted where they do not interfere with hook setting), and mounted pieces of PVC pipe around on his personal craft to set the umberellas in. He says they are not in the way, you can put them where you want them, and they are easy and fast to set up and take down. With his T-top on the company (city) boat a large boston whaler police boat, he says you are very seldom in the shade while on the lake (only when the sun is directly overhead). He much prefers his umberellas he uses on his personal boat to the T-top on the company,(city) boat (he is the Super at the power plant on our lake, and is the person who is in charge of the lake, which the lake and power plant is owned by the city of Abbeville, SC, and we the property owners own our lake front property around the lake (the city has sold off the lakefront lots). So I think I will experiment with the umberella idea, maybe just getting one to start with, and install a few pieces of PVC around the boat to stick the umberella pole in. I can still use the bimini when pleasure cruising, and the brellas for fishing. <br />

As I say I will keep my bimini (folded down when not in use), but use the umberellas for fishing.

 

[harpjames35]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

hey lakeman, would you or your buddy happen to have any pics so I can see the idea and finished product? Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Link]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Im setting mine up like BillP said on slides.<br />Lost track on the paint for the floor how did that<br />turn out?<br /><br />Link

 

[harpjames35]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Hey Link, the floor idea is on hold for the moment. I am the most unstable decision maker ever. I kept on second guessing myself and talking myself out of it. Then I thought about it and my floor is old. So what happens if I put down that Herculiner and then the floor gets soft? That Herculiner is perminent. And on top of that, I might not even be able to see that the floor is bad when it goes. I dont know man. I am just crazy, I can't make up my mind. If I end up painting or Herculining, I'll post pics and tell you what I decided and how it went. Do you think I'm crazy for keeping on changing my mind?

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

Have no pictures, You just have to look around your boat, and use a little inginuety, with PVC pile that the umbie handle will go down inside. Mine will be rough finding places to mount the PVC, as I only have one seat in the boat. May have to mount some fishing seats in the open area, then just bolt a piece of PVC to the back of the seat.

 

[Link]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

harpjames35 <br />Don't think your crazy at all! To change one's<br />mind means your not brain dead! To go with the <br />spatter / zolatone paint would be easier to see<br />problems. Also even though a lot of people on<br />this forum like the bed liner stuff I find it <br />very hard to clean. <br />Keep the cat if you can... there is always room<br />for one more cat! But then again we also like<br />mice... go figure! <br /><br />Link

 

[mls2002]

Re: To bimini, or not to bimini, that is the question

harp,<br />I have a Grumman 16'6" V bottom with side console. When casting I'll fish from the bow deck or rear of boat. The bimini doesn't extend that far. When trolling I have rod holders setup for easy access.