The 5 Best Bimini Tops For Pontoon Boats
If you’re new to the scene, then yes, it can be pretty overwhelming. With literally hundreds of choices at your disposal, it can be a struggle to pinpoint an option that’s truly a fit for your shade needs. And that’s why we’ve come up with a condensed list of the 5 best bimini boat tops for pontoons that money can buy.
Dual Pontoon Bimini Tops Benefits:
- Twice the shade–double the fun!
- Dual pontoon bimini tops provide full coverage and protection from sun and rain to increase the life span of your boat.
- Have a party on the water while keeping your passengers protected from the elements!
- Rear support poles stabilize the frame against the wind, but keep the top folded back when picking up speed to avoid damaging the bimini top.
- Available in 12 vibrant colors to choose from! Colorfast bimini canvas is solution dyed so the color will never bleed or fade away.
- Be sure to measure your boat before purchasing a bimini top to ensure that we can provide the perfect cover to meet your needs.
- We offer the option of two top quality brands, Summerset and Summerset ELITE, featuring Sunbrella fabric.
- Purchase a dual pontoon bimini top today–to protect your investment tomorrow!
Pontoon Bimini Top Canvas Types
Solution dyed fabrics made of either polyester or acrylic are the best type of material for marine applications. The yarn is dyed before it is made into solution dyed fabric, which means the color is more vibrant and resists fading much better than fabric that is dyed after being woven. Some other companies may use cotton for their tops or even standard sewing thread, and this is something customers need to avoid if they are interested in buying a top that will last longer than six months.
Our bimini tops come with zippered sleeves that make it easier to install onto the frame, which is important when replacing the canvas of an existing frame. Coated and sealed polyester is strong against UV rays, which allows it to retain shape and resist stretching. It is the best type of material according to the Boat Owners Association of the United States. It is thick enough to keep water out, but it lets water vapor through in order to provent mold or mild dew from building up. Sunbrella marine fabric is featured on our Elite series. It is the most recognized outdoor fabric brand on the market available for both pontoons and boat biminis.
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Pontoon Bimini Top Boat Covers Buyers Guide
When youre spending the day on your pontoon boat, a good Bimini top cover can protect you from rain, harmful UV rays, and more. These umbrella-like pop-up covers can add shade, shelter, and aesthetic appeal to a pontoon with ease. If youre searching for the perfect Bimini cover for your boat on eBay, there are a few things that youll need to know.
What kinds of Bimini tops are there?
- Custom: Custom covers can be a great way to get a Bimini top that will fit your boats specifications. You can choose a top made of the fabric that you like in a color you love. With a custom cover, youll also be able to specify the size that youll need. This way, you can get enough shade out on the water.
- Standard: Standard pre-made covers are less expensive and can work as well as, if not better than, custom covers. These covers come in many colors and styles and are easy to install.
What functions do Bimini covers serve?
Bimini covers can serve a few different functions on a pontoon boat. They can be used as a sunbrella, a rain shelter, an aesthetic element, or all three. You should decide which functions youll need your Bimini cover to serve before making a final purchase. Not all Bimini covers offer UV protection, after all. Bimini top boat covers can come in a wide range of fabric compositions, colors, sizes, styles, materials, and shapes.
How do you know the cover will fit your boat?
Naviskin Bimini Top Cover
Much like many other pontoon boat top bimini canopies on the market, the Naviskin features heavy duty 8 l 600D polyester construction with a polyurethane covering, reinforced straps, and a matching storage boot. The ultra durable material is certified marine grade, offering lasting performance in harsh conditions typically found out on the water. It’s available in both 3 bow and 4 bow bimini options.
Its lightweight double walled aluminum frame, rear support, and bow legs are anything but flimsy, despite being relatively featherlight. This allows the structure to hold up against strong winds without caving in to the pressure. The lightweight aluminum construction also means that the 3 bow or 4 bow bimini boat top won’t weight down on your pontoon. And because it comes with an impressive 1-year warranty, you can buy the cover with complete confidence.
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What Is A Bimini Top And How Does It Work
The moniker is a reference to an island in the Bahamas of the same name. Some sources allege that the clever open-front boat canopy was first developed on the island, thus its name. It’s essentially a sunshade designed for boats. There are lots of different designs available on the market, but most designs use an aluminum frame and support poles to keep the structure in place over the cockpit.
For the most part, a bimini will require some installation and assembly out of the box. But because you can’t operate your pontoon boat with a cover expanded over the cockpit, most of the available designs effortlessly collapse into a nifty little size for easy storage.
Where Do Our Products Come From
Carver Industries has over 30 years of experience producing custom covers for boats and Bimini tops. All of their products are designed and engineered in Landrum, South Carolina and production takes place in Carver’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. They are an industry leader in quality, performance and customer service.
ShoreTex, formerly known as Shoremaster Fabric, features the largest line of true custom patterns that are specifically designed for your boat and its added features. They have been serving the marine industry since 1989, offering custom fitted boat covers and boat lift canopy covers. These top-quality, USA made boat covers can be used for mooring, travel, or simply storing on a trailer.
Westland is an established manufacturer with almost 3 decades of experience. Their covers are made for a wide range of boat styles and lengths, ranging from inflatable’s to cabin cruisers. Westland also offers Bimini tops in many colors, materials, and sizes.
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Bimini Top Cloth Types:
- Solution dyed polyester fabric is the best type of material for marine applications. The yarn is dyed before it is made into solution dyed fabric, which means the color is more vibrant and resists fading much better than fabric that is dyed after being woven.
- Some other companies may use cotton for their tops or even standard sewing thread, and this is something customers need to avoid if they are interested in buying a top that will last longer than six months.
- Our bimini tops come with zippered sleeves that make it easier to install onto the frame, which is important when replacing the canvas of an existing frame.
- Coated and sealed polyester is strong against UV rays, which allows it to retain shape and resist stretching. It is the best type of material according to the Boat Owners Association of the United States. It is thick enough to keep water out, but it lets water vapor through in order to provent mold or mild dew from building up.
- Sunbrella marine fabric is featured on our Elite series. It is the most recognized outdoor fabric brand on the market available for both pontoons and boat biminis.
Pontoon Bimini Tops Benefits:
- Instant shade to protect friends and family. No need to worry about sunstroke, allowing you to stay out on the water all day long!
- Protects your boat and equipment from sun damage, increasing the life of your pontoon and improving resale value.
- Bimini Tops allow boaters to enjoy a day out on the water without being in direct sunlight. It is also a quick solution for unexpected rainfall.
- Rear support poles keep the frame sturdy against wind. Make sure that the top is folded back when picking up speed to avoid damaging the bimini top.
- Bimini tops are often preferred over full enclosures because they provide protection without enclosing the entire pontoon and obstructing the passenger’s view. Bimini tops can also be folded back out of the way for full sun exposure.
- Be sure that you measure your pontoon before purchasing a bimini top to ensure that we can provide the perfect pontoon cover for you.
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What Are Bimini Tops For Pontoon Boats
Basically, a Bimini top is an open-front canvas top for the boats cockpit area designed to provide protection from the sun and the rain. You can put it up if you need shelter from the sun or rain and fold it down when not in use. Bimini tops are usually supported by metal frames and can be customized to fit different types of boats.
Cover Story: A Comparison Of 5 Leading Bimini Covers For Pontoon Boats
When you’re thinking about necessary items for a pontoon, shade is often left off the list.
We all need a space to escape from the heat and sun for a moment or two. But when the time comes to buy a new bimini top for your pontoon boat, your stomach is turning. Yes, I know the feeling.
You want every investment to be a good one. You’re overwhelmed by all the many different boat cover options and not knowing which option is best for you and your boat. You want a top that’s affordable, durable and easy to use, but if you’re like me, you’re finding it hard to find a cover that has it all.
To make this process a little easier, I’ve used my tooning experience to compare and contrast five of the leading pontoon bimini tops, so the legwork is already done!
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Pontoon Top To Double Bimini Square Tube
Square Tube Double Bimini Tops are designed and engineered in the USA by Carver Industries in Landrum, SC. Here are some features that come standard on this quality top:
- This double bimini top is designed specifically for pontoon boats 22′ or more in length. Once the top is utilized, it will offer a full 16′ of coverage and shade.
- These bimini tops are made from 1″ square tube, satin finished aluminum. The tops come standard with all mounting hardware, and the fittings are high grade nylon.
- This top is essentially two bimini tops which are made to zip together in the middle.
- Please keep in mind that the tops MUST be zipped together before the brace kit is adjusted on the forward bimini.
- The rear portion of the bimini comes standard with a running light cut out, zippered sleeves for easy installation and removal of canvas, a rear brace kit, and front hold down straps.
- Please note that this top will not work for rails which differ in height, like those on a fishing style pontoon boat. The height of the rails can be no more than 6″ in difference for the top to work properly.
- Each package will include detailed instructions for assembly and installation of the bimini.
Protect Your Pontoon Boat With A Seal Skin Supreme Bimini Top
If you need a high-quality Bimini top for your boat, you dont have to look any further. We have one that ticks all the right boxes. Here are some reasons why investing in a Seal Skin Bimini top can be one of the best decisions youll ever make.
- It is made from a highly durable marine polyester that is guaranteed not to shrink, stretch, or warp with constant exposure to the elements.
- It is extremely lightweight yet so you wouldnt have any problems assembling and disassembling it.
- The material used is 100% waterproof yet breathable. This ensures that the product will not retain moisture, provide good air circulation, and prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Our products are made to last. Seal Skin Bimini tops are double-stitched at the seams and are reinforcement-sewn at all major wear points.
- The product is available in different sizes and colors so you can easily find one that perfectly fits your boat and your personal preference.
- Seal Skin Bimini tops come with a heavy-duty yet surprisingly lightweight frame and a free storage boot.
- We offer a 5-year direct warranty with every purchase to protect your investment.
When youre ready to buy a Bimini top for your precious boat, make it a Seal Skin! Call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours if you have any questions about our products, exchange, and refund policies and well gladly answer them for you. We have the best covers and Bimini tops for your boat so give us a call today and well help you find what you need.
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Length Of The Bimini Canvas
For a more accurate list of options, it helps to also provide the dealership with the length of the bimini top canvas you presently have installed on your pontoon boat. Providing these measurements should help them offer you a set of options that are guaranteed to fit your pontoon boat the best way possible.
Keep in mind that if you decide to buy a replacement bimini top from outside of your dealership, then the measurements should still come in handy. In place of a length measurement, they might simply ask you whether you’re using a 3 bow or a 4 bow bimini top for your boat.
Although it’s not unheard of for a pontoon boat to tout a 3 bow bimini cover, most pontoon boats use the 4 bow because it provides more extensive coverage that comes in handy when you’ve got a large deck to cover.
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Cool winds and calm waves can be relaxing. But toss in some harsh sun and you’ve got the recipe for a serious sunburn. Scorching heat can easily sap the fun and enjoyment out of any boat trip. And because most pontoon boats come out of the dealership without any sort of sunshade, you might want to check the market for the best pontoon bimini tops.
Offering shade and cover + without weighing down your boat too much, a bimini is pretty much an essential for any pontoon boat owner looking to make the ride a little more comfortable. But because these after-sales additions have become pretty popular, there are tons of options available that might make your search a little less than straightforward.
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Dual Pontoon Bimini Tops Benefits
- Twice the shade–double the fun!
- Dual pontoon bimini tops provide full coverage and protection from sun and rain to increase the life span of your boat.
- Have a party on the water while keeping your passengers protected from the elements!
- Rear support poles stabilize the frame against the wind, but keep the top folded back when picking up speed to avoid damaging the bimini top.
- Available in 12 vibrant colors to choose from! Colorfast bimini canvas is solution dyed so the color will never bleed or fade away.
- Be sure to measure your boat before purchasing a bimini top to ensure that we can provide the perfect cover to meet your needs.
- We offer the option of two top quality brands, Summerset and Summerset ELITE, featuring Sunbrella fabric.
- Purchase a dual pontoon bimini top today–to protect your investment tomorrow!
How Do You Choose A Bimini Top For Your Boat
- Pay attention to the size. Determine where you want the mounting points to be before taking measurements. Measure the width from rail to rail, the length of the top, and the height of the frame to establish which part of the boat gets shade. Most boats will be able to fit a generic Bimini top, but custom Bimini tops for boats are always more effective.
- Be choosy with fabrics. Dont go for anything less than marine polyester since cheaper materials tend to shrink, stretch, or warp with constant exposure to the elements. Marine polyester doesnt. Additionally, it will not retain water, grow mold or mildew, or hold musty odors.
- Put a premium on durability. You wouldnt want to throw away your hard-earned dollars for something thats not worth it, so choose a Bimini top with double-stitched seams. Additionally, make sure that all the major wear points are reinforcement-sewn and not simply glued together.
- It should be easy to use. Bimini tops are meant to be assembled and disassembled with ease.
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How To Choose A Bimini Cover For Your Pontoon
When purchasing a new cover, I’d recommend that you start by figuring out what your “must-haves” are. What are you really looking for?
For me personally, those must-haves are durability, effectiveness, usability and cost. I want to know that I’m getting the most bang for my buck and that I can get as much life as possible out of my new bimini top.
I want it to be easy to set up and use, and I want to be mindful of how much I’m spending. If I choose to spend a bit more, I want to feel like it’s going to be worth it.
Also consider if you’re looking to add other items like a pontoon boat bathroom or a privacy partition.
In a case like that, you might need to account for more space. With these “must haves” in mind, I’ve compared the following five bimini top pontoon boat covers based on answers to the following questions:
- How durable is the cover?
- Is the cover easy to adjust/open and close?
- How long and complicated is the set up?
- What’s the cost?
- Is there a manufacturer’s warranty?
All products reviewed are for an eight-foot-wide pontoon boat and the costs are approximate and in USD. There are online sales for a lot of these products but make sure to look into shipping costs before purchasing.
Of course, I’ve made sure that the companies are reputable. I highly suggest reading reviews before purchasing. I’ve been dinged before and reviews are a great way to assess the seller’s reputability.
If you go outside this list looking for other options, follow this same procedure.
