Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top?

[Trooper583]

Hey guys, I have a 21 ' Rinker Open Bow that I have decided to put a Bimini Top on this year. I can't decide whether l want a 4 foot top or a 6 foot top. I plan to mount it to the factory locations on top of the side windshield. I have concluded that I need a 36" tall top but can't decide on the length. When I pulled out the tape measure, it looked like the 6 ft was going to provide a little more coverage than I wanted. However, I am having serious problems finding a 4 ft top in a suitable color and am afraid that I won't be happy with it.

Do any of you have boats of similar lengths, with Bimini's installed? Did you choose a 6 or 4 ft bimini and are you pleased with it? Pictures would be awesome so I could get an idea of what the different sizes look like.

Thanks in advance!

 

[riptide09]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

I have a 17' bow rider. It has a 6' Bimini top. I have been totally satisfied with the size. I don't think I would want it any smaller.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

A 4' would shade the driver part of the time. A 6' would be much nicer in the sun, or in a light shower.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

Things to consider is getting in your way when up, proper height to function as you choose when it's up and where/how you going to store it. Next the sun never rests and neither does you boat on the water. So about the only time you can calculate your shade pattern is at high noon...sun vertical.

Take some time, think about it, get in the boat with others and pretend you had the top, go through the what if's and you should do alright.

I have had several and I thought I wanted a heavy duty one once. It was about 7' or so as I recall. I had it made from heavy rubber reinforced canvas and used ss bows. It was nice and tough alright, but it took two folks and a bear to do anything with it. I never saw an aluminum with the bows torn up so I'd make it alum and if you want it tougher, increase the diameter of the bows.

HTH and I've had half a dozen over the years.
Mark

 

[airshot]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

An actual bimini top is free standing and not attatched to the windshield, so do as I did, I bought an 8 ft top and mounted the top on rails mounted on the gunwales. I now have the ability to slide the top forward or aft where ever it works best. Because the sun and boat always moove there is no "best" place to install. Mounting rails can be from one to four ft in length. I lay mine down in front of the windshield with a boot on it. As I have a cuddy cabin it works perfect. But as others have said think carefully before you buy!!

Airshot

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

Thanks for all your advice! I am going with the 6 footer after careful consideration!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

An actual bimini top is free standing and not attatched to the windshield, so do as I did, I bought an 8 ft top and mounted the top on rails mounted on the gunwales. I now have the ability to slide the top forward or aft where ever it works best. Because the sun and boat always moove there is no "best" place to install. Mounting rails can be from one to four ft in length. I lay mine down in front of the windshield with a boot on it. As I have a cuddy cabin it works perfect. But as others have said think carefully before you buy!!

Airshot

I had forgotten about that. I normally installed with the rails as where I wanted it when up and where it would lie when down wouldn't reach till I put the rails on so that I could slide if aft and let it lie right in front of the engine. Worked great.

Mark

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Suggestions Wanted -- Bimini Top Selection -- 21 ft OB, 4ft or 6ft Bimini Top

Do they even make a 4'? I thought 6' was pretty standard. I have a 6' and often wish it was an 8'.