Pontoon Bimini Tops

Pontoons are great because of their maneuverability, allowing you to go just about everywhere, but no matter your location, you can’t very well keep in the shade if you’re on the open water. When you’re on your pontoon boat, without a certain accessory, you’re essentially completely open to things like rain, spray, and the sun’s rays. This in turn can keep you from getting the most enjoyment out of your pontoon, regardless of whether you’re angling, sightseeing, or just relaxing with family. Therefore, most pontoon owners rate the bimini top as an important add-on. Bimini tops get their name from Bimini, the westernmost part of the Bahamas, where boatmen originated this kind of extended canopy, putting them on their boats as a means of protection from the sun.

Now, bimini tops are available in a number of different configurations to suit the boat owner’s needs. In terms of bimini top materials, there are a number of possibilities to choose from. There are polyester tops, poly-cotton blend bimini tops, vinyl bimini tops, as well as various patented materials. Each option varies in terms of endurance, wrinkle prevention, and price. Additionally, they can come with mildew and UV-resistant capabilities. The tubing which joins the bimini top to the boat is also available in a number of types, starting with aluminum, and moving up to top-of-the-line stainless steel.

The standard measurements for bimini tops for pontoon boats are eight by eight feet to eight by ten feet, with a clearance of about 46” to 60”. Of course, looks are important as well; bimini tops are available in a number of colors, so you can find one to go with the detailing of your boat. There are three basic configurations available: traditional, meaning a ordinary square or rectangular shape; buggy-style, which has additional flaps that extend downward to attach to the guardrail; or extra-long, which extends beyond the cabin for extra sun protection.

As well as the bimini top itself, it’s worth thinking about getting a storage boot, in which you can easily pack up the bimini top while the boat is docked, or even things such as privacy partitions, or towel clips, so that you can hang towels from the bimini top. Some outfitters sell the different parts including fabric and tubing separately, allowing you to build a custom bimini top. There are enough options out there that every pontoon boat owner is sure to find a bimini top that meets their tastes.