If you have a Pontoon boat or have thought about possessing one, you may have been drawn to the unbeatable blend of cheapness and relative flexibility for pleasure boating compared to larger, fancier boats. Indeed, many content pontoon boat owners have spent lazy Sunday afternoons fishing, taking in a marvelous view, or simply kicking back with a beer while traversing small bodies of water. Any such activity, however, cannot be kept up on a bare pontoon boat for long, as you burn under the rays of the sun or get drenched by rain. If you don’t want your excursion spoiled by weather conditions, you will need to buy an overhead canopy, most popularly referred to as a Bimini top.
Bimini tops are named after the island of their origin, {whose fishermen are responsible for its creation to shield them from the elements}. The modern Bimini top may be found in a vast variety of shapes, sizes and colors, though there are certain important factors to help narrow down the type of Bimini top you would need. The two indispensable properties that you must take into account when purchasing a Bimini top are: (a) the measurements of the top, (b) the type of fabric.
First, you have to select a bimini top for a pontoon that fits your pontoon boat properly. This demands that you take a few measurements of your boat. For width, just measure the distance across your boat from gunnel to gunnel, with some allowance for the mounting frame. The top can be any length you choose that you feel will provide you enough shade from the weather. Length is more subjective, but ideally you would require a top long enough to shield a certain average number of passengers at any given period, with additional fabric extended above if you want additional protection. Lastly, to measure height, place a plank of wood across the boat where the mounting brackets will be located, then measure upwards to the height that you find suitable. If you don’t expect to do plenty of standing under the Bimini top, you can measure for a height where you can bend over to enter the boat without excessive effort.. The height of the top may hinder boat speed, but that doesn’t matter on a leisure trip.
Choosing the right Bimini top fabric concerns striking the ideal balance of cost versus strength. Cotton-based tops are the least expensive, made of textiles similar to canvas, and are a viable choice if you’re strapped for cash and limit your pontoon boat excursions. Cotton tops are not resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays, subject to leaking, and may deterioriate over time unless stored properly. Vinyl tops are the common standard since they are hassle-free to clean, tough enough to provide protection from the rain, and are normally treated against UV radiation and fungal rot. Acrylic and treated polyester tops are quite costly by comparison, but also extremely durable, remarkably resistant to scratching and fading, and strong enough for regular outdoor excursions. They look and feel like they can withstand the rigors of boating in rough conditions. If you plan to pilot your pontoon boat out regularly in inclement weather, acrylic and polyester would be your best option. Companies like Sunbrella offer quality patented materials that provide the best protection for someone willing to spend.
Choose wisely. A good Bimini top usually spells the difference between a refreshing time out at the lake, and being tortured by bad weather before you are forced to rush for cover.
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