Good sun coverage is critical on the open water.
Bimini tops are among the most common kinds of shade coverage on modern watercraft. They are available in a variety of different shapes and types, each designed to suit the needs of yachts, sailboats, ski boats, and pontoon craft.
When shopping for a custom-made top to complement your new boat, there are important things to keep in mind. The make, model, and year of your boat will play a critical role in selecting the bimini top that fits properly, so bring this information with you when it’s time to go shopping.
Material is among the most important considerations you’ll have to make when shopping. Much of the difference between a custom bimini top and an off-the-shelf model you find somewhere comes down to material as much as construction. In order to prevent wear and tear, you need a breathable material that won’t shrink, tear, or stretch, and will be UV, water, mold, and mildew resistant. Miss one factor and you cut down the life of your new bimini top considerably. In other words, no common canvas will do.
Measuring your boat helps ensure that your exact specifications are met. Bimini tops can come designed with two, three, or even four bows. To get the right fit, start by measuring the area of your boat, including length, width, and height of the areas you’ll need the Bimini to cover. Remember: the most important measurement will be the width between the mounting points, not the full width of your boat.
Also, be sure to look for a bimini top that will support a high speed of travel when it’s open to prevent your top from tearing or even collapsing when you accelerate to cruising speed.
For more insights into buying custom bimini tops, check out this blog post on the subject: