What size and color bimini for my boat?

[sixdoubleseven]

Didn't want to hijack the "bimini owners get in here" thread.

What's the traditional size bimini for a 17 center console? What do you think about a color? Leaning towards black right now since the blue on the stickers and cushions is more of teal.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Size: 4', 5' or 6' length depending on the amount of shade you want.
Color: Darker is hotter in the summer; I suggest you go with a lighter color. If you want to splurge, iBoats also offers biminis with multiple colors. I just ordered a bimini with silver and red stripes to match my boat's upholstery.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Yeah, wouldn't go black myself, maybe white? Or go crazy, buy a cheap one and have a canvas shop or yourself sew a new awning to match the stripes. Not sure how a bimini in teal would look though...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Get a white one and have a local upholstery shop stitch on teal binding on the outer edge of the bimini. It'll look factory.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

light tan

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Not black.

Nice clean looking boat by the way.

I appreciate my bimini. I think a six footer for you, unless you want coverage of the jump seat in front of the console. 3 bow. Go with the rear support poles so you can fold it up and leave it up out of the way.

The other thing to think about is where it will lay when you fold it down on the transom. Want it away from the outboard but not in the way of folks in the cockpit. The main bow can run on sliding tracks.

http://www.gmitopdesign.com/accessories-e.html#support_poles-e

A lot of companys will send you color samples. Picking up on the accent stripe would be really nice, or go ivory. Looks more blue than teal.
Your boat demands stainless hardware to match.

The only problem I see is that it will interfere with fishing. A t-top would be better except for the price.

Take your time.

 

[sixdoubleseven]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

I'll try to find a company that will send me samples.

How difficult is the install? I'm sure I'll be a little nervous about drilling holes in my boat.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Put it together and set it up bolted to a sheet of plywood.

This will let you get the width, angles and height correct. You can take measurements from the boat and use magic marker to transfer onto plywood.
Have the plywood laying beside the boat for orientation.
This will allow you envision the coverage area when its installed

Take your time. Figure out where the folded top will lay on the transom.

Measure 10 times, drill once!

There is quite a bit of flexability in the bows. Get help when you install into the boat brackets. Hard to handle by yourself.

BB

 

[pinellas50]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Here is what a 6' bimini looks like on my 17 footer. I know it's hard to compare a bow rider to a CC.

For height on a fishing rig I would definately want it so I could stand under it without hitting my head or ducking. Stand on the boat and measure from the top of the gunwale up to a point that is above your head. There is your target height.

Mounting is easy. Drilling holes in the boat is easy too once you get over the "I'm drilling holes in my boat!!!" feeling. It didn't take me more than an hour to install mine by myself.

Color....that one is completely up to you.

 

[sixdoubleseven]

Re: What size and color bimini for my boat?

Great idea with the plywood.

And thanks for showing the 6 footer on the 17. I think I want to see an 8' top on a center console. 6' is the minimum for sure.