Bimini Top

[PeteinCO]

Could anyone recommend a Bimini Top for my 1995 StarCraft the doesn't have Plastic Parts ?
Thank you, Pete

 

[airshot]

Most all over the counter top kits will have plastic connecters. If made of the right plastic they will outlive the top. Mine are over 20 years old with no issues. If you want all SS fittings, either use a custom canvass shop or swap out the plastic fitting for SS fittings. Gonna cost a bundle either way !!

 

[Bailey Boat]

Carver Canvas in Greenville SC will build you a top using whatever hardware you want. You have to order through iBOATS, they will not sell direct any longer.....

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Sometimes those plastic pieces save your butt. I had the Bimini in the radar position on our 20’ bowrider and forgot to lower it going under a bridge. Only two plastic pieces snapped. None of the tubes got bent

 

[flatheadsteve]

I have a cheap 4 bow bimini off Amazon that's been holding up good. Haven't gone over 30mph with it up and I'm sure it's not as sturdy as a $500 custom bimini but it suits my needs.

 

[airshot]

Same with me, been using cheap Amazon bimini tops for almost thirty years, honestly never had an issue. Never had plastic parts break, never had a top rip or tear. I do keep a boot on mine to keep the sun off. Remember when a problem occurs, the weakest part breaks first ! Those plastic connectors are cheap to replace !

 

[thill]

They are expensive...
https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/pr...widths/54-60/32/stainless-steel/4A3657SUB/57/

As stated by others, the nylon fittings are very good nowadays. I have a REALLY annoying Bimini top that is all-metal. It looked great new, but the fittings must be chrome plated zinc, because the parts have been corroding terribly. I've been replacing the fittings with stainless steel over the years, and only have a few more until it's done 100%

To buy a truly high-quality, all-metal top, you need to move up to stainless steel. They are literally 8-10X the price of an aluminum one, unless you build yourself.

 

[NS4Jay]

I have a cheap 4 bow bimini off Amazon that's been holding up good. Haven't gone over 30mph with it up and I'm sure it's not as sturdy as a $500 custom bimini but it suits my needs.

Can you share the manufacture of the Amazon top? So many online. Be nice to have a name.

 

[flatheadsteve]

This is the one I have.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Personally I wouldn't own a boat WITHOUT a Bimini, life's too short to bake your brains out while trying to have a little fun....

 

[LaqueRatt]

Isn't that what hats are for? ;-)

 

[airshot]

Isn't that what hats are for? ;-)

Yep, and I use both !!

 

[flatheadsteve]

Yep, and I use both !!

I think there have been a total of 4 hats lost off my boat(2 we recovered)Never by me always a guest not real familiar with boats. I always tell them when we first get on loose hats have a propensity to fly off at speeds above 35ish or so best to hold them down or turn the ball caps backwards if they don't have a chin strap like on a boonie hat. People forget half way through the day and I don't notice before we take off . It's a mistake people usually only make once lol.

 

[thill]

I have a cheap 4 bow bimini off Amazon that's been holding up good. Haven't gone over 30mph with it up and I'm sure it's not as sturdy as a $500 custom bimini but it suits my needs.

IF they were only $500, a lot of people would probably buy them. Click the link I posted above...

 

[flatheadsteve]

IF they were only $500, a lot of people would probably buy them. Click the link I posted above...

I did and I was a bit shocked at the price. I was quoted $2200 for a stainless t top for my center console I think I'd do that before spending that much for a bimini. I'm sure that bimini will outlast the Amazon one though for sure.

 

[Bailey Boat]

I did and I was a bit shocked at the price. I was quoted $2200 for a stainless t top for my center console I think I'd do that before spending that much for a bimini. I'm sure that bimini will outlast the Amazon one though for sure.

I've had both, Bimini AND T tops, I much prefer a Bimini since it doesn't permanently alter my height requirement. Personally I feel the Bimini offers more shade and rain protection due to being "shorter" than a T top.
But that's just ME......

 

[airshot]

I've had both, Bimini AND T tops, I much prefer a Bimini since it doesn't permanently alter my height requirement. Personally I feel the Bimini offers more shade and rain protection due to being "shorter" than a T top.
But that's just ME......

And...my bimini is on a sliding rail so it can move fore and aft which greatly increases it shade ability when the sun moves across the sky ! Most are to talk to give real shade. I cut mine down to just barely clear my head standing which gives better shade when sitting.

 

[NS4Jay]

This is the one I have.

I’d love to see a photo of your top, up and down. My boat is only 14’.

 

[flatheadsteve]

Front strap isn't attached in that Pic but it mirrors the rear in how it attaches. Have to look hard at the down Pic zoom in a little it rests against transom/splashwell when down. Boat is 20.5 ft long with a 98" beam.

 

[Lost But Happy]

I’d love to see a photo of your top, up and down. My boat is only 14’.

Here's a pic of a Bimini on my 14' Lund...it came with the boat. No idea the brand or how old it is.