sailboat bimini top

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Hit the Sea With the Best Bimini Top for Boats

It’s the anticipated summer season and the sun is in full swing. You have been out in the waters with your family or friends for hours, and you’re getting tired of the scorching heat. You desperately want to get under a cool shade because your skin is turning red, and now the family activity you’ve been looking forward to for weeks has turned into your most recent regret.

If this sounds familiar, then we don’t have to tell you why so many boaters get Bimini tops on their boats. Making your boating experience enjoyable and protecting you from getting fried in the sun, they give you a pleasurable boating experience and are considered a mandatory investment for seasonal and active boat lovers. If you live in a warm climate and spend more than a couple of hours on the water you’ll likely experience the most benefit from this original creation from the island of Bimini.

To help you navigate the online marketplace, we’ve curated a list of the quality bimini tops of 2024 with this guide!

Our Top Picks

• Top Pick: Naviskin Bimini Top Shop Now ➔
• Budget-Friendly: Leader Accessories Bimini Top Shop Now ➔
• Easiest To Install: MSC 3 Bimini Top Boat Cover Shop Now ➔
• Includes Warranty: VINGLI Bimini Top Boat Cover Shop Now ➔
• Easiest To Mount: KING BIRD Bimini Top Cover Shop Now ➔
• 1 The Material of the Bimini Top
• 4 Solution-dyed polyester
• 5 Cotton duck
• 6 Types of Bimini Top for Boats
• 7 Other Features to Consider in Bimini Tops for Boats
• 8 Easy storage

Which color Bimini top should I choose for my boat?

Can i sail at fast speeds if my boat has a bimini top, why is it called a bimini top, related reviews, the leading bimini top for boat you can buy in 2024.

Naviskin Bimini Top

Made with 600D polyester canvas, this marine-grade Bimini top cover is available in 13 different sizes and 10 varying colors. This way, you won’t have any trouble finding the right fit for your boat with respect to the size or color. The material of this top has a PU coating, which makes it waterproof and resistant to salt water and heat. It will effectively prevent you from getting burnt during the hot summer days, and to add to its higher ranking in the stability and durability departments the frame of the top is also aluminum-made—allowing it to snap together easily. 

The packaging also includes stainless steel mounting screws and four adjustable straps.

• Easy to install
• Comes with a one-year warranty 
• Includes a storage boot with accessories
• Instructions are hard to follow

Budget-Friendly

Leader Accessories Bimini Top

If you want a high-quality top without breaking your wallet, this is the one to go for! Leader Accessories uses marine-grade, heavy-duty 600D polyester canvas. Known for being resistant to water and UV light, this top will work efficiently against both sun and rain and enable you to spend more time on the water without getting frustrated by the weather changes. 

Since the top has an aluminum frame and double-walled bowlegs, you get all the accessories you need to mount the top with the packaging—including stainless steel screws, screwdriver, and other hardware. 

• Includes instructions to assemble
• Available in 13 colors and various sizes
• Directions can be hard to understand

Easiest To Install

MSC 3 Bimini Top Boat Cover

This Bimini top is constructed with 600D polyester canvas and coated with marine-grade PU. The fabric of the top can withstand extreme heat temperatures and moisture, making it an ideal cover for a day out on the water.

The packaging includes plastic mounting brackets, two front straps, and two rear support poles. Coming to you partially assembled, the frame is aluminum-made with tubes that work to enforce its sturdiness. To install it completely, you just need to read the instructions that come with the packaging. 

• The frame is resistant to rust
• The installation can take some time
• Available in various colors and sizes
• The top can fade after a few weeks of use

Includes Warranty

VINGLI Bimini Top Boat Cover

With its affordable price tag and top-notch features, the Vingli Bimini top is made of 600D/230 GSM marine-grade polyester canvas with PU nylon top coating. The material is UV resistant and waterproof, providing maximum protection against rain and sun. The seams of the top have double stitching, which ensures durability and strength. VINGLI also includes a stitched storage boot that works to prevent the top from blowing off. 

You can roll it up and keep it in the storage space when not in use.

• Comes with mounting hardware
• The aluminum frame is anti-rust
• Installation instructions are easy to understand
• Limited color options available

Easiest To Mount

KING BIRD Bimini Top Cover

This top cover uses heavy-duty 600D/230 GSM marine-grade, PU-coated polyester canvas fabric that effectively protects you against UV light and water. The double-stitched seams ensure durability and maximum strength, giving you a top that can last for years. 

Rust-resistant aluminum tubes also make up the frame of the top, keeping it stable even in high wind. Since it comes with stainless steel hardware, including saddles, buckles, and hooks you don’t have to worry about purchasing them separately.

• Easy to mount
• Comes with a two-year warranty
• Includes two extra rear support poles
• Mounting brackets use plastic material

Finding Your Next Bimini Top for Boat: A Buyer’s Guide

Several questions may come to mind when choosing a Bimini top for your boat. Whether you’re a returning buyer or a beginner at sailing, all your queries will be answered in the following buyer’s guide.

Here are some things to consider before buying a bimini top for your boat:

The Material of the Bimini Top

Bimini tops are available in a variety of materials with some being better than the other. This is an essential consideration because the material and quality of the top will affect its longevity.

Here are your options when it comes to materials:

It is an expensive choice but worth the price because of its softness and strength. This material offers strong protection against harsh UV rays and won’t wear out or fade. If you clean it extensively, you’ll have to waterproof it again.

Vinyl-coated fabric makes for good Bimini tops because of its waterproofing capability. It resists water, driving it to the sides. While the fabric is not breathable, it compensates for this by being easy to clean and highly durable.

Solution-dyed polyester

This fabric stands out due to its attractive and rich color appearance. Since the material is resistant to UV rays, it’s effective against the sun. Additional qualities include but are not limited to water repellency, durability, and abrasion resistance. While known to be much stronger than acrylic, polyester’s only downside is that it tends to fade quicker than its competition.

Cotton duck

This is one of the most affordable Bimini tops available on the market. Considering that the material is less durable compared to the ones mentioned above on the list, you can expect its UV resistance properties to be less effective than acrylic.

Types of Bimini Top for Boats

There are two types of Bimini tops available on the market:

• Off-the-shelf: These are standard Bimini tops and are designed without keeping any specific boat in mind. Usually, they are available in a rectangular shape but in a limited color range.
• OEM: These tops use precise digital templates. Meant to tailor to the needs of specific boats, some boat manufacturers also provide Bimini tops to fit their boats.

Other Features to Consider in Bimini Tops for Boats

Easy storage.

When you’re not using your Bimini top, you can’t leave it out in the open. Since it’s recommended to store it somewhere, it’s best to look for ones that can fit easily into your storage space.

To start, look for a top that has storage boots. If you don’t buy one that comes with the boot, you’ll have to purchase it separately. Also, make sure to always clean the top before storing it somewhere to avoid a build-up of dirt and dust elements.

There is nothing as the right price of a Bimini top. Usually, the price is directly proportional to the quality. If you go with the cheap options, you will pay the price in longevity and you might have to get a new one just after a few weeks. To avoid this, make your budget justifies the features and quality of the Bimini top you’re purchasing.

People Also Asked

The first thought that comes to your mind may concern your Bimini top’s color. In a flawless world, that would work, but in terms of quality, darker materials aren’t as durable as lighter ones due to the higher amount of dyes. On the flip side, darker colors absorb more heat than light colors and are less visible.  For these same reasons, you must decide between quality and heat absorption when selecting the color of your Bimini top.

Experts recommend keeping the boat under 35 mph. Any higher than this, and you may risk your Bimini top detaching. If you want to go at a higher speed, you should implement thru-bolting.

Bimini tops get their name from their place of origin, the island of Bimini in the Bahamas.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

Sailcovers, dodgers & Sailboat biminis

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Sailboat Covers & Enclosures

A bimini for your sail boat is the perfect protection against the elements; wind, rain, sun or mosquitoes. Be comfortable in your yacht at anytime, anywhere. We proudly offer high quality Bimini’s that are specifically designed for your boat using fabrics such as Stamoid and Sunbrella that are not only durable but also waterproof, flexible, mildew resistant and available in many colors!

Frames fabricated by our Trademark, Patented H2ube or the option of the stainless steel tubing.

Hallett Canvas & Sails, Inc. has 26 years experience manufacturing various designs of dodger’s suitable for each individual customer and their boats. Hallett dodgers are carefully built ensuring structural integrity as well as years of performance. Dodgers will add the comfort, protection and style to your boat. Custom design your own dodger or see our dodger design page for some potential options that fit you and your sailboat.

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Get out of the sun for the afternoon. This cover protects the cockpit from light rain and sun without the use of bows. Awnings can also help ventilate your boat in an array of weather conditions allowing hatches and companionways to be open and covered from rain or sun. Awnings work well with dodger and bimini’s. It is easy to use, just zip the front to the dodger and insert an awning pole in the back and your done! All awnings are made using the finest outdoor fabrics such as Sunbrella and Stamoid and more.

Sail Covers

All sails should be protected from U.V. rays which, rapidly breakdown any sail cloth, taking years off the life of the sail.

• Standard Sail Cover We provide a front zipper, vinyl protection for winches or cleats and twist snaps for easy on and off. Options of Lazy Jack cut outs if it applies to your boat.
• Hallett Zip-Top Sail Cover Hallett Zip Top Sail covers are integrated to a lazy jack system to allow the mainsail to drop into the cover, then zip the top up and you’re done. It’s that easy! The cover is independent of the sail which allows for easy installation and taking off at the end of the season.
• Horse Blanket The loose luff, flaked mainsail on boom Sunbrella sail cover that simply is laid and fastened.
• Interior Luxury Foam including EZ Dry, Quality fabrics and construction will make your boat worth living on for years to come.

Winter Covers

We can build covers for any custom projects. We will work around special rigging or unique designs to bring it all together for the perfectly finished look. Many times the up front cost of a winter cover is substantially high, however if you keep your boat for more than three to five years the cost becomes much lower than shrink wrapping. Also the quality and functionality of the cover is much greater than the standard blue and green polyethylene tarps. A quality winter cover is important in preserving your upholstery from rain, snow, and harmful UV rays. Now using more and more, the H2ube frame for sturdy, easy use, easy to clean covers. Sail boat enclosures. Our custom fit sail boat enclosures allow boaters to use the outdoor space in all weather and get full use of boat. This in turn can also lengthen the boating season all together allowing you to launch earlier in the spring and to stay warm on a beautiful late fall evening sail. Enclosures are designed to provide maximum visibility built with Strata Glass, Makrolon Polycarbonate or Crystal Clear glass while using Sunbrella or Stamoid for the panels.

Custom Covers

Hallett can design and fabricate any in-house custom upholstery or canvas work that you may need. Some of these projects include, winch covers, helm covers, mooring covers, fender covers, boom tents, wheel covers, hatch covers and much more. You tell us what you would like and we will go the extra mile to meet your needs.

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Sailboat Bimini Top Stainless Steel

The newest addition to our bimini range, the  Oceansouth Sailboat Bimini Top  has been designed and manufactured to the highest standards to give a professional finish.

• 25mm Double wall stainless steel 316 framework and components.
• 100% Dope dyed two-tone polyester ATLAS canvas *GOLDEN RANGE*
• Top stitched double seams, sewn with UV bonded thread for maximum strength
• Integrated storage boot
• Support poles supplied

• SKU: NA 065P
• Category: Sailboat Bimini Tops

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Better Sailing

What is a Bimini on a Sailboat? And Why You Should Install One

So, you bought your new sailboat and can’t wait to set sail and explore the seas? Or are you thinking of ways to make new adjustments and install new gear on it? As you already know, weather conditions play a crucial role in sailing. Therefore, it is important to install some kind of protection on your boat so as not to get sunburned, wet, overheated, and drained. Because if you head out on the water without proper protection from natural phenomena this will likely put you at risk. So, installing a bimini top on your boat is a great choice so as to ensure protection from the sun and rain. Let’s see what exactly is a bimini top, how to install it, and some useful info about them. Keep reading!

What Exactly is a Bimini Top?

Bimini tops basically protect you and your sailboat from the elements. They create shade and at the same time retain visibility from the helm and allow the air to circulate. Generally, they’re inexpensive and easy to install on pontoons, powerboats, and sailboats. Most of the time, a bimini cover is an open-air canvas canopy that has sturdy metal frames supporting it. Moreover, it’s waterproof, free-standing, and has an open-front cover that protects several areas of your boat from the sun or rain. They also offer protection from the wind, spray, and saltwater when sailing.

There are biminis that have side panels to the top and are attached with either zippers or snaps. These biminis refer to a fully-enclosed bimini. You can choose between a wide range of colors, sizes, configurations, and fabrics that will suit your boat. Furthermore, biminis improve your sailboat’s cockpit, deck, and overall appearance. Lastly, accurate width, length, and height measurements are essential before installing a bimini on your sailboat.

What to Consider Before Installing a Bimini Top

• Length: Your bimini’s length can be calculated by measuring the fore and aft area of the mounting point. For instance, a 6ft bimini covers 3ft in front and 3ft behind the mounts. You can also tailor the bimini’s length from 3 to 10ft. Usually an 8 or 10ft bimini is used on pontoon boats.
• Width: Width is the most important measurement to take for installing a bimini. Your bimini’s frame width is estimated by measuring between the points where the mounts are connected to the gunwales. Remember, that this measurement is not equal to the boat’s beam. Widths are available in 6” ranges and frames can extend to 3″.
• Height: Installing a high bimini means that you’ll have more headroom, especially in boats with low gunwales. In order to ensure an accurate height measurement, you can stand inside the boat and measure the vertical distance upward from the mounting points. Like this, you’ll determine how much headroom you can have. For instance, a pontoon boat uses a taller top whereas a ski boat will normally have a shorter bimini.
• Fabrics: Always choose the bimini’s fabric according to the weather conditions that it will be exposed to. Also, the material has to be waterproof, strong, and able to withstand UV rays, and preferably double-stitched. Fabrics include canvas, vinyl, acrylic, mixed blends, and polyester. Keep in mind that sun exposure deteriorates the fabric’s water repellency and protection from the elements. So, regular maintenance of bimini tops will prolong their lifespan. Always, choose the right fabric treatment that will repel water, prevent staining, and restore UV resistance.

Bimini Configurations

Bimini tops come in two-, three-, and four-bow configurations, as described below. Remember that the maximum distance between the bows is generally 42″ or less. Bear in mind that you have to keep the spread between bows from getting too wide and thus preventing water from puddling between them. Let’s see the basic bimini configurations:

• Two-bow : This configuration goes for jon boats as well as for shorter V-hull. They’re really cheap, lightweight, and provide protection for the whole boat’s area.
• Three-bow : Three-bow configuration suits for V-hull, open deck boats, cuddy cabin boats, center consoled boats, and for all medium-sized vessels.
• Four-bow : Four-bow configuration goes for pontoon, cabin cruiser, and longer center console boats. You can find them at 8ft or more in length and that is why they’re adequate for longer vessels.  

Bimini Top Materials

In case you’re sailing in humid and hot climates then you should prefer a breathable fabric with high mildew and UV resistance. However, if you’re sailing in northern climates, where ice or snow is likely to accumulate on your bimini, you have to choose a highly waterproof fabric. Moreover, choose a material color that will match the boat’s hull or superstructure colors.

• Woven acrylic: This fabric has a soft appearance and is water-resistant. Acrycil can endure UV rays and has excellent fade resistance and strength. However, every few years, the fabric has to be maintained or replaced. Also, woven acrylic is prone to leaking. Therefore, it has to be re-waterproofed after a thorough cleaning. Acrylic tops tend to be more expensive and not really abrasion-resistant like other fabrics. On the other hand, woven acrylic offers great breathability and resistance when exposed to the elements.
• Vinyl: Vinyl fabrics for bimini tops, like Stamoid, are basically vinyl-coated fabrics. This type of fabric is highly preferred by sailors because when there’s too much water on top they immediately lead it for runoff from the sides. This material is durable, easy to clean, and has a long lifespan. A great advantage is that the composite’s vinyl component is highly water-resistant thus can withstand the rigors of the sea. It’s also less expensive than woven acrylic. However, vinyl biminis aren’t breathable.
• Polyester: Polyester fabrics such as Top Gun, are solution-dyed fabrics and can excellently withstand exposure to UV-rays. Polyester bimini tops are strong and resist stretching thus they always maintain their shape. They tend to fade faster than other materials but are more abrasion resistant and water repellent. 

Threads, Frames and Fittings

Generally, UV rays, rain, moisture, and other elements can damage the thread. And that’s why the thread that holds the bimini can be a weakness in the whole system. So, always choose a high-quality thread, like Tenara, that may be expensive but has a long lifespan and is extremely durable.

As for the bimini top frames you can choose between stainless steel or aluminum ones. Stainless steel is a sturdy material, corrosion-resistant, and more expensive than aluminum. Moreover, due to stainless steel strength, you can sail at high speeds and upwind without worrying about it falling apart. On the other hand, if you’re sailing in freshwater environments, aluminum is what you should choose and is generally more economical than stainless steel. Keep in mind that aluminum tubings have to be anodized in order to resist pitting and corrosion.

Fittings hold the bimini’s tubes and should always be made of high-quality stainless steel. Stainless steel fittings are durable and extremely strong; that’s why they’re always more expensive than others. For instance, coated brass fittings are cheap but they aren’t corrosion-resistant and are prone to breaking or deforming.

Bimini Tips for Maintenance

• Once a month, check all deck fittings to ensure they’re tight enough.
• Once a month, check screws and straps in order to see if the frame and canopy are properly secured to the boat.
• Remove debris and dirt regularly from the fabric using a hose and then brush it with a soft sponge and biodegradable soap.
• Depending on your bimini’s fabric, it’s advisable to remove the bimini when sailing over 30 knots. This is because some fabrics are unable to withstand high speeds.
• Never leave the bimini top up year-round. Fold your bimini down when not in use and consider purchasing bimini boots in order to store the cover and protect it in the long-term.
• Make sure that hold-down straps are tight. There should be minor or no slack at all in the hold-down straps when they’re attached to the gunwales.
• When trailering consider folding the bimini to its lowest profile and then stow it in the storage boot.
• A good tip for cleaning is to use a solution of lukewarm water and biodegradable soap. Then rinse thoroughly and allow it some minutes to dry. Moreover, a marine-grade fabric or a vinyl cleaner can efficiently remove dirt and stains.
• In some cases, the combination of the bimini size, the boat’s position and weight, and the wind’s direction and strength might affect the boat handling. This is because the top tends to act as a kite which is a totally unsafe condition.
• Make sure that the bimini’s position allows for 360-degree visibility from the helm, when deployed or stowed. It’s crucial to have a clear vision to the stern, forward, and to port in order to ensure safe operation.  

So, why you should install a bimini top on your sailboat?  Because bimini tops offer overall protection from the elements without enclosing your boat. Having a bimini top will provide you shade and protection both for you and for your sailboat’s cockpit and other areas. Biminis can be adjusted and you can also choose from a wide variety of sizes, fabrics, colors, configurations, and characteristics. They can also be mounted in different places on the boat so as to provide as much shade as possible. They can be deployed and folded down quite easily when needed. Additionally, you can use bimini boots for efficient storage so as to keep the canopy protected. So, installing a bimini is worth the investment especially if you’re sailing for most time of the year. Wish you safe and shady voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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motor boat Bimini top IP SO86

We design and supply custom awnings for any kind of yachts and superyachts. The sunshades can be fitted with our awning poles, available in several lengths, up to 2400 mm and various diameters, up to Ø 86 mm. We mainly use mesh fabric, ...

sailboat Bimini top PRESTIGE 3 ARCHI

Arches number : 3 unit Tube diameter : 25 mm Length : 150 cm - 150 cm

The Bimini Top PRESTIGE 3arches is recommended for installation on sailboats . This model is provided with a zippered slot for the backstay and zippers under the arches FEATURES TUBE: Ø25mm marine ...

boat Bimini top LOOK UP 4 ARCHI

Arches number : 4 unit Tube diameter : 25 mm Length : 230 cm - 260 cm

The Bimini Top LOOK UP 4 arches thanks to the combination of SUNBRELLA acrylic fabric and mesh SERGE FERRARI Batyline allows to lower the solar radiation and makes a pleasantly airy environment below. Mesh windows give ...

motor boat Bimini top LOOK UP 3 ARCHI

Arches number : 3 unit Tube diameter : 22 mm Length : 150 cm - 230 cm

LOOK UP Bimini Top 3 arches - 316L stainless steel tube Ø22mm The Bimini Top LOOK UP 3 arches thanks to the combination of SUNBRELLA acrylic fabric and mesh SUNWORKER allows to lower ...

boat Bimini top ONYX

Arches number : 4 unit Tube diameter : 25 mm Length : 252 cm

Sun top with 4 arches in black aluminum and black canvas. Available in different sizes. Tube diameter : 25mm Maximum speed of use : 60 km/h - 33 kts Average weight : 12 kg.

sailboat Bimini top

... that the bimini 's frames are stable, durable and keep the fabric stretched. A bimini is usually best suited for sailboats with a high boom and a sheet drawn through the mast to avoid ...

We manufacture bimini tops for several boats model such as: Jeanneau, Bénéteau, Dufour, Bavaria, Hanse and many others. Biminitop on stainless steel 316L polished bright. Fabric 100% Acrylic dyed in mass,"SUNBRELLA ...

We manufacture Maxi bimini tops for several boats model such as: Jeanneau, Bénéteau, Dufour, Bavaria, Hanse and many others. Biminitop on stainless steel 316L polished bright, tube diameter 30 mm. Fabric 100% ...

cockpit Bimini top Canopy

Arches number : 2 unit Tube diameter : 25 mm

Elegant and ideal protection on daybeds placed at the front of the deck: it perfectly protects the upper part of your body from the sun's rays, from the head to the chest. The canopy offers a touch of comfort as well as effective ...

inflatable boat Bimini top UNIVERSAL

Length : 3 m Width : 3 m - 4 m

REDISCOVER YOUR BOAT: The new shaded area on board where you will enjoy with friends and family or just relax… PLUG & PLAY: Easy to secure on board, Easy to pack and unpack, Easy to store and clean, Pressure Relief Valves, Sail with ...

... sailing yacht from NAUTI SATTLER in every size and various equipment types, as for example stretching tubes, window on the top . Depending on the installation point we basically distinguish between two types – installation ...

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A sailboat Bimini top is an articulated awning which can be deployed over the cockpit to protect the crew from the sun.

This gear is particularly useful when sailing in hot weather or in very sunny regions. Available in various sizes and often custom-made, such tops are suitable for all types of cruising sailboats.

The aluminum or stainless steel folding framework opens to deploy a fabric shade awning of anti-UV-treated acrylic. Adjustable straps ensure proper tensioning. This light structure usually must be closed when underway because of its significant top hamper. Electric versions operated by the simple touch of a button are sometimes found on large vessels.

Choice will depend on cockpit dimensions, fabric weight and color, which can be selected to match cushion covers, lazy bags or other elements. A template or careful measurements must be provided for custom tops.

- Frame is light - Rapid operation

- Not very sturdy - Creates top hamper

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The $tingy Sailor

Diy trailerable sailboat restoration and improvement without throwing your budget overboard.

Upgrade to a Bimini Top on a Budget

The first mate and I live at around 48 degrees north latitude, which means that we don’t get a lot of hot weather. We have four distinct seasons and enjoy them all.  It will get to around 100 degrees for a couple of weeks in August, but that’s as hot as it gets. The rest of the summer is in the 80’s and 90’s.

Mrs. $tingy is susceptible to heat exhaustion. She had a close call once while we were anchored out one summer after a full day of cruising on a clear, hot day on Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. We took all of the appropriate precautions. She tried to stay in the sail shade most of the time, drank plenty of fluids, took breaks below deck, etc. but it only delayed the inevitable.

All that to say that consistent shade in the cockpit is more than just a luxury for her, it could mean the difference between a great weekend of cruising and one cut short by making a beeline for home or worse, the emergency room. I hadn’t seriously considered adding a bimini to Summer Dance until after that episode.

Before I go any farther, a bit of legal housekeeping. This post contains affiliate links. That means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. Those commissions help to pay for the costs associated with running this site so that it stays free for you to enjoy. For a complete explanation of why I’m telling you this and how you can support this blog without paying more, please read my full disclosure .

The winter after her close call, I installed an inexpensive 3 bow bimini with these features:

• Thick-walled aluminum frame with nylon fittings
• 600 Denier PU coated, UV resistant canvas cover & matching boot
• Front straps with stainless steel hardware
• Matching rear support poles
• Stainless steel eye straps and fasteners

The hardest part of the decision was figuring out what size to buy for the most usage and stowing options once it was mounted. I settled on:

• 6′ long covers most of the cockpit but leaves room at the stern for the main sheet, backstay, and a good view of the mainsail
• 73″-78″ wide mounts easily on the deck outside the coamings. You can also install it on top of the coamings but you will need to shorten the top to clear the boom.
• 44″ high, which is 8″ higher than most biminis sold for the C-22. I wound up shortening the frame by 5″ to not interfere with the boom but we can still stand up under the cover.

I purchased the top in gray to match the non-skid surfaces on our deck. Later the next summer, I sewed the blue Sunbrella cover that you see in the picture above and a boot to match the rest of our canvas.

We can slide it to the rear and fold it down onto its support poles when at a dock or at anchor and board or walk around in the cockpit without it being in the way.

To get it completely out of the way without detaching it, we can slide it all the way forward, fold it down, and it will pivot forward onto the cabin roof in the space between the pop top and the mast.

For front supports, I kept the nylon straps but replaced the double-D type buckles with cam buckles so that I could quickly and easily lengthen or shorten the straps depending on which set of jaw slides the bimini is attached to. I mounted the included eye straps to the existing screws for the pop top dogs, so no drilling was needed.

Shortening the frame was fairly easy:

• Detach the vertical tubes from the frame so that you can work on them.
• Drill out the aluminum rivets that hold the bottom hinge fittings in the ends of the tubes and remove the fittings.
• Cut the tubing to length with a metal cutoff blade in a miter saw. Use a hacksaw if that’s all you have and file the end flat and smooth.
• Drill new holes in the tube and reattach the hinge fittings with new rivets or sheet metal screws.

You might also need to shorten the rear support poles in the same way to fit your jaw slide locations.

Mrs. $tingy loves the bimini and when she’s happy, I’m happy and we can keep cruising.

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25 thoughts on “ upgrade to a bimini top on a budget ”.

Hi could you offer some suggestions on sourcing the 36 in tracks and the hindged jaw slides? West marine keeps sending me 30 in units and insisting 36 is not available. Enjoy your post we have a 1985 22. And have been doing almost the same projects as you. Thanks for your efforts. Jeff

I purchased the Carver 3′ Slide Track Kit 1Pr/Pk – 62001 from a local marine discount store but following is a link on Amazon for the same part:

But 30″ tracks would probably also work. In their aft-most position, I usually have about 6″ of unused track. For it to work like I described, the important thing is that the bimini can slide forward enough to lay down between the mast and the pop top. With the bimini frame attached, position your tracks with their forward ends in that location and then check that, when the bimini is raised in its aft-most position, the bimini is as far back as you want (but not interfering with the backstay) and the frame doesn’t interfere with the winches.

The Stainless boat Bimini top hinged jaw slide 1″ 25 mm I purchased from Discount Marine Store on Amazon. They had the best price that I could find at the time. Here’s a link:

Note: The preceding are affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase on Amazon, I will receive a small commission that I will use toward the cost of administering this blog. The cost you pay to Amazon is the same but I’d appreciate your support if you enjoy this blog. If you prefer to not use these links, just go to the Amazon home page and search for the item names shown above.

Good luck on your projects and hope to see you again here!

Out of curiosity, how/where did you shorten the frame by inches? Seriously considering this but I am nervous about cutting the frame in the wrong place.

I added a list to the end of the post with the steps I used to shorten the frame from the bottom. I hope they’re clear enough to calm your nerves. If not, feel free to ask more questions. It’s pretty easy, really. Just be sure the amount that you want to shorten it is correct before you cut it down because you can’t easily lengthen it again. I actually cut down the main bow tubes by 3″ at first and reassembled the frame to test whether that was short enough. Since the frame is angled, it resulted in less than 3″ reduction in height. The boom rubbed the top of the bimini a little so I cut it down again by 2″ more. The only complications that I encountered by doing this was: 1) It lowered the front bow to where it was sometimes in the way of working the winches. I fixed that in the same way by raising it’s hings fittings back up the frame a couple inches and 2) That move made the three bows not line up on top of each other as closely when the bimini is folded. The boot is tighter to put on but it’s not a showstopper. If I want to resolve that, I can just shorten the front bow accordingly.

Thanks for your comments. I hope to see you around more in the future!

Very well administered site with great info. I appreciate your attention to detail and cost savings.

Great job detailing all your work, Richie

Thank you for the advice. I also live in Cd’A my wife and I are in the process of buying a catilana 22. Its a little warm early this year as you know I think a Bimini will keep my girls happy. Hope to see ya out there I’m sure we will be chilling off arrow point watching one of our great sunsets.

We’re cruising around the north end of Lake Pend Oreille this week and will be down in the south end next week. We also visit Lake Cd’A a couple times each summer. If you ever see us on the water, stop by and say Hi!

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$tingysailor,

Does that track screw right it to the side decking? It doesn’t look like it would be easy to get to the underside for backing hardware.

I never made any “new” holes in my boat, well… not that 8 know of anyway. 😉

let me know.

Yep, no fasteners on the underside necessary. Just put a little butyl tape around the screws to seal the deck penetrations.

Your blog is a wealth of Catalina DIY information, with a great emphasis on cost reduction! You’re most appreciated!

My ’77 Catalina 22 never had a stern pulpit installed. I intend to purchase the bimini top from the link you provided, along with the tracks. Will the rear support poles be long enough to surface mount along the stern, or close to on each side? I wasn’t sure if you had to shorten your rears quite a bit to mount to your pulpit, or if they arrived that way.

Also, any recommendations on where to buy the tethered quick-connects?

Keep up the great work!

They aren’t long enough to reach the transom but they can definitely be attached to the tops of the coamings farther forward. Here’s a link to some quick pins with lanyards: http://amzn.to/2l5YhrJ .

Enjoy your new bimini! $tingy

My boat came with a really nice canvas from a bimini, but no frame. In addition there are tracks run on the coaming already. When I measured from the coaming to the boom I got about 34″.

The dimensions of the canvas are 70″ wide and 54″ long. Here is a pic of the canvas sitting on 12″ tiles:

https://goo.gl/photos/wpYn8t84vz2ygHK9A

I found a frame that is only 32″, but it is 60″ long (6 inches longer):

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Shademate-Bimini-Top-3-Bow-Aluminum-Frame-Only-5L-x-32H-67-72-Wide&i=964442

A little geometry tells me that if I reduce the length of the frame to 54″ inches by changing the angle of the outer two poles without changing the length of the poles, the height will increase to 34.6″.

What do you think of using this frame with my existing canvas? Will the frame work with my canvas? Will I probably end up shortening the poles like you suggested?

BTW, the boat I just bought (an O’Day 20) is called “Just Enough,” perfect for this blog.

That frame will probably work, Dave. The canvas should slide right on and will limit the length of the bimini. Then you might need to shorten the bottom of the main bow a couple inches to clear the boom. Mock it up on your boat first without cutting and see. You might discover that you don’t need to cut at all if you tilt the bimini slightly forward or backward so that the middle bow isn’t the high point. The resulting headroom at the front or rear might work better for you as well.

Very nice. Thanks!

What do you think about using this sliding hinged jaw slide? That would only require 2 instead of 4.

I haven’t seen those before but they should work fine. They might limit how far forward you can slide the bimini due to the forward pushpit stanchions but not enough to make a big difference. I say try ’em and let us know how they work out.

Thanks, $tingy

Dig this blog! Where did you find the lobster claw type clips?

Sliding hinges will work fine. I chose not to use them because I wanted to put a pair forward of the pushpit stanchions and sliding hinges would work there. The bimini strap clips came with the bimini but you can purchase them separately from several places.

Thanks, it was interesting to read. I would like to read a similar article, but with updates to the current time, if possible.

What parts did you get for the rear support poles?

The tubes came with the bimini except for the rail clamps, which I bought separately.

Could the tracks be mounted a little farther outboard so a 79”-84” bimini could be used? Probably a silly question but I’d like to make sure before I make the purchase. Also, is there any reason why the 73”-78” size would be preferable to the larger size?

Yes, but there would be little foot room to walk along the side decks. That’s why I place mine as far inboard as possible. Depending on where you placed them fore and aft, stanchion bases might dictate that you place them farther aft than you would otherwise want to, and if you place them as far outboard as possible, they could interfere with the genoa car. A 6″ wider bimini isn’t going to give you appreciably more shelter.

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BIMINI TOPS FROM THE EXPERTS

National Bimini Tops specializes in getting you the right bimini top boat canopy for your needs. We do this by offering a wide variety of boat canopy options made from the most durable marine grade materials including Marinex and Sunbrella. The canopies we carry are all solution dyed, high performance marine grade fabrics. We only sell the best.  National Bimini Tops carries industry leading cover brands such as Summerset, Summerset Elite, and NBT house brand. We stock 2 and 3 bow round tube bimini tops and 4 bow square tube biminis all with a focus on durability, long life and style. There is simply no better boat canopy available today.

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National Bimini Tops is the leader in high quality bimini tops! Buy direct from us for the best selection and unbeatable pricing on your new boat canopy. We carefully select the products we sell to ensure that each and every bimini top we carry will exceed your expectations at National Bimini Tops. No one matches our commitment to premium fabrics and durable construction.

We only carry bimini tops constructed with marine-grade materials to ensure high performance and low maintenance. National Bimini Tops offers the brands you trust most like Summerset and Summerset Elite. Our boat canopy canvas comes in a variety of high quality durable fabrics such as Marinex, Cootech, Sunflair and legendary Sunbrella® marine grade fabric. We pride ourselves in offering only the very best and strongest bimini tops on the market!

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Summerset bimini tops.

Summerset offers handmade quality bimini tops constructed of sleek, durable Marinex fabric. Marinex fabric is completely breathable 100% solution dyed polyester, in addition to being UV and mildew resistant. Summerset Bimini Tops are easy to assemble and they are designed to provide shade and reduce glare while on the water. Summerset Bimini Tops are made from the finest quality materials that will withstand the rigors of boating to keep your vessel looking great season after season. Summerset Bimini Tops are available in a variety of colors and they come with a free storage boot! You won't find a better boat canopy for the price.

• Solution Dyed Polyester Canvas
• Free Easy Fit installation kit
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Why is SummerSet so respected in the Marine Industry

Simple - Exceptional fit, engineered and constructed with the highest quality proprietary fabrics, and components available.

SUMMERSET ELITE BIMINI TOPS

Summerset Elite Bimini Tops are handcrafted with 100% solution dyed acrylic fabric to ensure vibrant and exquisite colors that last. This mildew resistant fabric is custom fitted to sturdy hardware that is easy to install onto any boat. Arcrylic fabric options for Summerset Elite canvas include Sunbrella and Sunflair. Sunbrella® fabric is the #1 fabric choice for boaters and is completely breathable offering the best warranty in the marine industry. Sunflair has the same performance characteristics as Sunbrella, but is available at a more economical price. Summerset Elite Bimini Tops are built to last, providing protection you need year after year. All Summerset Elite Bimini tops also come with a free matching storage boot! This is the best boat canopy available today.

• Sunbrella or Sunflair Acrylic Fabric
• Best warranty in the industry

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The shopping experience was quick and easy. Great rating for the delivery and quality of material and workmanship upon receiving.

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having the boat listings down to the model number was extremely helpful. We got the  perfect fit.

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JOHN S.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

very easy, I picked the wrong fit and they helped at no charge

Zack T.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

placed my order. I'll check back when I know its correct and delivered on time

B.D. M.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

I worked via email with them to ensure I was getting the correct size cover for my Creekboat. They asked for some very specific measurements which I provided. They then recommended the type and size of cover whih I ordered. It fits like a glove, and looks very professional.

David C.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Very easy ordering

James B.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

can I confirm the warranty of the product -good

Ralph H.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Great service, easy to order! Will use again!

Will M.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

The selection was great and I love the fact that the bimini tops were specifically matched for my boat.

Evelyn C.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Paul K.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Everything to this point has been great. great Bimini top fit.

George W.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Painless and a great cover

Randy H. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   Verified Customer

Very quick and easy, great boat bimini

Dave D.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   Verified Customer

second time I first one is holding up great ordered 2 different boats- strong material

James B.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   Verified Customer

Super smooth, and love the fit for my ranger boat

Timothy M.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Help was all good- nice product

Dan C.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Christopher in customer service was helpful with looking up previous order to get the dimensions need for the exact fix of this new bimini top.

Robert F.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Called to get 10% military discount, guy on phone, thank you! Fabric good

David M.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

I don’t know if it covers the rear seats.

Brent N.  ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Very smooth procedure . Seems like a great product for the price. Love the Summerset

Jeff G.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

 Called customer service for help – and they did

Leon L.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

It does not get easier than this!

Julianne S.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Easy to use web site with the correct information, got the cover thank you fits great

Karen B.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Glad you had my older model JC pontoon boat as a choice. No other online sites had it!

Mike J.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

I bought from here before very easy also good product

Dale E.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer    

Quick and easy

RAYMOND J.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

Description of my boat hard to distinguish on site. Otherwise, great experience.

Michael R.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    Verified Customer

North American made and a good warranty, that is what we're looking for.

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Naviskin 10 Optional Colors Available 3-4 Bow 13 Different Size Bimini Top Cover Includes Mounting Hardwares,Storage Boot with 1 Inch Aluminum Frame

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I was wondering if there is any information regarding the protocol for replacing canvas with a rigid Bimini/dodger on a small 36-foot catamaran. I could not find a review of solid Bimini replacements. We have strong stainless steel frames. They are fixed with metal struts with no flexible straps. I do want to be able to see the sails from the helm and bulkhead mount. I want to be able to take advantage of roll up clear plastic front and side curtains. Most summers my current set stays in the rolled up position. They have since shrunk enough that they can no longer be fully snapped.

I am looking for some material that is relatively light with strength. Is there any info on the polycarbonate tops such as the Hard to Top system ( www.hardtotop.com )? It seems to be light and strong, translucent. It comes in several panels to make up the necessary width. Is there any other material options that combine light weight and strength? The solid plastic systems seem to be very heavy per square foot.

Bill Hudson

Half Moon, Endeavour Cat 36

Because these are semi-custom jobs, we havent done a dedicated review of hard-top Bimini options, but this topic is definitely worth a closer look. Hard tops are so popular among warm-water cruising catamarans that they are standard on most of the boats you see today. Retrofitting one on an older boat, however, deserves some careful thought. Your concern about weight is on target. On a catamaran like yours, the weight of the top and the structure begins to add up quickly-as does cost.

Because the Hard to Top System can be incorporated into an existing Bimini frame, it would appear to be a cost effective option, but wed be concerned about longevity of any plastic, and the translucent nature of the material seems to defeat the purpose of a Bimini, which is to create shade.

A canvas Bimini offers many advantages over a rigid one, especially to offshore sailors. Importantly, you can fold it down or remove it in a gale, when the windage of a permanent hard top can affect the boats trim and balance. And Bimini tops almost always interfere with access to the mainsail. You can usually zip out a panel of a canvas Bimini, or remove it completely as needed.

A hard dodger (as opposed to a Bimini) is less intrusive. Weve seen several custom , lightweight designs with low profiles that provide four-season protection and look terrific. For many boats, a good compromise is a hard dodger top (usually custom made), with canvas sides and clear vinyl front panels. We recently compared three types of popular clear vinyl glazing: Strataglass, OSea , and Regalite (see PS January 2014, How do Different Vinyl Types Compare? ). And this month we look at the long-term results of our canvas test.

To get a better picture of the pros and cons of hard top versus a conventional canvas top, we will begin a survey of various custom shops that offer hard tops and dodgers and compare costs and materials. The more sensible hard Bimini tops that weve seen for catamarans incorporate lightweight cored panels and aircraft-grade anodized aluminum supports. Atlantic Towers in Bayville, New Jersey ( www.atlantictowers.com ) has a number of custom sailboat jobs to its credit. In Southwest Florida, we would recommend JTR Enterprises ( www.jtrmarine.com ), the family-run welding company in Gulfport that rigged the early Endeavours.

Two companies we are familiar with fabricate hard-tops and dodgers using thermoformed ABS plastic: Cruising Hardtops ( www.cruisinghardtops.com ) and Shipshape Canvas ( www.shipshape.canvas.com ). However, as you pointed out, these tops are heavier than comparable designs using cored panels.

Just about any region in the country is home to at least one custom welder/fabricator who can help you come up with design . The aim would be to keep weight minimal without breaking the bank. Wed invite any comments from owners who have retrofitted their boats with hard tops and have advice on this topic.

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Sailboat Bimini Tops Have Special Requirements!

Highlights for Sailboat Bimini Tops:

• Frame Configurations
• Mounting Strategies
• Support Strategies
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Custom vs Retail Bimini Tops

Sailboat Bimini Top Supplies

Sailboat bimini tops present unique considerations for each boat, sailor, and budget.

We would like to assist you in ironing out these considerations before you approach your canvas fabricator. 

Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable in approaching them and conveying your needs to them. 

Bear in mind that each fabricator does things differently, so our rules of thumb for this discussion may vary somewhat from your local fabricator. Be ready to listen to their ideas too!

  So let's get started! 

Envision us standing on your boat together, going over your needs for a new sailboat bimini top. Let's identify the questions you need to consider as if we were face to face discussing these options.

Basic Sailboat Bimini Frame Configurations

Quick Fact:  Fabricators can get pretty creative with the frames on their sailboat bimini tops, but for our purposes we will be looking at  two, three, or four bow frame configurations. The max distance between bows is 42" or less.

Keep this in mind as you go along!  You will want to keep the spread between bows from getting to wide to prevent water from puddling between them.

Take a look at these frames below to get an idea of what this will look like:

Ask Yourself These Questions:

•  How much of the cockpit area are you trying to cover?
•  Where is your traveler?
•  Will the traveler interfere with the length in any way?
•  Will you cover any of your companion way?

  Quick Fact:  A four bow bimini with max spacing between bows would be about  10' 6" in length.  This gives you a general idea of the span that four bow sailboat bimini tops can make. 

Let's move on!

• Do you have enough headroom to allow for a bimini top under the boom?
• How low is your boom?
• Is it resting at it's "under sail" lowest position? Raise your sail and find out just how low your boom is while under sail. Be sure to have this exact height for your fabricator.

This measurement sets in stone every other measurement the bimini frame is fabricated from as well as the patterning. Once a bimini is made, it has very little adjustment in height or length.

• Will you have free standing head room? 
• If not, will you be ok with bending your head while you are standing?

Quick Tip:  If your boom is low and your bimini is beneath it, make sure you ask to have chafe patches added to the bimini top. It takes very little friction for the soft material of your sail cover to chafe through the bimini top fabric.

Notice the chafe patch on the dodger below.  A chafe patch is intended to protect the material from abrasion no matter where it comes from. 

• How will your bimini top stay open?
• Will you use straps or support pole?
• Where will they mount?
• Will the forward straps be in the way? Consider how you move around on the boat. Walk to the bow and board the boat to help you make this determination. D-ring bimini straps that attach to the handrails and stern rails are seen on many sailboats.
• Where in the cockpit will your bimini mount?

Take a look at these two photos for clarification on support poles vs straps

Photos courtesy Cover Girl Marine Canvas & Upholstery

Quick Fact:  The frame of a bimini top mounts to the boat at about the mid-point of the bimini.

So if a bimini is 8' in length, the mounting point will be at approximately 4' (halfway).

An exception to this would be a split mount frame. This is where the frame of the bimini is mounted in two separate places on the boat. A good reason to have a split bimini mount might be a winch that sits right where your frame mounts.

Splitting the mounting points might be a good option to give you the proper room for winching the sail. We are big fans of stainless steel, both for the frame and for the fittings, simple as that!

In our opinion, nothing else is tough enough for the job of a sailboat bimini. Now, looking at the photos of frame configurations, consider where on your boat the deck hinges will be mounted.

• Where are your winches?
• Will your winch handle be fully functional?
• Will you be able to board your boat without turning yourself into a pretzel?

So by now, you have determined whether you will have a bimini under the boom or not. If you have determined that it's just not practical to install a bimini top under the boom, you will want to consider an aft bimini top.

Aft Rail Sailboat Bimini Tops

Height won't be as much of a consideration here, nor will chafe patches be important.

However, this type of bimini top has its own set of special considerations.

• Where is your aft stay?
• Will it be going through your bimini?
• How long and high will the bimini be?
• Do you have a traveler back here to contend with?
• Do you plan to add a fabric connector between your bimini and your dodger for additional  shade? If so, this is where you should watch your height on the aft bimini. You should make sure that the downward slope of the connector to the dodger clears the end of the boom.
• Will you have a viewing window to see the set of your sails?
• Where should you locate a viewing window in the bimini?
• Will the viewing window be covered to protect you from the sun? Almost all are covered due to provide shade and to protect the clear plastic.

Consider your ability to reach the window cover, roll back, and secure th e cover.

We have people request to have the cover on the inside due to difficulty reaching it. Of course that is possible, but it leaves the clear vinyl exposed to the sun. By doing it this way, be aware that you will be replacing the clear vinyl once the sun destroys it.

An aft cockpit bimini can often be mounted on the rails instead of the gunnels by using a special hinged jaw slide, allowing it to open and slip around the rails. The same decisions about how to support an aft bimini top will need to be made.

• Straps or support poles?
• Where will you store it or will you keep it open all the time?

Quick Fact:  If your aft stay goes through the bimini, your bimini will collapse and store to the aft stay and you can cover it with a storage boot.

This photo below shows both an aft rail mount bimini and self supporting sailboat bimini tops:

Self-Supporting Sailboat Bimini Tops

A self-supporting bimini top uses the usual support poles in the back, but the front support poles are different.

They run horizontally between the front bow and the aft bow of the bimini top and literally push the bimini top open. This eliminates the need for front straps or poles.

This is called a self-supporting bimini top. It’s a wonderful thing for movement and mobility on a sailboat!

Quick Tip:  As awesome as self-supporting sailboat bimini tops are, beware that you may need more support for open ocean sailing. Without front support poles or straps, you are removing two structural supports for your bimini which can create an abnormal amount of strain on the deck mounting hinges.

You don't want your bimini top to become a sail and lift right off the boat. Look for stanchions near the front bow that could host extra side support.

Retail sailboat bimini tops

So now that we have covered a variety of custom style sailboat bimini tops, lets finally talk about what you get when you order something online or buy it from a store.  

• Budget would be your main consideration.  A custom sailboat bimini top would be at least double, if not triple, the cost of a store bought version.  
• If you have aft stays that need to go through your top, plan on a custom bimini top. Otherwise, you will need expensive modifications that wouldn't be worth the effort.  An exception would be a viewing window. You can take the fabric off your store bought frame and bring it to your local fabricator for the installation of the window.  
• A store bought version comes in both aluminum and stainless. We have already talked about stainless vs aluminum, but you will also find that a retail version will not be as well made as most custom fabricators produce.  Sturdy reinforcement, zippered pockets, stay cutouts, lifetime thread, support poles, and viewing windows are not available in retail versions. Some retrofitting can be done, but is that something you want to do on this cheaper version?  
• Retail versions have frames that need to be assembled. They come in pieces in a box.  You will either need to screw or rivet the frame pieces together.  Your frame will not be as sturdy as a custom fabricated bimini. 

Having said these things, a retail version can do a satisfactory job for you on your boat.  It really boils down to your needs, budget, and what your expectations are.  

Here are a couple of links to two big online sellers for manufactured sailboat bimini tops. 

www.iboats.com  and www.overtons.com

We have now covered some of the basic sailboat bimini styles and structures, and your local fabricator will be able to help you sort out the rest!  My hope is that this information has given you a better understanding of sailboat bimini tops and has prepared you to think ahead about your options!  

Happy Sailing!!!

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Boat cover advice, boat cover accessories, boat enclosure advice, bimini top advice, pontoon boat canvas advice, website information.

Fantastic Results "I wanted to thank you for the fantastic results I have with the EZ-Xtend zipper solution you provided for my Sea Ray. The isinglass had shrunk to the point that installing it was an all-morning job, with some snaps totally unusable due to the material shrinkage. I really was preparing to purchase a complete new canvas set, but hated to spend the money-especially since the canvas is still in excellent shape. The EZ-Xtend zippers have made the canvas/isinglass installation and removal about a 10 minute job! (and looks great too!) Thanks again for the quick solution and the reasonable cost, I really do appreciate it." Steve Donovan - Georgia

The Bottom Line The extend zippers have been a resounding success. Zippers were needed for the starboard stern section of my bimini top, and for both side curtains of my camper canvas. It is a clever design you came up with to increase the width of connectivity between my bimini top and camper canvas sections. I do not know what I would have done otherwise as the camper canvas sections have shown shrinkage over time. M. Marien - Missouri

Such A Great Idea I got a chance to install these yesterday and just thought I'd get back to you to let you know that they worked perfectly for me. I couldn't be happier with that simple to install solution to my problem now allowing me to properly and fully enclose my cockpit again. Such a great idea. J. Reed - British Columbia

Easy To Install The Ez-xtend zippers were very easy to install --- especially with a little lubricant ( which I always apply periodically to zippers). E.Chesnavich - New Jersey

Rare Traits "True skill and craftsmanship are rare traits in today's society. When they're held by a person that truly cares about her customers, brings honesty, creativity and passion to her work, you have just described Tammy Hampton. Better known as "The Cover Girl," Tammy has been both a friend, mentor and business partner for nearly twenty years. I found Tammy by her name tag.... sewn to a sailboat cover, in a nearby marina. The boat cover was fitted with such precision, it clearly stood out from the others. In the years since, Tammy has 'dressed out' at least twenty boats for me. She has yet to meet a challenge for which she could not find a creative and effective solution. Tammy has become a valuable resource to my Boatbutler business, and she has actually created sort of a "cult" following among my customers. Once they see the quality of her work, the choice is an easy one. I am still grateful for that little tag on that sailboat cover I found nearly twenty years ago." Alpharetta, Georgia

Brilliant And Simple Solution WOW! I just got the EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers for my canvas and what a simple solution! Thank you for coming up with this. I am telling my friends about this product. Susan M.

You Made Everything Easy We just installed the zipper we received on our sea ray boat canvas- what an incredibly easy experience! It makes snapping the canvas so much easier with the zipper extension. Thanks for the crimper & tape - you made everything easy. We just ordered 5 more longer ones to completely update our canvas. Thank you so much for your quick response on our first order. F.Summer

Love Your Website I love your website and wish we lived closer, so that I could stop by your shop - sounds like a wonderful place! Judy D - Winchester, TN

Made Our Boating Season Very Enjoyable! Our boat was 10 years old when we purchased it and the canvas was stored all rolled up in the boat. When we tried to put the canvas together the force required to zipper the canvas together was making the canvas split on the seams or causing the zippers to tear, so we had to leave parts of the canvas unattached and every time it rained we would get water in the boat. With your zippers in place we could button up all of the canvas and make a very nice weather tight space which made our boating season very enjoyable. Phil R.

EZ-Xtend Zipper Saved the Day Tammy, I purchased a used 27' Sundancer about a year ago. It came with the Bimini, side curtains & windshield eisenglass panels along with a bimini to transom cover with eisenglass also. I don't think the original owner ever put anything up except the bimini. Nothing would fit, ever where it was short. If I cheated and put the windshield panels in the side curtains were never even close. If I did it the other way, sides first front panels were off. The canvas is hi quality material from a well known manufacturer. Started researching about what to do. Then I came across a blog on the Searay owners site. One of the chats was about what I had going on. One owner who replied had purchased your zippers and was raving about solving his problem using them. Well I'm here to "RAVE" about them also. My $300.00 investment with you has saved me thousands in replacing what is perfectly good canvas. Boaters if you have a shrinkage problem and we're not talking the George Costanza kind this is your answer. Your site has also grown to include more helpful information on boat care and maintenance. Great information and wonderful tips. Thanks again - Ron W.

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NEW Pontoon bimini tops with 1.25" square tube frame. Available with alumnium or black frames.

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Camouflage fabric with black tubing and fittings, this Bimini is perfect for hunting or anybody who loves Camo.

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Need to replace just the fabric portion of your Boat Top? Keep your existing frame, and replace the canvas and boot only!

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Made to clamp to the legs of your tower--no drilling is required. These tops are made to fit almost any size and type of tower!

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We have what you need. Check out our replacement hardware on our accessories page.

Bimini Top Benefits and Options

When you're out in an open boat, its easy to get too much sun exposure, which can result in a bad burn. Because of the way water reflects sunlight onto your body, the sun you get on a boat is worse than the sun you get while on land.

While covering up with a hat, proper clothing, and applying sunscreen will aid in protecting you from the sun, it will not offer you the shade that a Bimini Top will provide.

Bimini Tops will offer you the most complete coverage while boating. A Bimini Top consists of a metal frame which supports a canvas that is open on the sides. It's sort of like an umbrella with 4 legs that covers a portion of your boat. Bimini Tops make relaxing on the water easy, so you can stop worrying about damaging your skin.

Boat Covers Direct® offers top of the line Bimini tops by Carver. Our Bimini tops are offered in the best materials in the industry including Sun-DURA®, Sunbrella® and Outdura®. Many tops are in stock and can ship the day you order.

Carver Bimini Tops are designed and engineered in Landrum, SC and are produced in Carver's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. Carver has over 30 years experience manufacturing boat covers and Bimini tops. Their Biminis come in lengths from 5' to 10' long and they will mount on boats from small inflatable's to large cabin cruisers. Carver Bimini Tops come standard with aluminum tubing and nylon fittings, but are available in full stainless or with the option of stainless steel fittings. The main bow of their Bimini top is double-walled, to provide extra stability. Their fittings are of the highest grade in the Bimini industry.They offer specialty square tube bimini tops for pontoons and tower bimini tops that are made to clamp onto towers. Replacement canvases for pontoon Biminis are also available.

You can choose your Bimini Top size , or you can go with one of our manufacturer's recommendations . To choose your size, we just need to know the width between your mounting points, height from the mounting point up, and the length of canvas you would prefer.

A Bimini Top is a great investment for an avid fisherman, family boater, or anyone who spends time on a boat. It's a must have item for hot summer days. A Bimini Top will pay for itself over the years by saving you sunburns and keeping you comfortable while boating.

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