The Ultimate Guide To Installing A Bimini Top

Bimini tops are a great way to create shade and protection from rain while boating. They are also versatile, allowing you to fold them back to catch some rays, trailer home, or store your boat. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing a Bimini top on your boat, helping you to enjoy your time on the water in comfort and style. We will cover everything from choosing the right size to the step-by-step process of assembling and installing your Bimini top. So, whether you're an experienced boater or a novice, read on to discover how to enhance your boating experience with this simple addition to your vessel.

Choosing the correct size

The first step to installing a Bimini top is to select the correct size. The width of the top is determined by measuring the distance between the points where the two deck hinges will attach. This measurement is taken across the boat's beam, with the mounting points located at the centre of the desired area of coverage. For example, if you have a 6-foot-long Bimini top, you can expect 3 feet of coverage on either side of the mounting point. If you want to stand underneath the Bimini top, be sure to choose a height that, when combined with the distance below the mounting point, offers enough headroom.

The length of Bimini tops typically ranges from 4 to 8 feet, with 6-foot-long tops being the most popular choice for runabouts. The longer the top, the more shade it will provide, but also the higher the cost. When choosing the length, consider the size of the area you want to keep in the shade. Keep in mind that the sun's angle will shift throughout the day. You should also select a canvas colour that complements the colour of your boat.

Once you have determined the correct size, you can proceed to assemble and install the Bimini top. This typically involves attaching the fabric top to the frame, connecting the secondary bow support tubes to the main bow, and securing the Bimini top to the boat using deck hinges and mounting hardware.

Unboxing and gathering materials

To get started with installing a Bimini top on your boat, you'll first need to unbox and gather the materials. This process will ensure you have everything you need and will make the assembly and installation process smoother.

Start by unboxing your Bimini top kit. The contents of your kit may vary depending on the manufacturer and model, but typically, you will find the following:

• Aluminum bows or supports, which provide the structure for the Bimini top. These may come in multiple pieces that need to be assembled.
• The nylon or canvas top, which offers shade and protection from the elements.
• Various fittings, screws, and hardware for assembly and installation, including eye ends, jaw slides, support straps, and mounting hardware.
• Instruction manuals, which should provide a detailed list of components and assembly instructions.

Once you have unboxed and laid out all the components, it's essential to check them against the provided component list to ensure nothing is missing or damaged. If anything is amiss, contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance.

In addition to the contents of the Bimini top kit, you will also need some standard tools for the assembly and installation process. These tools may include:

• A drill and an appropriate drill bit for making mounting holes.
• A screwdriver for tightening screws and fasteners.
• A wrench for securing nuts and bolts.
• A countersink drill bit to prevent chipping or cracking of the boat's surface during drilling.
• Rags for cleaning up excess sealant or solvent.
• A tape measure to ensure accurate measurements during installation.

With all the necessary materials and tools gathered, you can now move on to assembling your Bimini top.

Assembling the frame

To assemble the frame of your Bimini top, you will need to first unpack and identify all the parts. Then, locate the two pieces of bow one and assemble them by sliding the side bows onto the centre bow. Line up the holes and insert the screws, tightening them as you go. Repeat this step for the remaining pairs of bow pieces.

Next, you will need to locate the fabric top and lay it face down on a clean, flat surface with the frame pocket facing up. Insert the assembled bows into the appropriate pockets, ensuring that the jaw slides are facing up. If your top has zippers, zip up the pockets to close. If it does not, insert the frames entirely through each pocket.

Now, attach the hold-down straps. Locate the cutouts in the fabric on the front and rear pockets. Wrap the loop end of the strap into the cutout and around the frame. Take the hook end of the strap and pass it through the loop, pulling it tight. Repeat this process at each of the four cutouts.

Finally, connect the eye ends of the secondary bows to bow one by removing the screw from each jaw slide. Flip the end of the secondary bow over and insert the eye end into the jaw slide, ensuring the holes are aligned. Reinsert the screw and tighten. Repeat this step with each secondary bow.

Your Bimini top frame is now fully assembled and ready for installation!

Attaching the fabric

First, lay the fabric out on a flat, clean surface, with the frame pockets facing up. If your top has zippers, unzip the pockets. Insert the assembled bows into the pockets, making sure the jaw slides are facing up. Zip up the pockets to secure the bows in place. If your top doesn't have zippers, simply thread the bows through the pockets.

Next, attach the hold-down straps. These straps will secure the Bimini top to the boat. Locate the cutouts in the fabric on the front and rear pockets. Wrap the loop end of the strap around the frame, passing the hook end through the loop and pulling it tight. Repeat this process for all four cutouts. If you're having trouble threading the straps, it may help to unzip the pockets if your top has them.

Now, connect the eye ends of the secondary bows to the main bow. Loosen or remove the screw from each jaw slide, flip the end of the secondary bow over, and insert the eye end into the jaw slide. Ensure the holes are aligned, then reinsert and tighten the screw. Do this for each secondary bow.

With the fabric securely attached, you can now install the mounting hardware. Place a deck hinge on the mounting point, which is the centre of the desired coverage area, on one side of the boat. If your boat is made of fibreglass, place a piece of masking tape under the hinge to protect it from drilling. Check that the hinge is parallel with the gunnel, then mark the drill holes. Measure the distance from the rear corner of the boat to the deck hinge, and use this measurement to locate the hinge placement on the other side. Before drilling, verify the measurements and check for any cables or wiring that may be in the way. Carefully drill the holes, then secure the deck hinges with screws.

Now, with the help of an assistant, carry the Bimini top to the boat and lay the ends on the gunnels. Line up the eye ends of the bow with the deck hinges, insert the bolts, and tighten them. Open up the top and ensure it covers the desired area.

Installing the bimini

Before you begin, read through the instructions that came with your Bimini top and gather all the necessary materials. It's also a good idea to have a friend or family member help you with the installation.

First, unpack and assemble the two pieces of bow one by sliding the side bows onto the centre bow. Line up the holes and insert the supplied screws, tightening them as you go. Repeat this step for the remaining pairs of bow pieces.

Now, locate the fabric top and remove it from its bag. Lay the top face down on a flat, clean surface with the frame pocket facing up. If the pockets have zippers, unzip them. Insert the assembled bows into the appropriate pockets, with the jaw slides facing up. Zip up the pockets to close. If your top does not have zippers, insert the frames entirely through each pocket.

Next, attach the hold-down straps. Locate the cutouts in the fabric on the front and rear pockets. Wrap the loop end of the strap into the cutout and around the frame. Take the hook end of the strap and pass it through the loop, pulling tight. Repeat this process at each of the four cutouts.

After the hold-down straps are attached, connect the eye ends of the secondary bows to bow one by removing the screw from each jaw slide. Flip the end of the secondary bow over and insert the eye end into the jaw slide, making sure the holes are aligned. Reinsert the screw and tighten. Repeat this step with each secondary bow.

Your Bimini top is now fully assembled and ready to be installed! To install the mounting hardware, locate the parts bag and open it to ensure you have everything you need. When you measured your Bimini top, you should have located the mounting point, which is the centre of the top over the desired coverage area. Take a deck hinge and place it on the mounting point on the gunnel of one side of the boat. If you have a fibreglass boat, place a piece of masking tape under the deck hinge to protect against cracking while drilling. Make sure the deck hinge is parallel with the gunnel and mark the drill holes.

Measure from the rear corner of the boat to the deck hinge and use this measurement to locate the deck hinge placement on the other side of your boat. Before drilling any holes, verify the measurements and check the area below the gunnels to ensure there are no cables or wiring in the way. Using the recommended drill bit, carefully drill each hole. Secure the deck hinges using the screws provided. If your decking swivels side-to-side, make sure they swivel inward towards the middle of the boat on both sides.

Remove the bolts from the deck hinges and set them aside. With the help of another person, carry the Bimini top to the boat and lay the ends on the gunnels. Locate the ID tag at the back of the fabric top to ensure it will be at the rear of the boat. Line up the eye ends of the bow with the deck hinges, insert the bolts and tighten. Open up the Bimini top to the deployed position and make sure the open top is located where you want it.

Finally, install eye straps to the gunnel in front and back on both sides and secure the hold-down straps. Keep in mind that the straps should angle away from the top. Locate clear spots for the eye straps and mark their drill holes, following the same drilling precautions as before. Insert the supplied screw and tighten all four. The hold-down straps can now be secured to the eye straps using the clip at the end of each strap. Tighten each hold-down strap by sliding the tension clip to make sure the top is level.

Your Bimini top is now installed! To put the top in a stowed position, unhook the front hold-down straps and lay the top towards the back of the boat. You can cover the top with the storage boot, if one was included.

Frequently asked questions