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Bimini tops are an inexpensive way to protect yourself and your passengers from direct sun and rain, thereby enhancing your recreational boating experience. Biminis are available for any size boat and they come in a variety of styles and materials. Universal biminis are designed for a standard type and sized boat. Semi-custom biminis are universal covers constructed with extra sturdiness in the areas of the bow and windshield with boat trailering in mind. (If you trailer your boat, it is recommended that you collapse the bimini as you should not exceed 30 mph with the bimini up.) Biminis are sold for specific style boats such as pontoons and ski boats . Bimini tops are available in a variety of materials including vinyl, cotton, polyester and acrylic. Here is a thumbnail glance at the materials and their properties: Cotton Duck -Inexpensive, but won't last as long as other fabrics due to degradation from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The material also tends to leak. Also keep in mind that cotton is subject to dry rot, so proper waterproofing is crucial to prolong its life. more info Vinyl- The most popular choice because it's waterproof and will divert water to the sides of the top for runoff. Vinyl bimini tops range in quality from low to very high, and are easy to clean. More info "Solution-Dyed" Polyester- This appears to be the best value for colored bimini tops Polyester that is solution-dyed has an extremely rich color and holds up very well to UV-rays for less fading. Polyester tops are very strong and resist stretching, so they also retain their shape well. Polyester tops are more water-repellent and abrasion-resistant than acrylics. More info Acrylic- This top-of-the-line soft woven fabric looks and feels terrific. It holds up well to UV rays and has exceptional fade resistance and strength. However, it has a tendency to stretch and sag, and is prone to leaking. Acrylic tops are usually more expensive, but not as abrasion resistant than some others. More info Bimini tops are an investment. Water and moisture can break town the material and threads in any type of bimini top. Although untreated canvas is most susceptible, even acrylic and vinyl bimini tops will eventually break down. You can extend the life of your bimini top by using an inexpensive fabric waterproofing treatment. One brand that performs extraordinarily well is Heller Glanz Fabric Waterproofer. It is one of a number of premium-quality products available in this new line of marine maintenance products. Heller Glanz Fabric Waterproofer comes in an environmentally-safe pump bottle and offers exemplary protection from moisture, mildew and the deteriorating effects of ultraviolet rays. Heller Glänz Fabric Waterproofer and Stain Repellant was developed to protect and extend the life of marine fabrics including acrylics, Sunbrella, nylon, cotton, canvas, polyester, vinyl, and leather. Helps prevent damage from moisture, mildew, oil and grease stains, bird droppings and airborne pollutants. Perfect for boat & sail covers, dodgers, boat shoes, bimini tops, vinyl seats & cushions, carpets, tents, awnings, patio furniture. Most mills, including Sunbrella,
apply a fluorocarbon polymer to the cloth at the
factory for waterproofing and stain repellence.
This is the most durable and effective
waterproofing technology currently known. (A
polymer is like Teflon for cloth.) Heller
Glänz’s Fabric
Waterproofer uses virtually the same
fluorocarbon technology as the mills do and is UV
Resistant and Mildew Resistant. The type of fabric, the length of the bimini, the material of the support poles and the width of a vessel determine the price of a bimini top. Generally, you can equip a 20-foot vessel with a 5-foot bimini for less than $250. Mounting hardware, deck mounts and aluminum support tubing is usually included. Stainless steel poles and hardware are more expensive but they will last a lifetime. Chrome and brass-coated fittings are also popular and long lasting, but in time they tend to corrode. Nylon fittings are both durable and inexpensive. Most companies offer a one-year manufacturer's warranty on the tops and a 3- to 5-year fabric guarantee. To order a bimini you need the vessel measurements, the make, model, style and year of the boat. Remember the purpose of a bimini top when measuring for height. The purpose is to protect bridge occupants from sun and rain … if a bimini top is mounted too high it will not block the sun adequately. The top should be just high enough to stand under.
The mounting brackets are located about half way between the front and back of the vessel (the widest point). Measure the distance from each mount location to determine the width needed. Measure the distance from bow to stern to determine the length. Do not include the windshield and be sure to measure in the center of the boat. Woven acrylic material is
considered the premium quality for bimini tops. The
material is silky smooth and wrinkle resistant.
Caution is in order, however, if the material is not
solution dyed as it has a tendency to sag and
leak. Cotton duck is a canvas-like fabric. Cotton duck fabric is used for everything from director's chairs and tote bags to artist's canvas and bimini tops. The fabric is sold in various grades of thickness and can be purchased dyed or unbleached (the "natural," oyster color). Cotton duck biminis are generally inexpensive but they often lack the durability of other materials. If treated with a quality waterproofer, however, cotton duck fabric will last longer. Cited as the "best value" by the Boat Owners Association of the United States, solution-dyed polyester is known for its resistance to stretching and its ability to resist fading. Make sure to use a good waterproofing treatment at least once every season as it can be susceptible to moisture breakdown. Usually made of vinyl-coated reinforced fabric, it can be 100% waterproof as well as ultraviolet- and mildew-resistant. Vinyl biminis are made of a durable, plastic fabric that allows rainwater to cascade from the surface and not leak though the material. Vinyl tops are generally the easiest to keep clean. However, they can crack and become brittle over time, and lose its original color. A waterproofing treatment at least once every season will protect the threads that hold the panels together.
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