Bimini Boat Cover Installation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bimini tops are fabric covers that provide protection from the sun, spray, and rain for boats. They are constructed from a durable, sun-resistant fabric on a metal frame that can be collapsed when not in use. Bimini tops are an inexpensive and easy accessory to add to a boat and they come in a variety of sizes, colours, and configurations. They can be raised and lowered quickly to provide shade and shelter from the elements.

Bimini top parts

Bimini tops are made of a durable, sun-resistant fabric on a metal frame that can be collapsed when protection from sun, spray, and/or rain is not needed. They are attached to the deck or gunwale of a boat using a set of main hinges that support the top when in use.

• Deck hinges: These are used to attach the Bimini top to the boat. They come in a variety of styles, including straight, angled, and swivel deck hinges.
• Jaw slides: These are used to join the frame of the Bimini top together.
• Eye ends: These are also used to join the frame together and can be made of stainless steel or nylon.
• Mounting hardware: This includes side mount plates, rail mount hardware, and quick-release mounting hardware.
• Ball socket hinges and fittings: These heavy-duty fittings allow an irregular frame to bend, lay, and store smoothly.
• Straps: These are used to secure the Bimini top to the boat and can be made of EZ-Xtend boat straps or heavy-duty snap hooks.
• Support poles: These are used to provide additional support to the Bimini top and can be adjusted in length.
• Quick-release pins: These are used to quickly remove the Bimini top from the boat.
• Shims/wedges: These are used to correct the angle at which hinges sit on the boat.
• Snap buttons: These are used to adjust the length of the support arms.
• Pole clips: These are used to attach the support pole to the frame or other tubing on the boat.

Bimini top sizes

Bimini tops come in standard lengths of 4 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet, and 10 feet. The most common length is 6 feet. The length of the boat top is measured from the front of the boat to the back (bow to stern). Bimini tops are also available in 5', 5'6", 8', and 9' lengths, with the latter two sizes typically reserved for larger pontoon boats.

The width of the Bimini top is the distance between the spaces where you want to mount your hinges. The height of the top is also an important consideration and must be proportionate to the boat, providing ample headroom.

High-performance and ski boats pair well with a 30-36 inch high top. Fishing boats and runabouts benefit from a 36-48 inch high top. Boats with center consoles, deck boats, and pontoons usually do best with a 48-60 inch top.

Bimini tops are designed to be attached to the deck or gunwale of a boat using a set of main hinges that support the top when in use and allow it to fold down when not in use. The Bimini top can be collapsed when protection from sun, spray, or rain is not needed.

Bimini top materials

Bimini tops are made from a combination of metal and fabric. The metal frame supports the fabric, which provides shade and shelter.

The metal used for the frame is typically aluminium or stainless steel. Aluminium is the more common choice, as it is lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is also a good option, but it is denser than aluminium, making it heavier and more difficult to work with.

The fabric used for the canopy should be durable and sun-resistant. Synthetic fabrics such as marine-grade acrylic and polyester are recommended, as they resist rotting and mildew better than cotton blends. The fabric should also provide protection from harmful UV rays.

Some Bimini tops are also designed with quick-release pins, which allow for the easy removal of the top from the boat. This feature is popular among sports fishermen and water skiers.

Bimini top mounting

Bimini tops are fabric covers that provide protection for a boat's cockpit. They are collapsible and can be attached to the deck or gunwale of a boat using a set of main hinges. The first step in Bimini top mounting is to assemble the two pieces of the bow by sliding the side bows onto the centre bow. The next step is to insert the assembled bows into the appropriate pockets of the fabric top. The hold-down straps can then be attached by locating the cutouts in the fabric and wrapping the loop end of the strap into the cutout and around the frame.

To install the Bimini top, the mounting hardware must be fixed to the mounting point on the gunnel of the boat. A piece of masking tape can be placed under the deck hinge if the boat is made of fibreglass, to protect against cracking while drilling. The deck hinge should be marked and drilled, and the underside of the boat should be checked to ensure that there are no cables or wires in the way. The deck hinge can then be secured using the provided screws.

The Bimini top can then be carried to the boat and the eye ends of the bow can be lined up with the deck hinges and bolted. The top can be opened to the deployed position and the eye straps can be installed to the gunnel and secured using the hold-down straps. The Bimini top is now installed and ready to use.

Bimini top maintenance

Bimini tops are a great way to keep cool and shaded on a boat. To ensure your Bimini top lasts, it's important to perform regular maintenance and care. Here are some detailed tips to help you maintain your Bimini top:

Lower and Fold:

When trailering the boat, always lower and fold up the Bimini top. The frame is not designed to withstand high-speed wind blasts. Trailering with the top up can cause it to shimmy, loosening the mounts and joints, and may even result in bent pipework. It will also turn small rips in the fabric into larger tears.

Spray and Wash:

Spray the fabric with a canvas protectant or waterproofer, such as Ray & Rain Repellant, at the start of the season or spring. Do this early in the day to allow ample drying time, and make sure to thoroughly wash the fabric before applying any product. Avoid using the boat for activities like fishing right after spraying, as the spray will need time to dry properly.

Monitor for Shakes:

Keep an eye on your Bimini top as the boat cruises through waves. If you notice the frame shaking from side to side, add extra support using straps or other means. This issue commonly arises when people hold onto the Bimini for stability, putting the frame under more stress than it is designed to handle. Over time, the side-to-side motion will loosen the mounts and joints.

Scrub and Clean:

Use a mild natural soap, like Ivory, and a soft brush to gently scrub down the canvas once a month. Avoid using detergents, as they can diminish the water-repellent finish and promote mildew growth. Bird droppings, in particular, should be removed as they are acidic and can stain the canvas, ruining its waterproofing. For stubborn stains, a solution of mild soap, bleach, and lukewarm water can be applied, followed by a thorough rinse and air drying.

Maintain Water Repellency:

Regular exposure and cleaning can reduce the water repellency of the canvas over time. To restore water repellency, use products like 303® Marine Fabric Guard or Ray & Rain Repellant Waterproofing + Anti-fade Protection after thoroughly cleaning the canvas. These products will help water bead and run off the canvas, similar to a waxed car.

Frequently asked questions