A Bimini Top is a boat cover that provides shade on the water. The name comes from the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, where people used to use palm leaves for this purpose.
Boat-Shade’s bimini tops are made of quality fabric, with stainless steel or aluminium frame construction, with marine-grade, and in this article, we will discuss how you can choose the best option.
How to choose the right Bimini top - step by step guide
Choosing the right Bimini top can be a difficult task for some, especially if you are new to boating.
There is a lot of science involved in choosing the right bimini top, and with a little patience, it can be a relatively easy process.
Here are the steps involved the best of ways
Why you need a Bimini top?
Generally, boats are fitted with Bimini Tops for protection from the sun and rain. It also provides shelter while you are onboard your boat. So now, it is clear that why actually you need the Bimini Top.
What type of boat do you have?
This is the very first question that you need to ask yourself. Not all boats are the same, and similarly, not all Bimini Tops are the same either.
Generally, there are two types of the boat fitted with Bimini Tops:
Speedboats
Cruisers
Both of them look similar, but there are many differences between them. If you have a cruiser, then it will be difficult to lift the bimini top when in port. On the other hand, if you have a speedboat, then it can be easily lifted with just your hands because of its lightweight.
Measure Bimini Dimensios
You must measure the width of your boat deck; this will help you choose the right bimini top for your boat. You also need to measure the length of your Bimini Top so that it can cover you completely while swimming or fishing on your boat.
Choosing the right size is very important; if you do not choose the correct size for your Bimini Top, then it will be useless to have a bimini top. If you choose a bigger size of your Bimini Top, then there are chances that your boat might look odd, and people might feel uncomfortable with it.
Select the Bimini top frame
There are four types of a frame made for Bimini Tops:
Aluminum Frame, Stainless Steel Frame, PVC Edge and Rubber Edge
Each type of frame has its own benefits and cons, depending on which one you can buy or order. It is important to select the right material for your bimini top because if you select a cheap material for your bimini top, then it may start rusting or breaking down in some months.
Stainless Steel Frame
Made of stainless steel, which will give you the advantage of not having to worry about any rusting. But this frame is very heavy, and there are chances that it might bend or break if it is hit very hard.
Aluminum Frame
This frame is similar to the stainless steel frame but does not rust, bend or break as easily. This frame also has a low price tag as compared to the stainless steel frame and can be bought from your local marine store or online stores.
PVC Edge
In this frame, a rubber edge is used along with a PVC pipe in order to give your bimini top a firm hold. This type of material is very light in weight, and this makes it easy for you to lift when you need to go out fishing or to swim from the boat.
Rubber Edge
In this type of frame, a rubber edge is attached along with a PVC pipe, and in this, the fabric of your Bimini Top can be fixed into that material very easily. This type of frame is mainly used when you want to do some repairs on your bimini top or when you need to add accessories such as cup holders, tabletops etc.
Select the fabric of Bimini top
There are various options available for fabric; you can choose between:
Sunbrella, Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon
Each of these fabrics has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the right material as per your needs because if you choose the wrong fabric type, it will be difficult for you to fix or handle.
Sunbrella Fabric
If you are selecting this fabric, then know that it comes with a high price tag, but it will not disappoint you in terms of its longevity and strength. This material is specially made for harsh weather conditions.
Acrylic Fabric
This material is very light in weight, so if you are planning to buy a frame that is very heavy, then acrylic fabric will be the best option for you because of its low weight. This material is also cheap as compared to other fabrics such as Sunbrella and polyester.
Polyester Fabric
This material has a little bit of everything; it has durability, is lightweight and comes at an affordable price. This fabric will be the best option for you if you are planning to use your bimini top in any weather condition because this material can handle all types of weather conditions.
Nylon Fabric
This type of fabric is used mainly in boats that need flexibility and durability at the same time, such as RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) and inflatable boats. This fabric is also very durable and long-lasting and has a soft and lightweight feel to it.
Choose if you want a storage boot
It is also important to choose the right storage boot or mesh boot for your Bimini Top. If you are planning to store your things in a storage boot, then you will need one which has enough space and, at the same time, is durable.
How to choose the right Bimini top: conclusion
By now, you must have understood how important it is for you to choose the right product as per your needs and requirements. So, if you want to buy the best bimini tops from an online store or from a local marine store, then visit the most trusted store online or around you.