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  1. #1
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    Bimini Tops on fast boats?

    I'm considering adding a Bimini top onto my TUFF 21 (gasp!). It will make the wife and young son happy when we are out for a day on the lake. Do you guys have them on your fast boats? I've never had a boat with one. I'd want something simple, as low as possible and that abled to be dropped in a flash should I feel the need to put the hammer down.

    please share your photos, thoughts and guidance.
    1989 21' Skater - twin 2.5s
    1986 Cougar 21MTR, 15" 300XS - sold
    2002 TUFF 21 (#0.1), 300xs - sold
    1986 Valero YT, 225 Promax - sold
    1987 Viper, 140 cross flow - sold

  2. #2
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    Look at what some of the guys on the west coast are doing. Perforated material with 100% stainless poles, including front and rear support poles (no straps). That is the way I would go! They run pretty hard with the tops up! Good luck.

  3. #3
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    just curious to what your thinking. are you talking a canvas fold away tucked behind a flap style or a removable hardtop style or something else. my big wellcraft has the fold it away and never see it again style. Now that you bring up the subject, I wonder how fast you can safely go with a huge oversized cookie sheet hovering over your head.
    If I don't ask any questions, I'll never learn anything.

  4. #4
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    A Bimini top can make the difference between a great day on the water and a miserable day on the water.

  5. Likes Tom Foley, 71V153, DeudeMann liked this post
  6. #5
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    A well made Bimini should be able to function up to about 40 - 50 mph. Beyond that you can bend the frame or cause the mounting fittings to break. For performance boats I would spec a stainless frame and fittings, aluminum just won't cut it. Also, get one custom made, don't try to force fit a generic top.

    I don't know what kind of storage you have available under the hatch but if its wide enough try and get the cover made so you can remove it from it's mounts easily and stow it under the hatch. Just having it fold flat along the back of the boat will get old over time as you have to step over it or it bounces around when you are pushing the boat hard.
    Mark

  7. #6
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    While not like your Tuff, my Key Largo has a 4 bow, stainless Bimini that I had custom made. The stainless poles in the back are where all the strength comes from but very bulky and heavy. Boat runs in the high 60's but at that speed the bimini does act a little like a wing but not in a good way

    I have a Sunbrella Anchor Shade in my superboat but wouldnt do much than idle around with it.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Anchor Shade not my boat

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by vnemous; 01-12-2018 at 09:38 AM.

  8. #7
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    A little aspect of what it might look like, me personally, would get a hat and some SPF50

    Click image for larger version. 

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  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by mjw930 View Post
    A well made Bimini should be able to function up to about 40 - 50 mph. Beyond that you can bend the frame or cause the mounting fittings to break. For performance boats I would spec a stainless frame and fittings, aluminum just won't cut it. Also, get one custom made, don't try to force fit a generic top.

    I don't know what kind of storage you have available under the hatch but if its wide enough try and get the cover made so you can remove it from it's mounts easily and stow it under the hatch. Just having it fold flat along the back of the boat will get old over time as you have to step over it or it bounces around when you are pushing the boat hard.
    There are guys on the west coast running well north of 75MPH with the "all" stainless set up (no straps) and perforated material. Custom made is the only way to go.

  10. #9
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    Unless you plan to cruise around all day, the Anchor Shade is the way to go. They're cheap, easy to store, easy to deploy and come in several covers.
    Just Duck'n Around

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  12. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by HavasuDreamin' View Post
    There are guys on the west coast running well north of 75MPH with the "all" stainless set up (no straps) and perforated material. Custom made is the only way to go.
    I have no experience with "perforated" material since it rains here But it makes sense though it's pushing the limit IMHO.
    Mark

  13. #11
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    for off shore boat with lots of rod holders- we use a big azz beach umbrella- if folds up super easy and stores- we stick it in rod holder where ever we need it-
    I have had strap hooks on bimimi let go at 40 mph- it is exciting !!!

  14. #12
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    Sounds like the West Coast guys have a solution with the Steel but I would go with the anchor shade. I have a CC I run with a bimini but it catches a lot of wind. If you designed it so the front was quite low and the back was much higher, at least you would have down force and not be running a parachute. Either way it will be stress on something.

    A little off but I wear a hat, and a thin hoodie most of the time now in the boat, easier than sunblock and it's comfortable in any weather.

  15. #13
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    Here are a few I've made. With the exception of Charlie's, they all drop inside the gunnal behind the seat.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC00555.jpg   DagoTopVenom.jpg   DSCN1912.jpg   DSCN1957.jpg  
    '71 Glastron V153 - Composite rebuild - Unceremoniously wrecked
    '81 Baja 15 SS - "nine-paged" '77 140
    '81 Carlson C500 Metric - Currently in foster care
    '70 something Speedcraft - Allison 16R clone - Undergoing restoration
    '79 Carlson CVZ 19 - Far back burner
    WALK TALL AND CARRY A BIG BILGE PUMP

  16. #14
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    Dago's "micro top" was one of the toughest frames I've ever bent. But that's what he ordered. Broke the mid frame first attempt and fell on my ass in the shop.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DagoTopVenom1.jpg  
    '71 Glastron V153 - Composite rebuild - Unceremoniously wrecked
    '81 Baja 15 SS - "nine-paged" '77 140
    '81 Carlson C500 Metric - Currently in foster care
    '70 something Speedcraft - Allison 16R clone - Undergoing restoration
    '79 Carlson CVZ 19 - Far back burner
    WALK TALL AND CARRY A BIG BILGE PUMP

  17. #15
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    One I made way back for the Glastron. It stacked right on the fwd edge of the splashwell. So it was pretty much outa the way layed down.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails V153AIR1.jpg  
    '71 Glastron V153 - Composite rebuild - Unceremoniously wrecked
    '81 Baja 15 SS - "nine-paged" '77 140
    '81 Carlson C500 Metric - Currently in foster care
    '70 something Speedcraft - Allison 16R clone - Undergoing restoration
    '79 Carlson CVZ 19 - Far back burner
    WALK TALL AND CARRY A BIG BILGE PUMP

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