Bimini tops are open-end, canopy like structures that fits over the cockpit of a boat. This top is used to protect the passengers of the boat from the scorching hot sun. These structures are made of polyester acrylic or other fabric materials and come in different colors.
These tops are fitted onto the deck of the boat using stainless steel metal frames. These tops are ideal to protect the passengers on a boat from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. But they are not that useful during heavy rain or rain associated with strong winds.
Biminis were first invented on the Bimini islands of the Bahamas. The Bimini island is situated near the Tropic of Cancer where the sun may appear directly overhead at its culmination. The boat top invented in this island helped to protect people from hot sun while allowing air to flow through the sides.
The Bimini top differ from the dodger due to this reason. The dodger has all its sides covered with fabric material while the Bimini top will only have its top covered with fabric or other materials. The main purpose of the Bimini top is to reduce the sun exposure for boaters.
The Bimini top is made of different materials such as polyester acrylic, cotton, vinyl and many more materials. The polyester acrylic is the most expensive out of all the other materials. They are fade-resistant and quite durable compared to the other Bimini tops. The cotton Bimini top will tend to leak even during the slightest rain, and they are not durable like the polyester acrylic material.
The top is available in a variety of colors such as gray, black, white, blue, yellow, purple, red and green. They are available in strong and subtle variety of colors. Most boat owners will select the Bimini color which compliments the color of his boat. Even though the top will come in different colors, the metal frame will always be of silver color. This frame is usually made of stainless steel for durability.
The top is available in 2, 3 and 4-bow types. The 2-bow type is the smallest which is being used for small boats such as ski and fishing boats. The 3-bow type is used for medium sized boats such as sport boats and V-hull boats. The 4-bow is used for larger type of boats such as Pontoons and boats with decks.
These Biminis are sold for various prices on Amazon.Com. Below listed are some of the most popular Bimini tops sold on Amazon.Com and their prices. . The 4-bow Pontoon Bimini Top is priced at $110. It comes with an aluminum frame that is double-walled. The fabric is a 600-denier heavy duty canvas. The width is between 9" to 96".
The Norestar Boat Bimini Top cover is priced at $115 on Amazon. The fabric used is a 600-denier oxford polyester with PU coating for better UV protection. . The 3-Bow Gray Bimini Top is ideal for V-hull and ski boats. It is priced around $120 on Amazon.com. It is made from 600-denier heavy duty canvas which is UV protected and weather resistant. . The 4-Bow Gray Bimini Boat cover is priced at $113.99 on Amazon.Com. It is made of 600-denier heavy duty canvas which is weather resistant and UV protected. The frame is made of anodized aluminum pipes.
The RockyMRanger 3 Bow Boat Bimini Top is priced at $135 on Amazon.Com. It is made of 600-denier oxford polyester fabric with UV repellent and PU coating. The aforementioned are some of the most popular Bimini Tops that are sold on Amazon.Com currently, but you can make your own for just the cost of materials.