Friday, March 15, 2024

How To Measure Boat Bimini Top

What Is It Used For

How to Measure Your Boat for a Bimini Top

Bimini tops have a number of functions, but the main one is to keep the sun off passengers on the boat. When you hit the water, and the open ocean, one of the most appealing aspects of boating is that you get to experience the thrill of the natural world. You are face to face with the elements, and this can be pretty exhilarating. However, you also need to make sure that you are careful and sensible.

Its great to be able to go out on the water and feel the sun on your back. However, if you are out for a long time, then overexposure to the sun can cause problems. You might burn, become dehydrated, or suffer from sunstroke. So, you need to have protection, and one of the best ways of being able to do this is to install a bimini top on your boat to combat this issue.

How To Measure For A Bimini Top

  • Researched By WN Team

There are lots of brands of Bimini top for pontoon boats available in numerous sizes in various materials and designs. Picking the right Bimini top is not a difficult job if you know your requirements precisely from the beginning. For proper installation, you should know how to measure for a Bimini top. It comes at the very beginning of the installation process. Every Bimini top comes with detailed instructions about how to measure for a Bimini top for a boat. You cannot apply the same technique for all kinds some come with unique details of their own. But its important to know how to measure the top for your pontoon boat. Because without proper measurement you might end up buying the wrong one.

Questions To Ask Before Buying A Bimini Top

Looking to take your boat out on the water? Enjoy, but look out for the sun. When youre on the water, youre exposed to more than UV-radiation than normal because UV rays can reflect off the water and the surface of fiberglass boats.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , if not properly protected, the suns UV rats can damage a persons skin in fifteen minutes.

While sunscreen and protective clothing can help, getting out of the sun can help you avoid the risk of exposure.

One great way to stay out of the sun while enjoying the water is installing a bimini top to your boat.

What is a bimini top you ask? Youve come to the right place. Were going to answer all your questions here.

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Shademate Bimini Top Frequently Asked Questions

What if my boat manufacturer or model isnt listed in the menu?

If your boats manufacturer is not included in our drop down list, you can still search by Bimini type. We offer universal Bimini tops to fit a wide selection of boats.

If you have any questions about your Bimini type, please give us a call at 1-800-334-6541, and one of our friendly customer service specialists will be happy to assist you.

What is the difference between a standard Bimini top, a pontoon Bimini top, and a tower Bimini top?

Shademate Standard Bimini Tops are made with 7/8″ dia. round tubing, while Pontoon Bimini Tops are made with square tubing to match the square rails that come on most pontoon boats. Tower Bimini Tops are designed for mounting directly to your wakeboard tower.

Can I purchase replacement parts for my Shademate Bimini Top?

Yes. You can purchase replacement fabric, frames, and hardware for your Shademate Bimini Top. Our replacement fabric is designed to easily zip onto your Shademate frame.

What mounting hardware comes with the Bimini top?

If your boats manufacturer is not included in our drop down list, you can still search by Bimini type. We offer universal Bimini tops to fit a wide selection of boats.

If you have any questions about your Bimini type, please give us a call at 1-800-334-6541, and one of our friendly customer service specialists will be happy to assist you.

What is a matching storage boot?

Can I get a sample of the Bimini top fabric?

Question: What Is A Bimini Top For Boat

Pontoon Bimini Tops

A sunscreen is an open canvas structure that rests on the cockpit of the boat, supported by a metal frame. The name Bimini-Top comes from the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, where they were originally arranged according to the triangular naval center.

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How To Measure For A Standard Bimini Top

Determine the width of the top by measuring from mounting point to mounting point .

Width selections below are given in 6″ ranges. As long as your width measurement falls in the 6″ range, your width selection will be correct.

Bimini frames can “flex” 3 inches out or in .

Width is the most crucial measurement for finding a bimini top. While it is related to the width of your boat, this measurement is not the same as “beam” or boat width.

Determine the height of the top by measuring from the mounting point straight up with a tape measure.

Choose the ideal height to fit your needs.

A Center Console boat will need a taller bimini top, while a Ski Boat needs a shorter bimini for a sleeker look and ride.

A boat with 30″ side rails and a 48″ tall frame would provide 78″ of clearance.

Determine how much of your boat you want covered by your top by choosing the length. Then select a manufacturer for your new bimini top made to your precise dimensions.

The mounting point is located approximately at the center of the bimini top. A 6 foot bimini covers 3 feet in front and 3 feet behind the mounting point.

If you are measuring your existing bimini, please note that some tops have a flap or overhang. Do not include this in the length measurement. Measure only from bow pocket to bow pocket.

Square Tube Bimini Boots

Replacement Bimini Top Storage Boots for Square tube bimini tops will accommodate tops mounting between 96″ and 102″ inches. They are available for 8′, 9′, and 10′ long bimini tops. To measure the length of your bimini top, measure from the first bow to the last bow, while the top is fully deployed. This measurement should be taken over top of the frame.

Replacement boots for 8′ and 9′ bimini tops will accommodate a maximum circumference of 24″. Replacement boots for a 10′ bimini top will accommodate a maximum circumference of 30″. Circumference should be taken in a full circle around the canvas while the top is in the storage position and ready for the boot to be applied. Simply wrap the tape measure around the canvas and frame at its largest point while the top is in the storage position.

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What Accessories Can I Use With My Bimini Top

If you like to fish, you can connect a rod holder to your frame. Able to hold up to 6 fishing rods these frames can withstand light trolling and is a great solution for fishing rod storage. They also enhance the maneuverability of your rods when your bimini top is in use, so you can fish in the shade.

Assembling Your Bimini Top

How to measure your boat for a Bimini Top

3 Bow Tops

Step 1. Identify the hook shaped, long, medium, andshort metal side bow sections. Using the long side bowside sections, and one of the center cross bow sections,assemble the side bow and center bow parts as shown,aligning the pre-drilled holes. Use the 1/2, no. 8 screws toconnect the bow parts securely.Repeat this procedure for the medium and short bows,aligning the pre-drilled holes and securing them with1/2, no. 8 screws.Caution: If screw heads become burred, cover heads withduct tape or file down screw heads to avoid damage tocanvas.

Step 2. Spread the Bimini Top canvas out on a flat, cleanarea with the bottom side up. Sewn-in label indicates thebottom, or inside, and the back of the top.

Step 3. With the bows assembled, insert the medium bowassembly through the sleeve at the front of top. Notethe position of the single pre-drilled holes on the bow frame.Insert the short bow assembly through the small sleevein the center of the top and the long bow assembly throughthe sleeve at the back of the top .Again, note the position of the single pre-drilled holes on thelong bow frame.

Step 5. Pass looped end of each hold down strap overeach end of the long and medium bows. Use a no. 8, 1/2screw to fasten strap to bow frame at each pre-drilledhole position as shown. Position strap over hole and insertscrew, with finish washer, through center of strap and intopre-drilled hole.

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Why Do You Need One

So, why do you need to have a bimini top for your boat? Well, it is important to look at how you can improve your boating experience, and a bimini top is a great place to start. You will be able to shield yourself and your passengers from the sun, as well as providing better air circulation and a view over the top of the windshield. But, in addition to this, there is also the added benefit of the fact that a bimini top can go a long way toward improving the aesthetic appeal of your boat, both in the harbor and out on the water.

How To Measure For A Pontoon Bimini Top

Step 1 – Determine the mounting point for your top. The mounting point is where you want the frame to attach on the side of the boat.

Step 2 – Determine the height of the top by measuring from the mounting point straight up with a tape measure.

Choose the ideal height to fit your needs:

  • A taller bimini provides more head clearance & room for a spotter or for boats with no or low side rails.
  • A shorter bimini provides a sleeker look & ride and works well for boats with high side rails.
  • A Pontoon Boat with 30″ side rails and a 56″ tall frame would provide 86″ of clearance.

Step 3 – Determine the width of the top by measuring from mounting point to mounting point. Select the width that closest matches the width between your mounting points.

Pontoon boats are usually either 96″ wide or 102″ wide. Select the bimini width accordingly. Note: Bimini frames can “flex” out or in.

Note: 1 1/4″ square tubing is available for 56″ high pontoon bimini tops. This tubing matches the 1 1/4″ OEM rail tubing available on most pontoons.

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Preferred Bimini Height: How Tall Do You Want The Bimini To Be

  • Is it primarily for shade while seated?
  • Do you want more headroom for walkthru windshield?
  • Do you want to have lots of clearance for standing / center console driving?
  • The bimini frames come in 3 choices of height. Bear in mind that the overall height and inside clearance of the top will be dependent on your choice of mounting point. To determine final overall bimini height, measure from your mounting point to the deck and then add the height of the frame.

WE COVER IT ALL…

How To Select The Right Bimini Top

Boat Accessories Excellent Uv

4th Mar 2020

Boating is one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable pastimes and something youll want to make the most of. If youre looking to have great fun out on the water next summer, you need to make sure you prepare for this. That means getting the boat ready and making sure you have accessorized properly and that you have everything you need. This can have a major bearing on the boating experience you might have, and things like bimini tops are an essential piece of boating kit.

You want to have a boat that is practical and can go a long way toward improving your life as a boater, and bimini tops are one of the best ways of being able to do that. You need to make sure you have all the elements you need for your boat to have the best possible adventure. Bimini tops are a staple in the modern boaters must-have list, and were going to look at why, as well as how you can go about selecting the right bimini top to suit your boat and your tastes.

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How To Measure Bimini Top Canvas

To determine the size of the canvas youll need simply measure your Bimini Top frame while it is fully deployed from the first bow to the last bow. This measurement should be taken over top of the frame from the first bow to the last bow and in a straight line.

How To Measure Bimini Dimensions

Our bimini top make / model application selector is guaranteed to fit and thus does not require measurements. However, if your boat is not listed on our site then finding a great fit is still fast and easy. Just measure the length, width, and height of your top using the following instructions and then select a bimini top by dimensions.

If you get stuck at any step or have a special situation then . We will be glad to assist you.

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Measuring For A Bimini Top

Length

To determine the size of your new Bimini top, you firstshould consider what portion of the boat you would like to cover. You shouldtake your measurements from your main mounting point, which will be the centerof the Bimini top. This means if you choose a 6 long top, you will have 3 ofcoverage in front of and behind that mounting point. This is the point whichyou will use going forward to measure your width and height from.

Mounting Width

To obtain your width, just measure across your boat from side to side at the points where you wish to mount the top to your boat, which will be the center point of your Bimini top, or your main mounting point. Our tops can be mounted to virtually any surface including the windshield, railing, top of gunnel, or the outside or inside of the boat.

Height

Measure straight up from your mounting point to determine the heightyou would like your frame to be. Keep in mind that staying with the lowestheight possible will ensure you do not lose shade. Once you have the length,width and height, you are now ready to select your new top by dimensions!

Round Tube Bimini Boots

Bimini Tops: How to Measure Your Boat

To measure for a boot with a round tube bimini frame you will first get your tops mount width. This is the distance between your two main mounting points . The round tube boots we offer are for 3 and 4 bow biminis.

If you have questions about measuring, or are interested in a storage boot for a different style or size bimini top, contact us at 1-888-726-9300, live chat, or email .

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Choosing The Type And Style

It is important to consider the different types and styles of bimini top you would like to have for your boat. This means you need to consider the different elements that make up the ideal bimini top and think about what matters the most to you. You have to look at what you can do to select the perfect style and color of the fabric, and these are some of the key options to consider.

How To Measure Boat For Bimini Top

To measure your boat for a Bimini Top, you should use the main mounting point as the point of reference. From here you can determine the length, width and height. The width is calculated by measuring from side to side, whereas the length and height will be down to personal preference.

In this image, the red dot is the mounting point. Your Bimini Top can be mounted to a railing, the top of the gunnel or the windshield

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Selecting A Bimini Top

To select a bimini top for your boat you will need to know the length, height and width of top your boat requires.

  • Determine what portion of your boat you want the top to cover. The tops come in 5, 56, 6, 8, 9 and 10 lengths.
  • Determine where you want the top mounted. Measure the width between these two points to determine the width of your top. All mounting hardware is included with our tops including universal deck hinges with 90 degree stops to allow mounting in virtually any position.
  • Stand inside your boat and measure the distance in height from the mounting points to the height you desire. This will help you determine how high your top needs to be.
  • Bimini Tops: How To Measure And Mount

    Selecting a Bimini BoaTop

    Bimini tops are essential for protection against harmful sunexposure and summer storms. They are a great investment and most come with awarranty. There is also a wide range of colors and style options to choose from, so you can find the best one for your boat. Selecting the right Bimini may seem difficult but the resources at SavvyBoater make it easy.

    NOTE: Before selecting a Bimini Top, figure out where youwant to mount it FIRST! Then, take measurements and decide which Bimini Topwill work best for you.

    What does2, 3, and 4 bow mean?

    The bows of the Bimini top are the parts of the frame thatconnect from side to side over the width of the boat. Bimini tops are equippedwith either 2, 3, or 4 main bows.

    The smallest style offeredmostly used for shorter Jon stylefishing boats, V-hull fishing boats, and inflatablesis the 2 bow Bimini top.

    The most commonly used Bimini top is the 3 bow. This Biminitop style is recommended for V-hull runabouts, ski boats, performance boats,and most center consoles.

    The largest Bimini top carried by SavvyBoater is the 4 bow,which is reserved for larger boats, such as pontoons or deck boats.

    Measuringfor the Best Fit

    FIRST choose where you want to mount the Bimini Top.

    Width:The distance between the left and right mountingpoints. Measure straight across avoid measuring up and over, or around,obstacles.

    Reminder: Checkto see if your new Bimini might conflict with existing antennas or ski pylons.

    MountingYour Bimini Top

    Mounting Your Bimini Top

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