A bimini top serves as protection from the sun when riding a motorboat. They are usually open-front canvases supported by a metal frame. Apart from direct sunlight, bimini tops shield boaters from other elements such as rain and snow.

Bimini tops may be composed of different materials. A very cheap and common material is cotton duck. Though inexpensive, this type of bimini material does not last long, leaks, and degrades rather easily under intense heat. Vinyl is also a common fabric used for bimini tops. Their reliability as being waterproof and being easy to clean has made them a favorite choice as material for bimini tops. Acrylic, on the other hand, is the most expensive, yet most durable of all materials for the bimini top. They can withstand harsh temperatures, not to mention they are very durable.

Finding the Right Top

Finding the most suitable bimini top for your boat is just as hard as driving your boat. You have to understand that there are several factors to consider when choosing a bimini top.

The width of the bimini top is by far the most critical dimension. The distance between the points to mount your hinges must be exact, otherwise the top will wobble. However, most frames for bimini tops have allowances of about several inches for mounting. The next factor to consider is the length. They usually come in lengths of 4, 6, 8 and 10 feet long tops. 4 ft tops are usually used for smaller boats, and likewise, larger boats require longer tops. Typically, an 8 ft long top will provide approximately 4 ft of shade in front and 4 ft at the back. Third of the factors to consider is height. Your bimini top of choice should be tall enough to provide headroom, but should fit well with the boat. Smaller boats used for skiing and racing employ 30-36" high biminis, while larger boats may opt for either a 36-48 inch or 48 to 60 inch high biminis. This may appear small, but this is just the height of the bimini. Actual clearance will include the distance of the deck to the mounting points.

Apart from height, width and length, material to be used on the top must also be given consideration. Remember that biminis are exposed to a lot of sun and wind and water, which will probably degrade if not used with premium materials.

With the measurements of the bimini in your mind, you get to be a step closer to your bimini of choice. Some bimini top dealers will even offer help to guide you in sorting out which bimini top you will be choosing. Some even offer recommendations, based on the make and model of the boat, or may refer to your measurements for further options.

An additional option to preserve the life of your bimini is by using a storage boot. What the boot does is wrapping around the bimini, locking everything in when it's not in use. When purchasing a bimini, see if a storage boot is available.