Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

[Moody Blue]

One of my projects for this season is to buy and install a bimini top. Have a couple questions that I'm hoping to get some advice on before making the purchase.

Boat is an older 16ft runabout with an 80" beam. I have the option (I think) of using a top mount hinge and mounting the hinges on-top of the deck OR, use side mount hinges and mount the hinges on the inside edge of the deck. Either way, I will need to use a track and sliding hinge arrangement so that I can slide the thing back out of the way when folded down. Advantages/disadvantages to either method ? Other recommendations?

What about the height of the top? I've seen heights anywhere from 36" to 72". What are your recommendations based on your experience? Is higher better, or lower?

My "plan" is to be able to install this top so that I can keep it in place (folded down and slid back) and still be able to put the mooring cover on over top. Is this the right way to go about the install OR, is the bimini top typically removed when not in use?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

I just installed one from here http://stores.ebay.com/safeguardcovers yesterday on my 18' aluminum. I am thrilled with it. The size ended up being perfect. You can walk under it from front to back without hardly ducking at all. I thought I was going to have to install some sort of track also in order to be able to push it back out of the way behind the rear seats when not in use. Well it ended up being perfect without doing that. Lays down right where I want it. Only thing I have to do yet is replace the main mounting bolts with clevis pins so I can make the whole deal easily removable.

 

[hostage]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

I did mine last year w/ the iBoat's Bimini: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=421351&highlight=bimini

I did mine so the mooring/cockpit cover could be installed w/o having to take down the bimini. With the hinges you do have some flex, but you can enter all the info into iboats, just make sure you measure correctly.

The height can vary. I went a little taller so I could easily stand and have about 6" to spare. It is also better for fishing, though it will not protect as well when the sun comes up or goes down. Though it affords the best protection and versatility when the sun is at it's worst (mid day).

IMHO this is the easiest way to use it and when it is easy, you are more likely to use it too

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

Get a Bimini with a zippered boot to go over it when not in use, keeps sunUV, rain, weather from degrading your top fabric.

 

[I Fish]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

Sorry, no pictures, but I mounted mine on the top and used a slide. Also, I didn't get the highest one. Mine just clears the top of my widshield by about 10". IMO, it makes it more versatile. It's low enough to keep out more of a sideways sunshine and blowing rain. Also, the slide allows me to angle the top, so if I'm anchored with the front or back to the sun, just adjust the straps and I can angle it to get the most shade. I'm adding 4 additional tie down points to aid in this. Another thing about being able to angle it, is I drift fish and troll, and when going with the wind, I can use my top kinda like a sail.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

Previous boat had side mounts on outside of hull and bows would rub sides of boat when laid back. I used little short 6" support poles for storage/towing to prevent rubbing. Current boat is top mounted and it does not rub sides of boat when laid back. Of most setups I've seen, I think the top mount is better.

For height, I like to have enough head clearance to stand upright under. Maybe 7' from sole/deck/floor. Height of bows will depend on height of sides and mount location.

+1 on the zippered boat.

No idea on cover usage. I keep mine under an aluminum shed so I don't use a cover.

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

I recommend getting a hight that just allows you to walk under it.

The lower the height the more shad you get!

You may also want to consider playing with diff heights in order to get it to lay just behind your rear seats or in front of your cockpit glass and thereby remove the need for installing tracks.

just my 2 cents.

Good luck!!

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Bimini installation and useage - advice needed

Ezmobee, very nice looking install. That is exactly what I was thinking of by having the top lay down at the rear of the boat. Your setup is very similar to mine. What is the height of your top?

Hostage, I checked out your install thread and I now see another mounting option I hadn't considered. I like the idea of going over the mooring cover because it allows me to have a wider top and thus more protection from the sun. I'll be taking a few more measurements to see it is possible with my setup.

To everyone else, thanks for the ideas. The top I'm considering does come with a zippered storage boot. After alot of deliberation I've decided to go with a height that will give just under 6ft clearance and I am 6ft tall. The next sized height is too tall for what I want. I do like the idea of using the sliding track because it offers the most flexibility in positioning the top.