Bimini tops

[LBrandt]

Anybody use. I cannot take the sun like I used to. Need some input, thanks.

 

[KDM]

We've used a version of the bimini and they work, but the wind really messes with boat control and puts a whole lot of pressure on the attachment points as well as the top itself. It also restricts the area a guy can efficiently fish out of as rod holders, hook sets, playing fish, and netting become a bit more difficult with the overhead protection. Our top is made of fabric so dry storage becomes an issue when running or not using the top and is more susceptible to mold and dry rot. That being said, they can really help on those sweltering days of mirror water and brutal sun. Hope this helps.

 

[Kurtr]

yep got one on the toon and use it to keep sun off and rain off it is better than i would have ever thought.

 

[5575]

saw this industrial strength one on a skeeter last month.

 

[sloppy]

Bought a hydrashade last year and am very happy with it, the 6' round. It has nice heavy tubing, breaks down nice so can store it out of the way when not in use. Also nice because you can move it anywhere in the boat that a rod holder can go or spike it in the sandbar.

 

[Finaddict]

Have one on a toon and one on a Warrior tiller. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Great on a hot day or when it's raining lightly, and you get used to fishing around it. On the tiller I have short legs that keep it up and out of the way of the tiller handle when not deployed, and with push button releases it is easy to take off when not wanted. Most importantly the bimini top and boat color are concessions to my wife.

 

[Allen]

If you get one that fits your boat well they are awesome. Like noted already, they inhibit fishing and they aren't good in the early morning or late afternoon as the sun is at a decent enough angle to peek under the bimini.

Another option is a beach umbrella. Yep, I have a bimini top for both the boat and toon, but more often than not I will just slip a six foot beach umbrella in a rod holder. Looks dumb but works OK for a small area.

 

[Wild and Free]

So many colors and styles to choose from its hard to decide lol.........................;:;rofl

 

[johnr]

Take up knitting, you can sit in your lazy boy and watch fishing shows while preparing Christmas scarves.

 

[LBrandt]

JohnR. Not in this lifetime.

 

[Jigaman]

I have one that came with my boat and it has never been used. It is way to low and I feel claustrophobic under it. If I had a nice one that had much more head room I would use it alot.

 

[Bullsnake]

aye crap thought title said bikini tops

 

[deleted member]

i've used an old table umbrella in the mr pike before. had a few strategically placed pieces of PVC with a few different holes for "pins" in each at the same height i had a similarly placed hole in the tubing of the umbrella. i could move the umbrella around the boat, tilt it (most table umbrellas have a tilting hinge) and then lock it into place once i had it positioned right with the pins. obviously this is white trash style fishing and won't look too cool on a glitter boat or newer lund. also, its not going to be acceptable to most women once you've put a ring on it. mine quit accepting it as soon as we got married. i get really dirty looks if i even talk about setting the newer boat up with it. but, it worked really slick when it wasn't too windy and awesome nearly all of the time on the red river for long mid day sits.

 

[Up Y'oars]

Locally, you'll pay through the nose to have one stitched up at River City to the tune of $1,580 with fabric made by Sunbrella.

A few years ago I bought a kit online and the website was so darn easy. They had my boat model in their menu system and the specs already on file. I paid $500 for it and assembled the tubes & pre-cut tarp in my livingroom. Had a buddy install the hardware for the boat and gave him $40 for the time. Same fabric, same tubes, etc. Depends on how you want to spend your hard earned cashola.

 

[johnr]

I can buy sunscreen for $8.00 a tube, last all summer.
When I get to warm, I open another ice cold Busch light.

I have a system, few can duplicate.

 

[fj40]

I too, have used beach umbrellas. Last boat was a sylvan with a factory top and as was stated before, too low for comfort. Get some spring clamps and move umbrellas around at will. Too windy? I go home anyway.

 

[raider]

yep got one on the toon and use it to keep sun off and rain off it is better than i would have ever thought.

x2... would really miss it on rainy or flat water sunny days now...

first couple times people laughed at me, till they migrated to the shade 5 minutes later... now they ask me to put it up when it's miserable out...

had 1 on a tyee, and it made the boat almost unfishable...

 

[Wild and Free]

Umbrella hat anyone since the sombrero was a no go?

 

[johnr]

Pussy tent indeed

- - - Updated - - -

 

[Ristorapper]

Locally, you'll pay through the nose to have one stitched up at River City to the tune of $1,580 with fabric made by Sunbrella.

A few years ago I bought a kit online and the website was so darn easy. They had my boat model in their menu system and the specs already on file. I paid $500 for it and assembled the tubes & pre-cut tarp in my livingroom. Had a buddy install the hardware for the boat and gave him $40 for the time. Same fabric, same tubes, etc. Depends on how you want to spend your hard earned cashola.

Years ago I checked with River City to do one for me in the spring; wasn't able to get the boat in until the fall. LONG waiting list AND expensive. But custom fit!!