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Questions and answers about sports

What is the best Bimini top?

5 min read

Asked by: Michael Coste

What is better 3 bow or 4 bow Bimini?

The most commonly used bimini top is the 3 bow. This bimini top style is recommended for V-hull runabouts, ski boats, performance boats, and most center consoles. The largest bimini top carried by SavvyBoater is the 4 bow, which is reserved for larger boats, such as pontoons or deck boats.

How do I choose a bimini top?

Selecting a Bimini Top

  1. Determine what portion of your boat you want the top to cover. The tops come in 5′, 5’6″, 6′, 8′, 9′ and 10′ lengths.
  2. Determine where you want the top mounted. …
  3. Stand inside your boat and measure the distance in height from the mounting points to the height you desire.

What material is best for Bimini tops?

Vinyl. These are actually vinyl coated fabrics (usually polyester) such as Stamoid, and are the most popular choice because they are waterproof and will divert water to the sides of the top for runoff. They are non breathable but easy to clean and high quality ones can be very durable.

Are all Bimini tops the same?

The bimini frames come in 3 choices of height. Bear in mind that the overall height and inside clearance of the top will be dependent on your choice of mounting point. To determine final overall bimini height, measure from your mounting point to the deck and then add the height of the frame.

How fast can I go with my bimini top up?

How Fast Can I Go With a Bimini Top? With a 2, 3 or 4 bow bimini top the rated top speed is 40 knots (44 mph) fully opened, with a T-Top bimini the rated top speed in 17 knots (20 mph) fully opened.

Is a black bimini top hot?

Yes… Black Canvas is hot.

What height should a Bimini top be?

All tops are 8′ (96″) long and 56″ tall, and include all-metal hardware. Choose from 96″ or 103″ width. Other boats: Choose the dimensions of a top for your boat, decide on a fabric type and fabric color and determine if the top you choose includes a storage boot, and if not, if you want to order one separately.

How much does a Bimini top cost?

How Much Does a Bimini Top Cost? (3 Examples)

  • A bimini top will cost you between $1000 and $3000 for an average sailboat.
  • A hard top bimini will cost between $2000 and $6000 (twice as much).
  • A DIY bimini kit costs around $200 – $300.

How do you measure your boat for a Bimini top?


There is approximately 18 inches from the deck to the mounting. Point so another 54 inches would give you 72 inches or 6 foot clearance. So you need a 54 inch top.

Should I get a bimini top?

Bimini tops offer great overall protection from the elements without limiting you to a fully enclosed boat. They can be deployed in a snap when needed and can be folded down just as easily to resume open-air boating. Bimini boots can even be used during storage to keep the canopy itself protected and out of the way.

How do I buy a Bimini top for my boat?

If you need or want a custom Bimini top for your boat, you can either: 1) go to a local canvas shop (usually costs more and takes longer to make), or 2) find a trustworthy online retailer who specializes in boat covers and Bimini tops (we might know some folks).

Are Bimini tops collapsible?

CarverBimini Top (2-Bow Collapsible) – Round Tube – Premium 100% Solution Dyed Marine Acrylic. Collapsible Bimini Tops for Inflatable boats and small fishing boats made with premium 100% solution-dyed marine acrylic for the best protection.

Why is it called a Bimini top?

A bimini top is an open canvas structure that sits over the cockpit of the boat, supported by metal frames. The name bimini top originates from the island Bimini in the Bahamian Islands where they were originally created according to triangle marine center.

What does 4 bow Bimini top mean?

4 bow Bimini tops are the largest tops we offer. This style of Bimini is reserved for a larger boat such as a pontoon or deck boat. 4 bow Bimini tops from Carver are offered in heights of 36″, 48″, 54″ or 60″. Canvases on 4 bow Bimini tops will be either 8′, 9′, or 10′ in length.

Can you sail with Bimini up?

You often can sail with the Bimini top up, unless it interferes with the boom, has an open-ended front, or if it’s foldable. These Biminis are not set up well for sailing. Biminis that are supported by rigid struts and attach to the dodger can handle 50 knots of wind without problems.

How long do boat canopies last?

7-12 years

How long do boat covers last? Over time, even the best boat covers become susceptible to natural wear and tear. Because of this, 7-12 years is an average lifespan on any Canvas Craft cover.

Does Sunbrella fabric last?

Resists mold– Most Sunbrella fabrics are water resistant which means mold doesn’t stand a chance with Sunbrella fabric. Longevity– Sunbrella fabrics have a lifespan of 3-15 years depending on how well you take care of them.

How long does Sunbrella material last?

Sunbrella is meticulously crafted for a typical lifespan of up to 10 years, which is more than twice as long as most other outdoor fabrics from other manufacturers. This means it will keep your patio furniture sets looking brilliant long past the typical expiration date of most consumer-grade fabrics.