What Size Bimini Top Do I Need?

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You’ll get hot and blinded by the sun or soaked in the rain if you do not have a Bimini top. Many boaters struggle to find the correct size Bimini top for their vessel. In this article, I’ll show you how to figure out what size Bimini top you need for your boat and offer some recommendations.

What type of Bimini top do you require? Most boats have a minimum length of 5 feet and a maximum length of roughly 9 feet. However, the most common measurement is 6 feet. Follow these guidelines to calculate the precise size Bimini top you require:

  1. Decide how much of your boat will be covered.
  2. Calculate the length of the area that needs to be covered.
  3. Determine where the mounting points will be.
  4. Identify the coverage area’s width.
  5. Determine the height of the area that needs to be covered.

The following are our top 7 bimini tops, which come in a variety of sizes and colors:

  1. XGEAR 3 – 4 Bow Bimini Top
  2. Leader Accessories 3-Bow Bimini Top
  3. Oceansouth Bimini Top
  4. SavvyCraft Bimini Top
  5. 4 Seasons Bimini Top
  6. Komo Covers Bimini Top
  7. Naviskin Bimini Top

When I first started boating, I assumed Bimini tops only came in one size. So I went online, only to be swamped by the number of options offered. There were plenty of colors and designs to select from. What I wasn’t expecting was how difficult it was to figure out what size Bimini top I needed.

I’ve tested a variety of Bimini tops over the years and learned how to correctly measure the boat’s size top. Continue reading to learn how to choose the correct size Bimini top for your boat.

What Size Bimini Top Do I Need?

1. Decide How Much of Your Boat Will Be Covered

The first step is to determine which areas of your boat should be shaded and covered. Some boaters like to cover a portion of their boat with a short Bimini top. Some boaters prefer their entire vessel to be covered.

2. Calculate the Length of the Area That Needs to Be Covered

Measure the length of the Bimini top you will purchase for your boat. Start measuring from the boat’s front section and work your way down to the back. “Front to back” is also known as “bow to stern” among boaters.

In most situations, the shortest length is 5 feet, while the longest is approximately 9 feet. However, the most typical measurement is 6 feet.

3. Determine Where the Mounting Points Will Be

The mounting locations must be identified because they will function as the core of your Bimini top. So to give you an example, if your Bimini top is 6 feet long, 3 feet will cover the front, and the remaining 3 feet will cover the back.

The mounting points must be completely aligned with the center of the Bimini top or the borderline where the front and back meet.

4. Identify the Coverage Area’s Width

This step is important because the width of your Bimini top will have a significant impact on how it is installed. Simply measure the area to be covered from one side rail to the other to do this.

Measure the distance precisely from one mounting point to the next to ensure accuracy.

5. Determine the Height of the Area That Needs to Be Covered

Your ideal Bimini top overhead position will be determined by measuring the height. The measurement should begin at the mounting locations and continue up to the specified headroom height.

It’s important to remember that measurements should begin at the mounting points, not at the floor.

When it comes to the height of Bimini tops, many boaters have varied tastes. If you prefer to operate your boat while standing up, your Bimini top should be set higher than your height.

And if you prefer to sit in the shade while relaxing on your boat, your Bimini top should be fitted low but with sufficient clearance above the head. In addition, the height of your boat may be determined by its design. Determine whether a high or low Bimini top is appropriate for your boat.

So, to answer the question: “What Size Bimini Top Do I Need?” See the video below for more handy tips:

You can choose a top now that you know how to measure the size of the Bimini top you require. Bimini tops come in a variety of styles. To help you focus on your search, we’ve included our favorite Bimini tops below:

1. XGEAR 3 – 4 Bow Bimini Top

Because of its build quality, size, and color options, the XGEAR 3 – 4 Bow Bimini Top is one of the most popular Bimini tops among boaters.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This XGEAR Bimini top comes in 13 different sizes and 10 different colors. It can be put up in less than 20 minutes by one person.

And to ensure its longevity and sturdiness, this Bimini top is manufactured of high-quality materials. It stands up and folds down without a hitch. When the Bimini top is folded down, it has a zip cover that seals it tight.

2. Leader Accessories 3-Bow Bimini Top

There are 13 various colors to pick from with the Leader Accessories 3-Bow Bimini Top, and two of which are two-tone tops.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Leader Accessories offers it in six different sizes to accommodate the requirements of all boaters.

It is less expensive than other Bimini tops, yet it is still built of high-quality materials. It’s also sewn and cut well. It is ideal for a variety of boats, including bowrider boats, deck boats, and center console boats, among others.

3. Oceansouth Bimini Top

Because of its price, style, longevity, and sturdiness, the Oceansouth Bimini Top is a popular choice among boaters.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It successfully protects boaters from the scorching sun, allowing them to spend extended hours on the water.

The assembly of this Bimini top is simple. Also, it’s easy to set up and take down after it has been installed. To meet your needs, choose from blue, black, or grey, as well as six various sizes.

4. SavvyCraft Bimini Top

Another popular top on Amazon is the SavvyCraft Bimini Top. It comes in eight different colors, including teal, burgundy, and beige.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It’s available in seven sizes and is constructed of high-quality materials to ensure its rigidity and strength.

It’s composed of 600D marine-grade heavy-duty canvas, which is incredibly resistant and long-lasting. All mounting hardware and two metal rear support poles are included with the top.

5. 4 Seasons Bimini Top

The aluminum frame of the 4 Seasons Bimini Top is complemented by high-quality nylon straps, clamps, and poles. It has stainless steel eye-hooks and mounting screws.

Gray, navy blue, and burgundy are just a few of the colors available for the 4 Seasons Bimini Top. This top is simple to put together and takes very little effort. Except for a small screwdriver, no further tools are required. You won’t even need to read the guide/instructions because the setup is so simple.

6. Komo Covers Bimini Top

The Komo Covers Bimini Top is only available in the conventional size of 6 feet long by 46 inches high; however, it is available in a variety of widths. It’s available in three different colors: red/burgundy, grey, and blue.

Although Komo Covers does not offer longer Bimini tops, its product fits most types of boats perfectly. It’s simple to set up, provides great sun protection, and can withstand strong winds.

7. Naviskin Bimini Top

The Naviskin Bimini Top, like many other Bimini tops on the market, comes in a wide range of colors and sizes.

Its stainless mounting screws and aluminum frame are also made of sturdy materials.

The blazing sun rays are efficiently blocked, making the summer heat much more comfortable. Its 600D polyester canvas w/ PU Coating will keep you and your passengers dry and protected from the elements.

For a low price, you can enjoy boating for several hours in all types of weather.

Conclusion – The Best Way to Size a Bimini Top

If you’re wondering, “What size Bimini top do I need?” just follow these simple steps:

  1. Decide how much of your boat will be covered.
  2. Calculate the length of the area that needs to be covered.
  3. Determine where the mounting points will be.
  4. Identify the coverage area’s width.
  5. Determine the height of the area that needs to be covered.

The minimum length for most boats is 5 feet, while the maximum length is around 9 feet. However, the most typical measurement is 6 feet long.

Some manufacturers of bimini tops provide customized services to make sure that your bimini top is perfectly fitted to your boat. However, most manufacturers now sell ready-to-install Bimini tops that are just as beautiful as custom-made ones. The following are seven of our best picks:

  1. XGEAR 3 – 4 Bow Bimini Top
  2. Leader Accessories 3-Bow Bimini Top
  3. Oceansouth Bimini Top
  4. SavvyCraft Bimini Top
  5. 4 Seasons Bimini Top
  6. Komo Covers Bimini Top
  7. Naviskin Bimini Top

For our boats, any of these tops would be ideal. Choose the brand and color after measuring your desired size. It’s a good idea to bring another boater along while you measure the size of the Bimini top you’ll need.