I get the same question every day. I often see bimini tops on the water. My suspicion is that the owners of these boats may not have been given the right advice. After all, you want the best balance between practical and beautiful!
Unfortunately, choosing the right bimini top is often not difficult if you know what to measure. That's why I'm going to explain the steps you need to take to make the right choice
How do I determine the correct size for my bimini top?
When purchasing a bimini top, you’ll be faced with a crucial decision: size. Bimini tops come in a variety of heights, widths, and lengths, and these choices will ultimately determine how much shade your bimini top will provide. Here are a few steps to help you when determining the correct size:
Step 1: Determine mounting points on the boat (Width).
The essential mounting points of the bimini top are located approximately in the middle on both sides, which determines the width of the bimini.
This width differs from the actual width of your boat, because the bimini top can be mounted in different ways.
Possibilities include:
- On deck, when purchasing a bimini top, standard swivel deck mounting brackets are supplied to correctly mount the bimini top to the boat. It is important to know that these deck eyes are designed for a flat surface on the
- The side of the boat (both inside and outside) Side mounting requires side mounting brackets
- On a railing, when mounting a railing, hinged sliding brackets are required
- On a window (for example on a speedboat). Deck brackets with a hollow bottom are suitable for window mounting.
- On a rubber dinghy. For a rubber dinghy special pads are required which have to be glued to the boat with a two-component glue.. If you want to attach the bimini top in a different way.
Mark with a pencil where you want to attach the deck eyes on your boat and measure the distance between these points. This determines the width of your bimini top. For example, if the width is 175 cm, this falls within the range of, for example, the size 170-182 cm or 170-190 cm. Keep in mind that the stainless steel version is approximately 10 cm narrower. In the case of a measured width of 175 cm, you will end up with the size 185-198 cm.
Step 2: Determine the height of your bimini top.
Stand in the boat and measure (place where the mounting brackets come) straight up how much space you still need, making sure there is enough space above your head. This is the height you need for your bimini top. Here too, it is good to know that a bimini top is a bit higher due to the arches in the middle, and keep about 15 cm for that. The rule of thumb is the lower, the more shade, the higher, the more standing height. It is worth thinking about this carefully, because sun is nice, but protection is better.
Step 3: Determine the length of your bimini top.
The length of the bimini top is determined by the number of arches, the more arches the longer the cloth. Check where and how you are going to store the bimini top. Check whether there is enough space at the back to lower the bimini top. Also measure carefully whether there is enough space to mount the mounting eyes on your boat, where the bimini top straps are attached. To give an example: The size bimini top 117 cm is 160 cm long folded.
When choosing the length you have some options for lengths of cloth. The sizes are 130, 160, 183, 220, 244 cm, this depends on which width and height you need.
When determining the length, take into account the available space on board and the storage options for the bimini top. The advantage of many bimini tops is that they are equipped with support poles as standard so that the bimini top can remain upright when folded. Do take into account that your cover has room for this. This way you are assured of a bimini top that perfectly matches your needs and the specifications of your boat.
If you have any doubts, you can always contact us.