Bimini Top Questions

[utah997]

98 Speedster. I have a few questions. I think I would like to get one of these, but I have few concerns. I'm assuming that if these were an OEM part, that mine didn't come with one originally. I don't have any mounts (holes, brackets etc) for one.

#1 For those of you that have a bimini top, would you recommend getting one? Why or why not?

#2 If I did get one, is there a recommended source

#3 How hard is the install?

#4 Is it east to remove and put back in if you just don't want it on the boat that day?

#5 I haven't bought a cover yet, I'm assuming that I would need to account for the retracted rolled up bimini top when I'm shopping for a cover?

Thanks guys...

 

[snikwad003]

#1 yes, makes the day more enjoyable unless you like getting rosted.
#2 mine came with the boat but my dads didnt he got it from overtons
#3 measuring for it correctly makes the install as easy as drilling gel coat can be.
#4 on and off is easy with 4 straps and 2 thumb screws (usually)
#5 mine fits under the orignal cover with nothing special about the cover for the top.
If mine hadnt come with one already i would ordered before i got the boat home for the first time

 

[utah997]

#1 yes, makes the day more enjoyable unless you like getting rosted.
#2 mine came with the boat but my dads didnt he got it from overtons
#3 measuring for it correctly makes the install as easy as drilling gel coat can be.
#4 on and off is easy with 4 straps and 2 thumb screws (usually)
#5 mine fits under the orignal cover with nothing special about the cover for the top.
If mine hadnt come with one already i would ordered before i got the boat home for the first time

Thanks for the feedback. It doesn't fold down all the way in the back does it? Even when all rolled up, still is up in the air a little?

 

[snikwad003]

Mine has sliders on the sides and hard poles in the back, it slides forward and lays flat to the rear. Most aftermarket ones dont slide front to back and have straps on all 4 corners instead of 2 poles in the back and 2 straps in the front. You just unhook the straps on the front and lay it flat on the back or unhook the straps on the back and lay it flat towrds the front. If you get one that you measure for make sure you dont get it too tall or it will look goofy and probably not be good for driving around with it up.

 

[utah997]

Mine has sliders on the sides and hard poles in the back, it slides forward and lays flat to the rear. Most aftermarket ones dont slide front to back and have straps on all 4 corners instead of 2 poles in the back and 2 straps in the front. You just unhook the straps on the front and lay it flat on the back or unhook the straps on the back and lay it flat towrds the front. If you get one that you measure for make sure you dont get it too tall or it will look goofy and probably not be good for driving around with it up.

So when it lays back, where does it rest? Just behind the rear seats?

 

[snikwad003]

Mine lays on the back of the sun deck that you dont have where yours is the red engine cover.

The short pole you see would most likely be a strap on one you measure for and order from a place like Overtons or whatever, if i disconnect that pole(s) i can fold it over the windshields for more room when wrench turning.
Edit: you can also see the slider rails where its main pivot point slides front to back, allowing it to lay flat with the rear poles connected, if it didn't slide and was hard mounted the poles would keep the top up even when folded up and make it a real PITA when not in use.

 

[utah997]

Mine lays on the back of the sun deck that you dont have where yours is the red engine cover.
View attachment 35303
The short pole you see would most likely be a strap on one you measure for and order from a place like overtons or whatever, if i disconect that pole(s) i can fold it over the windshields for more room when wrench turning.
Edit: you can also see the slider rails where its main pivot point slides front to back, allowing it to lay flat with the rear poles connected, if it didnt slide and was hard mounted the poles would keep the top up even when folded up and make it a real PITA when not in use.

A picture is worth a 1,000 words. Thanks!

 

[snikwad003]

Here is a foto of the slider thing

 

[utah997]

Here is a foto of the slider thingView attachment 35304

Ah, gotcha. That makes sense.. thanks