Bimini Top Basics - Parts and Features of the Bimini Top

A bimini top is designed to provide sun protection for boaters. It consists of a frame, a cover and typically a storage boot.

The bimini frame is made of aluminum tubing connected with nylon or stainless steel fittings. It consists of a main bow that attaches to the mounting hinge and supports the other bows. It may have a total of 2, 3 or 4 bows depending on the size of the cover. The term bow refers to one of the roughly ‘U” shaped metal supports that span the boat.

Your bimini will mount on two sturdy hinges to either side of the boat. Typically this will be to the top or side of the gunwale. Occasionally they will mount to a railing, windshield frame or faring. The hinge allows the bimini frame to lay down horizontal when closed, and pivot 90 degrees to support the frame when open. The main hinges can also be mounted on slides that fit into tracks on the side of the boat. The benefit of the slide tracks is that the cover can be positioned in one place when in use, then slid to a better position for storage.

The open bimini is supported by the hinge and held in place with adjustable nylon straps fore and aft. The straps are attached to the bow and sometimes the rear strap is replaced with a rigid brace. This brace will also support the closed bimini, keeping it off the gunwales and keeping the back deck clear for passengers.

Bimini Top Terms

Bow: U shaped support structures that span the boat and support the cover.

Bow Sleeve: Sleeve sown into the top on some covers to hold the fabric to the frame.

Bow Straps: Straps that run from one bow to the other to provide additional support for the frame and cover.

Cover: The rectangular fabric that provides protection from the sun.

Fittings: Various hinges and eyes that connect the pieces of the frame together and to the boat.

Main Hinges: This pair of heavy duty hinges mount to the boat, allowing the top to hinge up 90 to open or fold down to stow. Typically made of high impact nylon, they may also be made of stainless steel. Some hinges are either horizontal for mounting on a deck or gunwale, or vertical to mount on a side or faring. Some companies use a universal hinge that can be mounted either horizontally or vertically.

Main Bow: This bow provides the primary support for the top and attaches to the main hinges. Often the main bow is reinforced for added strength.

Slide Track: Sometimes mounting a bimini where it will offer optimal shade when open, means that it will block rear seats or otherwise be in the way when it is in a down position. By mounting the main hinges on slide tracks, the Bimini can be moved to different places when in use and when stored.

Storage Boot: A cover designed to protect the bimini top cover when not in use.

Support Braces: Sometimes having the Bimini laid flat for storage will impede use of rear entrances, access to swim platforms etc. a support pole can hold the bimini up out of the way even when stored, leaving the deck clear. Support braces may be a fixed length or adjustable. Support braces will mount to the boat on one end, then have a slide jaw that fits around the main bow on the other end. Support braces should only be used on the back of the bimini top.

Support Straps: Pairs of strong straps that run from the front and rear bow and snap to eyes mounted on the boat. When in place, these straps will provide tension fore and aft to keep the bimini in place. Support straps are a standard part of most bimini tops. The rear strap can be replaced by a rigid support brace if desired. Support straps wrap up and stow with the cover when the bimini top is not in use.

			*Valid in the continental U.S. on complete bimini tops only