Why a Bimini Top Is a Great Investment for Your Boat

What’s a bimini top, you ask? Simply put, it’s an open structure made of canvas that is supposed to be placed over the cockpit of a boat. It’s supported by metal frames made of either aluminum or stainless steel, and functions to provide cover and shade while you relax on deck.

Taking your boat out on a sunny day makes sense because that’s the perfect weather for sailing. You want this time to yourself to relax and enjoy the sun without getting sunburnt. Imagine trying to enjoy the sea breeze but coming home to a bad tan. That’s where a bimini top for boats comes in. We know that the heat can be unbearable sometimes and you need a little shade to stay cool. Additionally, you can even get some cover under them if it starts raining while you’re sailing. Keep reading to learn about some of the other benefits of buying a bimini top for your boat.

BENEFITS OF A BIMINI TOP

UV-protection

It’s always healthy to get yourself out in the sun every once in a while, but you also need to be careful about the amount of direct sunlight you’re exposing your skin to. According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, you shouldn’t expose yourself to more than 15 minutes of direct sunlight because that can lead to skin damage, regardless of whether you have sunscreen on or not. Especially when you’re at sea, light reflects off the water around you and intensifies that damage. A bimini top will allow you to enjoy the weather while you’re sailing without exposing your skin to that damage.

Rain-cover

Sometimes you might find yourself caught in light rain or even a storm while you’re sailing. At times like these, a bimini top can help you stay dry. For greater protection, you can even add curtains around the top so you can draw them when you need to.

Customizability

Bimini tops are an affordable accessory for your boat. They add style, color, and personality to your vehicle. You can even add side curtains, aft curtains, and windshields to these tops if you’re looking for extra customizability.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BIMINI TOP

Frame

Most bimini tops have frames that are made of aluminum, steel, or plastic. Steel is strongest and sturdiest, which makes it resistant to bending and dents. This material is best suited for use on speedboats and faster boats. The downside of steel is that it can rust. Aluminum and plastic are the most rust-resistant and lighter than other alternatives, which makes them better suited for smaller boats that don’t go at very high speeds. You can even specifically ask for an aluminum frame with steel fittings if you want the best of both worlds.

Fabric

The material of the fabric of the top is pretty crucial because that’s the part that’s going to be providing all the shade. Materials like polyester and acrylic are great for providing UV (ultraviolet) protection and water resistance. Also, think about which fabric will be most resistant to fungi and bacteria which can cause mold and rapid deterioration. Considering the speed of your boat is equally important while picking the fabric; nylon, for instance, is more resistant than any other material to damage from high-speed winds.

Color

This isn’t very important for the functionality of the bimini top, but may be important for those who are more concerned about aesthetics. If you’re thinking about safety, brightly colored tops make your boat more visible and easier to spot in case you get stranded.

Coverage

Think about where on the boat you’re going to be placing the top. Measure the height, length, and width of that area and buy a bimini top according to those measurements. Also, consider how many people on average you’re going to need to provide coverage for.