Bimini Tops are open-front canvas tops that are mainly used for the cockpits of jeeps and boats. These are usually supported by metal frames, and most of the tops could be collapsed when not in use. These tops can be raised again when you need to protect the passengers in the boat or jeep from a slight drizzle or sunshine.
The main purpose of these types of tops, is to provide shade to the passengers, and it will not be of much use during heavy rains associated with strong winds. The top can protect passengers from rain if only there is no wind associated with the rain or the boat or jeep is stationary and not moving.
These tops are usually mounted on the boat's deck. This is done with the help of deck mounts. They are attached to both sides of the boat and will help the boat to balance the weight of the top. The deck mounts hinge, allowing top to be in an upright position at any time and folded down when not in use. Biminis come in many sizes and you should choose the appropriate size that fits best for your boat.
The width of the top is the most important when you decide to purchase a top. There are various lengths of tops to suit any type of boats. The most common lengths are 4 to 6-feet ideal for medium size boats such as fishing and sports boats. The larger sizes of 8 to 10-feet are ideal for bigger boats such as Pontoon boats.
There are many types of boat tops on the market. But all of them are not created equal. This is why you need to be cautious when choosing the right tops for your boat. Below mentioned are some of the most popular tops available on the market currently.
Stamoid - Stamoid is a vinyl coated, waterproof polyester Bimini Top. These tops would resist abrasion and is very easy to clean and maintain. This fabric will help to keep away ultraviolet rays too.
Sunbrella - This tops are made of acrylic fabric. It will resist stretching and shrinking and comes in a variety of colors. The material is not 100% waterproof but can be cleaned easily. Even though the material will resist ultraviolet rays quite effectively, it is not meant to 100% resist abrasion.
Stainless Steel - This is one of the strongest and most durable tops on the market. It is also much more popular than most of the other tops.
SeaMark - This material is vinyl-coated and 100% waterproof. It will provide 100% abrasion resistance and is easier to clean and maintain than most of the other materials. The only disadvantage is that it weighs much more than the other popular choices on the market.
You need to purchase tops that are quite tall as it will help to give you a good head space. The top should be compatible with your boat type too. This is why you need to perform extensive research on the subject before purchasing a Bimini Top for your boat.
The best place to perform this research is via the internet. There are many reviews on the net. Amazon is one e-commerce site that sells a variety of these accessories. You can compare many varieties of these tops by visiting Amazon.Com. But of course, if you wish to save a lot of money, you can make your own with our DIY manual.