If you own a Pontoon boat or have thought about having one, you may have been drawn to the unbeatable combination of a low price point and relative flexibility for pleasure boating compared to greater, more expensive freshwater craft. There is no better water vessel that seems more suitable for catching fish, taking in a marvelous view, or just enjoying the company of family while floating through a river. Any such activity, however, cannot be sustained on a bare pontoon boat for long, as the occupants burn under the rays of the sun or get drowned by rain. If you don’t want your excursion spoiled by weather conditions, you may want to buy a raised protective canopy, most popularly known as a Bimini top.
Bimini tops are named after the island of their origin, {whose fishermen are credited with its invention to protect them from the elements}. Today’s Bimini top may be found in a wide variety of forms and designs, though there are certain essential factors to help you select the make of Bimini top for your purposes. The two indispensable aspects that you must determine when buying a Bimini top are: (a) the measurements of the top, (b) the material of the fabric.
The most costly, durable, most beautiful bimini top you can buy is useless if it doesn’t fit your pontoon boat. This requires that you take three measurements of your boat. For width, simply measure the space across your boat from gunnel to gunnel, with marginal allowance for the mounting frame. The top can be any length you want that you feel will give you enough cover from the weather. Length is more arbitrary, but preferably you would require a top long enough to cover a certain average number of occupants at any given period, with extra fabric extended above if you want extra covering. Lastly, to measure height, place a straight object across the boat where the mounting brackets will be positioned, then measure upwards to the height that you find suitable. For pontoon boats, the ideal height for the top is one where you can walk beneath without having to crouch, for greater convenience. The height of the top may hinder boat speed, but that doesn’t matter on a pleasure cruise.
Selecting the right Bimini top fabric involves finding the proper balance of cost versus strength. Cotton-based tops are the cheapest, made of textiles similar to canvas, and are a viable choice if you don’t have much to spend and won’t take your pontoon boat out much. Cotton tops are not resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays, prone to leaking, and may tear apart over time unless put away safely. Vinyl tops are the common standard since they are hassle-free to clean, solid 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 very tough, highly resistant to scratching and fading, and strong enough for regular outdoor activity. For the hardcore pontoon pilot, these tops are capable of withstanding repeated abuse from the elements. If you plan to take your pontoon boat out often in inclement weather, acrylic and polyester would be your best option. Companies like Sunbrella offer quality patented materials that supply optimal protection for your money.
Purchase with care. A good Bimini top usually spells the difference between a relaxing day out in the water, and being tortured by bad weather before you are forced to rush for cover.
