At one time I had a bimini top for each of my boats but I found I never used them, they're always in the way, either when their up or folded down. On an open aluminum boat they almost always end up folding down blocking off part of the boat unless they're super tall, In both of my side console boats the console and drivers seat is about 2/3rd of the way back from the bow, and a top that's tall enough to stand under would fold down either directly on the outboard or just beyond it in the rear, which can't be while under way, or fold down around the area of the first long bench seat. Meaning that when its down, you have to climb over it to throw out and tie off the anchor. When it was up it caught the wind and made holding position a real pain, if it was up, it made getting on plane with a smaller motor nearly impossible or it increased fuel usage enough to require another tank of gas be put on board to make it home. I sold them all, I carry a folding umbrella on really hot days that slides into a rod holder on the back of each seat and when not in use it fits nicely off the to the side or died closed in the rear rod holder out of the way. It was also free, so if it did ever hamper the operation of the boat I could gladly toss it overboard if need be without losing a dime. I have deployed it as a makeshift sale to assist in drift fishing for fluke too. If I simply feel the need to get out of the sun, I've got a huge straw hat with a chin strap that works great too.
The $150 or so I got for each bimini top went toward gas for fishing and in my truck. Plus it freed up a whole wall in my shed where they sat most of the time.
