Bahimi top fitament

[mitchp]

I am getting ready to order a bahimi top for my 14 foot runabout. These tops come in various heights and lengths. I have pretty much decided with a 6 foot length, however this top comes in two heights 36" and 46". What is the determining factors in choosing one height over another? Are these tops stable at speeds? Thanks in advance Mitch.

 

[a1akeywest]

Re: Bahimi top fitament

well i think the main factor would be the ability to stand up under the top.... so if your short guy, maybe the 36 will do ya,, if your taller then the 46,,,, what you can do is measure the the length from your floor to where you gonna mount the top,, then add 36" or 46" inches and see what you got. for example if your mounting spot to your floor is 31 inches and your bimini is 36 inches.. that would give you 67 inches of hight under your top,,, so assuming you are about 5.5 tall or shorter,, that would work for you... if you are taller, then you would want the taller bimini top,,,

thats the calculation i used anyway,,, hope this helps...... also when i bought my top they told me it would be fine up to about 40 mph..

 

[mitchp]

Re: Bahimi top fitament

well i think the main factor would be the ability to stand up under the top.... so if your short guy, maybe the 36 will do ya,, if your taller then the 46,,,, what you can do is measure the the length from your floor to where you gonna mount the top,, then add 36" or 46" inches and see what you got. for example if your mounting spot to your floor is 31 inches and your bimini is 36 inches.. that would give you 67 inches of hight under your top,,, so assuming you are about 5.5 tall or shorter,, that would work for you... if you are taller, then you would want the taller bimini top,,,

thats the calculation i used anyway,,, hope this helps...... also when i bought my top they told me it would be fine up to about 40 mph..

Thanks, for your feedback. Espessially the speed rating. Im a motorcycle kind of guy. This is my first small boat. It seems like my inquires on this forum draw very few answers. Maybe stupid questions? Im a regular contributor to vintage motorcycle forums and help guys with their projects as much as i can. There are no stupid inquires. My boat may be small and old but its paid for. Keep her headed into the wind. Mitch

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bahimi top fitament

In my experience few bimini's on a boat that small give you enough head room to stand up; you just duck some when moving around. Not a big deal since you usually move that way anyway. If they are way tall, they loose their effectiveness since rain and sun seldom drop straight down.
As for stability, most will stand up to 40 mph driving but will shake. They also drag your speed. Lots of people fold them down when travelling distance, and after all, your speed keeps you cool. So be sure you install it so you can fold it down adn it will be out of the way, typically laying on the inner thwart in front of the motor.

I saw a large 6' tall bimini on a small boat this summer and it just looked odd.

 

[mike343]

Re: Bahimi top fitament

Our factory equipped glastron deckboat has a bimini that we can all stand up under--oldest son is 6-4.

But it does behave as sort of a sail, lots of aero drag. We leave ours up at 35 mph and that covers all the skiers in the family. Beyond that, up to nearly 50, I insist that it be folded up--not totally collapsed.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Bahimi top fitament

mitch-- my aluminum boat has a hard top over the front seats that is about 56 inch tall- plenty for sitting under- I'm 6'2"--the boat is open in back and good for fishing- hard to fish under top.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bahimi top fitament

that's the differenence between your deck boat and his 14'

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Bahimi top fitament

I know my bimini is fairly stable at 55mph but to be honest I only did it once, I just don't want to beat it up.

I ordered mine by adding a few inches to my height and subtract the height of the mounting point to the deck.

 

[mitchp]

Re: Bahimi top fitament

Great feedback guys. Thank you Much. After a bit on consideration im going with a 36 inch top. May have to duck down a bit, but it looks to be a bit aero sleeker. As you guys stated for a high speed run fold it down. Ill have a **** eatin grin if my rig will hit 40mph. Mitch