Without a Bimini top, you will get hot and blinded by the sun or get drenched by the rain. The problem many boaters have is choosing the right size Bimini top for their boat. In this article, I’ll describe how to determine the right size Bimini top for your boat and give tips on choosing a top.
What Bimini top do you need? For most boats, the minimum length measurement is 5 feet, while the longest is about 9 feet. The most common measurement, however, is 6 feet. To determine the exact size Bimini top you need, follow these points:
- Determine the area of your boat to be covered.
- Measure the length of the area to be covered.
- Identify the mounting points.
- Measure the width of the area to be covered.
- Measure the height of the area to be covered.
Our top 7 Bimini tops that are available in various sizes and colors are as follows:
- XGEAR 3-4 Bow Bimini Top – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Leader Accessories Bimini Top – Click here to see it on Amazon
- SavvyCraft Bimini Top
- 4 Seasons Bimini Top
- Oceansouth Bimini Top
- Naviskin Bimini Top
- Komo Covers Bimini Top
When I was a beginner boater, I thought Bimini tops came in one size only. So, I went online, only to be overwhelmed by the available choices. The colors and designs were easy enough to choose from. What I wasn’t prepared for was when determining what size Bimini top I needed.
Over the years, I have tested different Bimini tops and learned how to determine the boat’s right size top properly. Read on to learn more about determining the right size Bimini top for your boat.
Also, for an excellent Bimini-Tops, take a look at our top pick, the XGEAR 3-4 Bow Bimini Top:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
What Size Bimini Top Do I Need?
1. Determine the Area to Be Covered and Shaded
Your first task is to decide which part of your boat should be covered and shaded. Some boaters prefer to install a short Bimini top that covers part of their boat. Some boaters prefer to have the entire boat covered.
2. Measure the Length of the Area to Be Covered and Shaded
You have to determine the length of the Bimini top that you’re going to get for your boat. To do this, start measuring from the boat’s front area and down to the boat’s back area. For boaters, “front to back” is commonly termed as “bow to stern.”
In most cases, the minimum length measurement is 5 feet, while the longest runs about 9 feet. The most common measurement, however, is 6 feet.
3. Identify the Mounting Points
Identifying the mounting points is important as these points will serve as your Bimini top’s center. To give you an idea, if the length of your Bimini top is 6 feet, then 3 feet covers the front area, and the other 3 feet covers the back area.
The Bimini top’s center or the borderline where the front and back meet must be perfectly aligned with the mounting points.
4. Measure the Width of the Area to Be Covered and Shaded
This is important because your width measurement will greatly affect the installation of your Bimini top. To do this, simply measure the extent of the area to be shaded from one side rail to another.
To further ensure accuracy, measure the distance specifically from one mounting point to another.
5. Measure the Height of the Area to Be Covered and Shaded
Measuring the height will determine your desired Bimini top overhead position. In doing so, the measurement should start from the mounting points and up to your desired headroom height.
Take note that measurement should not start from the floor but should start from the mounting points.
Boaters have different preferences when it comes to the height of their Bimini tops. If you prefer to stand up as you drive your boat, then your Bimini top should be installed higher than your own height.
If you prefer to enjoy the shade as you sit down and relax in your boat, then your Bimini top should be installed low but with enough clearance above the head. Also, the height may depend on the design of your boat. Carefully determine whether your boat is ideal to have a high or low Bimini top.
To answer the question: “What Size Bimini Top Do I Need?” check out the below video for some helpful tips:
Recommended Bimini Tops
Now that you know how to determine the size of the Bimini top you need, you then can choose a top. There are many Bimini tops to choose from. Below are our top Bimini tops to help narrow your search.
1. Seapisode 4 Bow Marine Grade Fade and Crack Resistant Bimini Top Replacement Cover
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Seapisode 4 Bow Marine Grade Bimini Top Replacement Cover ensures long-lasting protection with its fade and tear-resistant marine-grade 600D Solution-dyed Polyester canvas.
This durable material, along with double-stitched craftsmanship, guarantees longevity, making it resilient against high temperatures, rain, and other environmental factors. The cover provides maximum protection from harmful sunlight, rain, dirt, and pollutants.
The easy-to-install zipper design with reinforced heavy-duty zippers allows for quick installation and removal without the need to disassemble the bimini frame, saving valuable time.
This universal replacement cover is designed to fit both round tube and square tube bimini top frames of all shapes up to 1″. Additionally, it includes a matching storage boot for convenient stowing of the boat canopy during trailering or when not in use.
Seapisode offers a risk-free shopping experience with a 1-year limited warranty and a money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction. For any questions, the customer service team responds promptly within 24 hours.
2. Leader Accessories Bimini Top
With the Leader Accessories Bimini Top, you have 13 different colors to choose from – two of which are two-tone tops.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It comes in 6 different sizes to ensure that Leader Accessories can cater to the needs of all boaters.
It is cheaper than other Bimini tops but is nonetheless impressively made of high-quality materials. It is also properly seamed and cut. It perfectly fits any boat, such as deck boats, bowrider boats, and center console boats, among many others.
3. Adjustable Heavy Duty Bimini Top Straps
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It comes in 7 different sizes and is made of premium quality materials to ensure its strength and rigidity.
It is made of extremely tough and durable 600D marine-grade heavy-duty canvas. The top comes with all mounting hardware included as well as two aluminum rear support poles.
4. 4 Seasons Bimini Top
The 4 Seasons Bimini Top features an aluminum frame, high-quality nylon straps, clips, and poles. Its eye-hooks and mounting screws are stainless steel.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The 4 Seasons Bimini Top comes in various colors, including navy blue, gray, and burgundy.
This top can be easily set up in little time. No additional tool is needed except for a small screwdriver. You won’t even have to follow the instructions as it is so easy to set up.
5. Oceansouth Bimini Top
The Oceansouth Bimini Top is a top choice among boaters because of its design, cost, durability, and sturdiness.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It effectively protects boaters from the sweltering heat, allowing them to enjoy boating for long hours.
This Bimini top is not complicated to set up. Once installed, it is also easy to put up and fold down. Choose from black, blue, or grey, as well as 6 different sizes to fit your needs.
6. Naviskin Bimini Top
Like many other Bimini tops available in the market, the Naviskin Bimini Top is offered in a large selection of colors and sizes.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It is also made of durable materials, including its aluminum frame and stainless mounting screws.
It effectively blocks the glaring sun rays, making the summer heat a lot bearable. Its 600D polyester canvas with PU Coating will also protect you and your passengers from rain and wind.
You can enjoy boating for long hours in all different types of weather for an affordable price.
7. Komo Covers Bimini Top
The Komo Covers Bimini Top only comes in the standard size of 6 feet long and 46 inches high, but it comes in different width sizes. It is available in three colors, namely, blue, grey, and red/burgundy.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Komo Covers doesn’t offer longer Bimini tops, but its product attaches perfectly to most types of boats. It is convenient to install, can effectively protect you from the sun, and withstand powerful winds.
Conclusion – How Do You Size a Bimini Top?
So, if you are asking yourself, “what size Bimini top do I need?” then simply remember these step-by-step instructions:
- Determine the area to be covered and shaded.
- Measure the length of the area to be covered and shaded.
- Identify the mounting points.
- Measure the width of the area to be covered and shaded.
- Measure the height of the area to be covered and shaded.
For most boats, the minimum is 5 feet long, while the longest is about 9 feet long. The most common measurement, however, is 6 feet long.
Some Bimini top manufacturers offer customized services to ensure that your Bimini top is impeccably attached to your boat. But most manufacturers now offer Bimini tops that are ready and easy to install — and just as impeccable as the customized ones. 7 of our top picks are as follows:
- XGEAR 3-4 Bow Bimini Top – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Leader Accessories Bimini Top – Click here to see it on Amazon
- SavvyCraft Bimini Top
- 4 Seasons Bimini Top
- Oceansouth Bimini Top
- Naviskin Bimini Top
- Komo Covers Bimini Top
Any of these tops would be excellent for our boat. Measure out your desired size, and then choose the brand and color. It is helpful to invite another boater to join you as you measure the size of the Bimini top that you need.
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