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Bimini Tops

With the extensive range of bimini tops on the market today it is important to point out some of the key areas that make a quality bimini top.

Frame

There is a vast array of aluminium extrusions available but not all are intended for the marine environment. A Bimini frame should be made using anodized aluminium and not 'mill finish' or polished tube. The anodizing provides a protective layer against salt spray and water which cause corrosion. We use bright & clear anodized tube on all of our bimini tops.

Each individual bow should be made from a single length of tube and not be joined. Joins in the bows will create weak points that could come apart while traveling on the water. Obviously having single piece bows will make the package the top comes in a lot bigger and more awkward to transport home, however it will be safer and last longer than the top that comes in a nice neat box.

The frame of a bimini top is the biggest factor in determining what speeds the top can handle while erected. All of our tops are able to withstand traveling while on the water, however we do recommend that they are collapsed and tied securely to the boat using low stretch rope when the boat is being towed.

 

Hooding Materials

There are two types of material that are suitable for use on a boat, however one will do a lot better job than the other. The first is Acrylic Canvas. This looks like a regular cotton canvas but is made using synthetic fibres. The other type of material is Marine Grade Vinyls. These have two distinctly different sides. The outside has a plastic like appearance while the underside is a woven backing material.

Marine grade boat hoodings have been designed specifically for use on boat canopies and bimini tops. They have been treated to resist fading and breaking down from UV exposure. Most acrylic canvases have been treated similarly as they were originally designed for house awnings and similar applications. The key difference between the two materials is their ability to resist wear and ripping. Acrylic canvases will wear a lot quicker than vinyls when subjected to constant rubbing. Also when a hole is made in the canvas it will continue to fray, making the hole larger. Vinyls on the other hand have been designed to not rip once a hole is worn or a cut made. For this reason any boat that is used for fishing should have a top made from marine grade boat hooding. A stray hook or knife could ruin an acrylic canvas top.