Bimini Tops for a boat

[Hodgey1]

So fellow fishing boat owners, what do @GregL  and I need to know about adding a Bimini top to our boats? GregL's might be more complicated since its a tiller, but I'm uncertain.

For me I have a 2013 Lund 1750 with a single side, mid console, I like to troll and Jigg and wondering what compromises occur when its in place and wanting to jigg? And do you have a particular kind/style/shape/brand you can recommend? When I've looked at some they appear less intrusive than others. @Ozzy30 's looked functional to me, but its a faint memory.

[Greg]

Hey Hodgey,

My old boat used to have a Bimini top which I used in heat and rain a few times, and you could stand under it, so it was useful.  But honestly, most of the time I found it in the way so I took it off the boat.

My new boat has a much shorter/smaller one which I had on the boat a little, but again, found it to be in the way - it has basically been tied to the roof of my shed for 3 and a half years.  I just deal with sun with big hat, long sleeve shirts, sunscreen, swimming  and plenty to drink.  As for rain, well I have a rain suite and if it is so miserable that the rain suite doesn't feel effective, then might as well head in to the cabin and get warmed up and enjoy a nice drink, game of cards, or nap and slowly prepare a nice supper or late night snack.

Greg
(10 days to Temagami, 80 days to Alwaki)

[Gary S]

  I also belong to a crabbing forum and some just use a beach umbrella stuck in an appropriately located pipe/rod holder, just good for one person but they can be had cheap so mount 2, remove if doing any speed. I haven't tried it yet but I might on my 15' skiff, my bigger boat has a T top.

[Hodgey1]

Thanks Gary & Greg for your input.

On Greg’s note, I could see doing the same thing and it ending up collecting dust.

Gary, the large beach style umbrella might be a cheap compromise. I’ll bet I could rig something up to have it fit into a seat mount hole. You mentioned belonging to a crabbing forum, do you live close to the coast? I used to love fishing for crabs at the Jersey shore as a kid. Fish head in a square cage.

[Gary S]

 Hodgey, I live in York Co, PA but we have a house in Delaware on a salt water canal leading into the Assawoman Bay that is behind Ocean City, MD. As I type this I'm about 25 feet from the canal.

[RHYBAK]

Hodgey1

I went to my local Marina ( which has a TopShop) and they custom made a Bimini for me to my liking.

[GregL]

This the route I'm going! I haven't decided on the exact position but I think I would prefer the back deck on my boat exposed so that I we can fight fish off the back when trolling. Originally I had planed to have the clear windows go right to the bow but I don't see how I could stow the TM if it went right to the bow.

I'm also concerned if I make it just over 6' tall so I can walk under it. It might end up being to tall to offer any real shade.

I haven't got any prices here in Ontario yet but I'm sure it will be out of budget HAHA!

[RHYBAK]

Looks perfect for your needs

[GregL]

Looks perfect for your needs

Anything to stop the floor and carpet from heating up! This past weekend it was like a skillet again! I am shocked at how hot the floor in this boat can get. I have read that the new foam type floor is much cooler in the sun but I'm not sure
how it would stand up to dog claws LOL!

[RHYBAK]

Looks perfect for your needs

Anything to stop the floor and carpet from heating up! This past weekend it was like a skillet again! I am shocked at how hot the floor in this boat can get. I have read that the new foam type floor is much cooler in the sun but I'm not sure
how it would stand up to dog claws LOL!

Yah, when I was out on the first trip, I kept burning the bottom of my feet on the hinges.
Carpet was very warm but the hinges burned.

[Ozzy30]

I like that Greg, especially the removable front and sides.  I know when I have to fully enclose my boat up with the sides and front it's a sauna.

[GregL]

I like that Greg, especially the removable front and sides.  I know when I have to fully enclose my boat up with the sides and front it's a sauna.

Hey Oz,

How does the top effect the boat when it's windy. Do you find it much harder to sit on spot or keep your trolling speed or direction?

I'm sure this will be a considerable investment, I'm not sure I need the sides and the front, though they would be nice in December on Quinte!

[Ozzy30]

Mine doesn't effect anything with trolling, but mine is designed differently.  It actually goes up and then buttons onto the top of my windshield but it isn't clear plastic it's solid material.  So I leave the windshield open and roll up the center section above the windshield.  https://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/2019-Lund-1650-Rebel-XL-Sport---LF788_33219139   It is almost the same thing as this cover.

[GregL]

Mine doesn't effect anything with trolling, but mine is designed differently.  It actually goes up and then buttons onto the top of my windshield but it isn't clear plastic it's solid material.  So I leave the windshield open and roll up the center section above the windshield.  https://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/2019-Lund-1650-Rebel-XL-Sport---LF788_33219139   It is almost the same thing as this cover.

That's a good idea! I will make sure mine can do that

[tbayboy]

I've got that same setup and love it. When its sunny we put up the top cover and leave the middle of the windows open:





But when the weather gets worse you can wrap up the rest, its 4 pieces  - top, side, side and back but like Ozzy30 says it can turn into quite a sauna in there - usually if its raining I do the two sides and top and fish out the open back.





Was part of the deal when I bought the boat but I'm sure there's aftermarket things or you can get something made.  One thing I will add is that if I don't have to I prefer to keep it down - its hard to swap rods and swing rods around when its up (even just the top gets in the way) but when you need it boy is it nice to have.

All pics from last years Kipawa trip.