How to choose a Bimini Top and how to take the measurements

How to choose a Bimini Top

Inflatable boats, motor boats and also sailing boats, Bimini Tops are important on any model of boat. They will help you to repair from the sun while you are at the see and they will beautify your boat. But how to choose a Bimini Top and how should we take the measurements? Herewith we would like to give you some suggestions. But let’s go step by step!

How to choose a Bimini Top

The Bimini Tops for inflatable boats, as well as those for other boats models, are made of three elements: structure, the aluminium or stainless steel frame of the bows, the hood, made of fabric and, at least, the joints that are the elements that allow fixing the Bimini on the boat.

Bimini Tops for inflatable boats: how to take the measurements

Firstly take a measuring tape. It will be extremely important to take the Bimini Top size. In particular they will be required: width, height and length. When you decide where you would like to place the Bimini, pay attention that there are no encumbrances. The width is the first measure to take, than the height. All Nettuno's models are manufactured in 115cm and 140cm in order to satisfy the exigencies of all boats. Those with height 115cm are suitable for small tenders where it is not possible a standing navigation. On the contrary, for bigger inflatables boats, from 4,50 m and more, it is better a height of 140 centimetres. The number of the bows varies, two or three, based on the performance needed. More bows, more strength of the Bimini Top. Tubes should be strong, starting from, and not less than 20mm to 30mm. Hoods can be manufactured in different fabrics with different features. The canvas length of the hood varies according to the chosen Bimini Top. At least the joints, there are various elements that allow mounting the Bimini Top in different ways: on the flat surface, on the guardrails, on sliding rails, on tubes. Joints are in nylon or in stainless steel. Any detail of the Bimini Top can be customized according to particular needs.

Bimini Tops for motor boats: how to take the measurement

The width for a Bimini Top to be installed on a motor boat should be considered measuring the distance between the right middle gunwale to the left middle gunwale. The standard heights are 115cm and 140cm. A Bimini Top with height 115cm is suggested for the installation on guardrails or on boats with a high gunwale. For the installation on the gunwale with a maximum height of 70cm, it is better to choose a model with 140cm height. You can choose among two, three or four bows. Also in that case, the choice criteria should be the strength. Four bows will maintain the canvas stretched and will grant a greater strength. The frame is made of tubes of various thicknesses and the Bimini Tops made of tubes with more than 25mm can stay opened also during the navigation, paying attention to not exceed the speed limits. The hood can be in resin-coated polyester Tempotest Parà and Mehler Texnologies for the model Elegance, Chic and Sport, whereas the other models are in resin-coated acrylic Tempotes Parà and Sunbrella Plus®. Finally, joints can be in great quality nylon (plastic) for light and small Biminis whereas in 316L stainless steel, stronger than the others and with higher resistance to the atmospheric agents, for all the other models. Joints can be mounted on the flat surface, on guardrails, on sliding rails or on tubes.

How to choose a Bimini Top for sailing boats

The width is calculated according to the installation position: on the guardrail, on the planking, after the end of the boom or under it. With reference to the height, a Bimini of 115cm is suitable for the installation on the handrail, on the guardrail or on boats with a gunwale with height of minimum 80cm. The frame is made of transverse tubes, in order to cross the boat in the width way. The range of models include a Bimini Top, the model Prestige, provided with a curve in the lower part of the frame, to allow the winch free operations and with a passage for the back-stay. About bows, more bows you will chose, more strong will be your Bimini. Also for these installations, tubes under 20mm are discouraged and Bimini Tops made of tubes with thickness with more than 25mm can stay opened also during the navigation, paying attention to not exceed the speed limits. For the hood, you can use resin-coated polyester Tempotest Parà and Mehler Texnologies for the models Elegance, Chic e Sport. The Bimini Top Royal is manufactured with resin-coated Tempotest Parà or Sunbrella Plus® that grant a high duration along the time, colour resistance and stability. All canvas can be manufactured with holes for the back-stay passage or more passages in case of a doubled fore-stay. Finally, joints are in nylon and stainless steel and can be positioned on the floor, on the guardrail, on sliding rails and on the tubes. Those in nylon are resistant and of great quality, suitable for light and small Biminis whereas those made of 316L stainless steel, grant a higher resistance to the atmospheric agents and make the structure particularly strong. All Bimini Tops can be customised by lateral extension canvas, front and rear and LED bar included in the canvas. We hope that you found useful this information to make the right choice of your Bimini!