Bimini Top for Tender

[Alex F]

Did anyone install bimini top for your tender? I see number of options from Amazon at very reasonable cost. Anyone went that route?

Any feedback on what you don't like and would do differently with your installation?

 

[Stee6043]

I bought a Sunbrella cover from the folks linked below a couple years back. They also have bimini tops available, which I've myself considered once or twice. They are the OEM provider of accessories to Walker Bay but I think these bimini's are not model/manufacturer specific.

The quality of the cover I purchased from them was great, I would expect the same for their bimini setups.

https://shop.inflatableboatparts.com/product/inflatable-boat-bimini-top/

 

[Fill Ess]

I bought a cheap one on Amazon. Amazing quality for the price, considering it was under $200 for the frame, canvas, stainless hardware etc for a 6-foot 3-bow. It's the aluminum frames not stainless, which I prefer since they are lighter. I've had it 2 years and all good. I did have to buy the rear support poles separately, but I haven't put them on yet since I never really put the top under the boot.

 

[FootballFan]

I have one which I purchased from the dealer when I bought the tender (AB). Love it, lot of days in Florida sun that we desire not being in the direct sunlight. Works well.

Mine is folding and has a sliding track that the frame is mounted in, so I can slide the placement of the entire top forward or aft. When in place there are adjustable hold down straps which connect to mounting points fore and aft.

Downsides.

Cannot get on and off tender with it up, has to fold down. Not a major item, folding down is unfasten either the fore or aft hooks and lay it over.

If you lay it forward, makes the bow seat unusable. Since primarily just the two of us, not a big issue.

If you lay it backwards, will keep the motor from raising all the way up. You easily have the lower unit out of the water but have to keep an eye on it as the top of the motor will fold into the frame. Mine is normally folded aft when not in use.

I have taken it off for a storm, not a big deal except for the far side. Seems like it was a single fastener for each side.

Goes without saying - but when the wind is blowing - will affect your docking... Not a huge deal since docking we are planning to get off the boat anyway.

 

[ocgrant]

Just got mine for my Highfield from Defender… super nice as it uses the oar mounts for the pivot point. Still working on finding one for the Novurania but have to install hardware on the tubes to support it.

 

[Alex F]

Great feedback! Thanks guys.

Looking at few options in comparison to what I found on Amazon (link), it seems like it comes down to Polyester vs Sunbrella. The frame is Aluminum, which is fine, I prefer light weight, anyway.

Mark made few good points:
1. Sliding track - that's pretty cool and convenient feature.
2. Frame interference for boarding/offboarding - I'd imagine that's where sliding track would help. I'll keep that in mid when choosing the mounting points.
3. Folding FWD vs. Aft - my preference is aft. I don't usually tilt the engine all the way up, so hopefully slight obstruction won't be an issue.

Grant,
That's a nice looking setup. I admire their creativity for having the oar mounts. From what I see, the materials (aluminum frame and polyester fabric) used by Taylor Made are pretty much the same for x2 the price compare to amazon.

 

[Stee6043]

For as much as I think I'd actually use it (2-3 times per summer) I've also wondered if I could make one of these umbrellas work.

They are 6'x6' and come with tie downs on all 4 corners. Uber cheap and easy to deal with (no frames)...

 

[ocgrant]

For as much as I think I'd actually use it (2-3 times per summer) I've also wondered if I could make one of these umbrellas work.

They are 6'x6' and come with tie downs on all 4 corners. Uber cheap and easy to deal with (no frames)...

View attachment 145051

Yep, I have been using that for the past couple of years on my Novuraina. It works and I use a clamp on rod mount that I cut the bottom out for the pole to slip through in the middle. It is not as nice as a real bimini as it takes longer to put up and down.

 

[Alex F]

For as much as I think I'd actually use it (2-3 times per summer) I've also wondered if I could make one of these umbrellas work.

They are 6'x6' and come with tie downs on all 4 corners. Uber cheap and easy to deal with (no frames)...

View attachment 145051

Funny you mentioned the umbrellas. That's what I've used in the past, just a gulf umbrella. Simple and convenient but obviously with its limitations. But, now we see the need for something more of a long term solution.

I'll try utilizing the rail mounts and fasten the straps to existing components, as a POC, before I commit to drilling any holes for securing a bimini top. Between plenty of of railing and cleats, I should have good options to test this out.

 

[ocgrant]

I have one which I purchased from the dealer when I bought the tender (AB). Love it, lot of days in Florida sun that we desire not being in the direct sunlight. Works well.

Mine is folding and has a sliding track that the frame is mounted in, so I can slide the placement of the entire top forward or aft. When in place there are adjustable hold down straps which connect to mounting points fore and aft.

Downsides.

Cannot get on and off tender with it up, has to fold down. Not a major item, folding down is unfasten either the fore or aft hooks and lay it over.

If you lay it forward, makes the bow seat unusable. Since primarily just the two of us, not a big issue.

If you lay it backwards, will keep the motor from raising all the way up. You easily have the lower unit out of the water but have to keep an eye on it as the top of the motor will fold into the frame. Mine is normally folded aft when not in use.

I have taken it off for a storm, not a big deal except for the far side. Seems like it was a single fastener for each side.

Goes without saying - but when the wind is blowing - will affect your docking... Not a huge deal since docking we are planning to get off the boat anyway.

Please show picks of the slide mount when you can. That interests me for the Novuraina

 

[FootballFan]

Please show picks of the slide mount when you can. That interests me for the Novuraina

Not at the boat currently, will be back in Florida in the next 2-3 weeks. Will take pictures and post when I get there.