Bimini Boat shade

[H82bogey]

I will probably get lambasted for this, but here goes.

We have a ranger and am looking to put a bimini shade or some other type of shade on it so my parents can fish during the hot periods of the day. They don't do well in the heat for medical reasons. Does anyone have a sun shade on their ranger or other brand of boat? What would you recommend?

 

[martinslanding]

Ranger boats don't need shade they create there own shade because of the way they are...

however I have seen them on them before:

 

[LOV2HNT]

I got one on my Alumacraft and I can honestly say I've used it once in 7 years. They just aren't conductive for fishing when they are up and your trying to fish under them. Then you get to play "chase the shade" every time you move, more a pain the the ass than anything. If possible get your folks gear that is specific for being in the hot sun, they make some very comfortable shirts and hats now that you don't sweat too bad in. Good luck.

 

[H82bogey]

Thanks. I need to come up with a solution. Mom can't handle being out in the sun past about 85* and my dad has had some major health issues(heart attacks and stroke). He still loves to fish and thinks he is 20 years old and can do anything, but much past 80* and he turns white and gets dizzy. I'm trying to find a solution so they can both fish during the hot summer months. I do have some of the cooling bandana's/towels that we get wet and help for a short time, but I was thinking shade would be better.

 

[ndlongshot]

I'm in the minority...

I hate not having the option of putting up the top. It provides such a relief and extends time on the water especially when fishing with family. It really does change the comfort level on the boat.

I had an old side console lund as my first boat and I did all the measuring and ordered the appropriate size off iboats and mounted it myself in an evening. Never regretted it. My new lund has a sporttop with full enclosure that snaps to the windshield if I want it. I ordered the entire hardware/canvas set online from an overstock company and saved thousands instead of ordering through the dealer here in town. Ran me about 650 and an afternoon of installation. No drilling. Mine mounts into my track system. Comes totally out after removing 4 pull pins.

I dont think you will regret it, and if there are times its in the way or its just you on the boat, simply lay it down or take it out of the boat. They are a great accessory convenience to have available when you need or want some shelter. Especially in the rain!

Also, its not so much fishing that they get in the way for me as the the back of my boat is still wide open, its when its windy on the water that boat navigation gets tricky as they catch much more wind. But the fishing argument is mute in my opinion if you get the right top.

 

[remm]

We had one quite a while ago for my grandparents as they couldn't sit out in the sun for long periods of time either. I gotta think it was probably from cabelas, it wasn't a bimini top, it was actually a large umbrella that had a mount that connected to the seat pedestal. It actually worked pretty well for shade, wasn't something you probably would want to drive wide open with while it's up, but worked well once we got to where we were going.

 

[martinslanding]

Thanks. I need to come up with a solution. Mom can't handle being out in the sun past about 85* and my dad has had some major health issues(heart attacks and stroke). He still loves to fish and thinks he is 20 years old and can do anything, but much past 80* and he turns white and gets dizzy. I'm trying to find a solution so they can both fish during the hot summer months. I do have some of the cooling bandana's/towels that we get wet and help for a short time, but I was thinking shade would be better.

Most would require snaps to be added to the windshield…and some holes drilled in the side for the mounting bracket…this one looks more like a universal bimini top as it really doesn’t look right…
I have one for my Lund and I think I have only used it 2 maybe three times in 8 years…it spends most if it’s time holding a shelf down in the shed

 

[shorthairsrus]

I dont have a ranger - but mine snaps to the windshield --- if it didnt snap to like yellow jacket shows in his pick - that might be better more air flow Doesnt cabelas sell one like that? Anyway - - mine comes out every year when momma is with. I have been out when its been a killer heat wise - alot of boats go in you can just watch them -- put up the bimi -- no issues. You do have to work around the poles though.

 

[DirtyMike]

If I was you, I'd bring a big patio umbrella with. Just figure out to strap it down so it doesn't fly away.

 

[Captain Ahab]

If they are old, they probably get up early. Just take them out from about 6-10 am. Fishing is usually better at that time anyway.

 

[shorthairsrus]

ND 10 to 2 Bite

 

[Tommyboy]

I will probably get lambasted for this, but here goes.

We have a ranger and am looking to put a bimini shade or some other type of shade on it so my parents can fish during the hot periods of the day. They don't do well in the heat for medical reasons. Does anyone have a sun shade on their ranger or other brand of boat? What would you recommend?

I would recommend sitting them next to an open Yeti cooler. That should keep them cold.

 

[Zogman]

Sent you a PM. Very good deal.

 

[martinslanding]

If I was you, I'd bring a big patio umbrella with. Just figure out to strap it down so it doesn't fly away.

I have seen this too...works well

 

[Finaddict]

Overton's sells an "Anchor Shade", basically an umbrella that has a mast and the four corners have straps that fasten to the boat cleats. I used one for years on a Lund ProV when our kids were small and it worked very well. Portable and produces plenty of shade in the center of the boat. Down side is that you can't go faster than trolling or idle speed or use it in wind or it will blow over. Reasonable price, quick set-up and take down, and easy to fish around.

 

[Allen]

I have one of everything, or so it would seem. The boat originally came with a Lund made storm cover. Used it a couple of times, maybe once for rain and a couple times for shade. It was tough to fish out of with its height and being snapped to the windshield. So I went out and bought a Bimini top off the interweb. Again, used it 4-5 times over the years when the kids were really small for shade, it's as big a pain to put up as the storm cover.

A few years ago the ex bought a large umbrella made for beaches. Quite honestly, it was the better option for providing shade. Just mounted a tube-style rod holder on the passenger side of the boat near the aft seats and it goes up easy, offers shade, and it by far the more fishable of my options. Folds down nicely too.

 

[deleted member]

They also make umbrellas that clamp on the seats. Been meaning to get some for river fishing. I also did the umbrella in the center of the boat in the old days.

 

[WT2121]

I use mine on hot days but I am closer to 60 than 40. I suggest you try Cabalas or a Ranger dealer. Mine came with my Warrior.

- - - Updated - - -

Hope you find something. Nice to take people fishing at any age!

 

[Rizzo]

I have a ranger Bimini. Sent you a pm

 

[RustyTackleBox]

that's a nice sail... better get a bigger drift sock