Bimini designs

[Brunosr]

Hello All!

I have a question to ask and get peoples input. First, I do not own a Cobalt yet, but have an R7 on order and should be going to production at the end of February. I have had two Four Winns before. I bought a used 19-foot 2008 four years ago and upgraded it to a new 2017 H230 three years ago. I traded that for the new Cobalt. I am not sure if this applies to Cobalt, but I suspect it does from what I have seen so far.

My question is for all that have used a bimini top:

Why do Bimini’s start about 8 to 12 inches behind the windshield?

If sitting on the hook and it starts to rain, all the water goes on top of the dash. I understand that the bimini is really designed to give you some shade from the sun. But hell, lets make it a duel function item. If water drips off wouldn’t it be better to have it hit somewhere beyond the top of the windshield not behind it?

Love to hear your inputs!!

[akorcovelos]

Most biminis mount to the top of the windshield, so the best you'll get is having the front edge directly over the top lip of the windshield. If you mounted the front somewhere ahead of the windshield you could push it forward enough to cover the dash. That would probably result in it not covering the rear seats, so too bad for the passengers.

The only solution is to have enclosure zip-ins made that go from the bimini to the windshield. My tower bimini is nice because it's long enough to go forward the windshield, and my full bimini goes over the tower so everything but the bow and half the sun pad is covered.

[Big Block Power]

I hear exactly what your saying. My non tower boats where the same way. Made no sense. Dr and dash got soaked. Now my tower boat it goes plenty forward but no rest bench coverage. It's actually very small. They made a optional rear Bimini option that I have yet been able to find. I've only seen pictures.

[Brunosr]

I think the builders should make a bimini that goes forward enough to get over the edge of the windshield and long enough to cover the rear passengers. I think an extra 12" or 18" of canvas would do this. So obvious I would have thought. Oh well, I wish list that will never happen until you have a local guy extend it.

Only 10 or so weeks till ice out!!

[Driller]

I think the builders should make a bimini that goes forward enough to get over the edge of the windshield and long enough to cover the rear passengers. I think an extra 12" or 18" of canvas would do this. So obvious I would have thought. Oh well, I wish list that will never happen until you have a local guy extend it.

Only 10 or so weeks till ice out!!

You ought to see the "modified bimini" that YT breaks out in the summer. Looked for the photo in the thread, but couldn't find it.

Come on YT and post one more time for old times sake!

[Big Block Power]

I think the builders should make a bimini that goes forward enough to get over the edge of the windshield and long enough to cover the rear passengers. I think an extra 12" or 18" of canvas would do this. So obvious I would have thought. Oh well, I wish list that will never happen until you have a local guy extend it.

Only 10 or so weeks till ice out!!

You ought to see the "modified bimini" that YT breaks out in the summer. Looked for the photo in the thread, but couldn't find it.

Come on YT and post one more time for old times sake!

Driller that's awesome. On a mission now.
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=469&hilit=Shade&start=15

[Ytmsn]

Ha! Yeah well when my 4 month old grandbaby is on board and the sun is hot I dont care what it looks like.. she is the priority. And that sail shade solution was the trick! Shade over the back and sides with air still passing through. So... Bite Me!

Back to the original question. My guess is that if the bimini extends over the front of the windshield and your ripping across the lake at 30, 40 or 50 mph into a headwind, the updraft channeling could easily rip or tear the fabric, especially with buffeting. That's why when you see tears in the bimini its usually on the sides just above the rails. So they probably install it just back of the updraft to alleviate any warranty issues.

[Driller]

Ha! Yeah well when my 4 month old grandbaby is on board and the sun is hot I dont care what it looks like.. she is the priority. And that sail shade solution was the trick! Shade over the back and sides with air still passing through. So... Bite Me!

Of course. Just a friendly Jab. That was of course BTU (Before the Unicorn).

[Big Block Power]

Bite me. Really is that any way to talk to us. We just thought you came up with a really great idea to keep Everyone comfortable.

[akorcovelos]

Ha! Yeah well when my 4 month old grandbaby is on board and the sun is hot I dont care what it looks like.. she is the priority. And that sail shade solution was the trick! Shade over the back and sides with air still passing through. So... Bite Me!

Back to the original question. My guess is that if the bimini extends over the front of the windshield and your ripping across the lake at 30, 40 or 50 mph into a headwind, the updraft channeling could easily rip or tear the fabric, especially with buffeting. That's why when you see tears in the bimini its usually on the sides just above the rails. So they probably install it just back of the updraft to alleviate any warranty issues.

Owners manual says you shouldn’t exceed 25mph with the Bimini up. Lol, 50mph with the Bimini up, it would be a tattered rag.

[Bfun220]

Owners manual says you shouldn’t exceed 25mph with the Bimini up. Lol, 50mph with the Bimini up, it would be a tattered rag.

Interesting, mine says 35mph.

[Big Block Power]

I guess I've been trying to make rags for years. All good so far well above 45mph with mine plenty of times.

[Bfun220]

I guess I've been trying to make rags for years. All good so far well above 45mph with mine plenty of times.

I never said I was good at following rules.

[Big Block Power]

I guess I've been trying to make rags for years. All good so far well above 45mph with mine plenty of times.

I never said I was good at following rules.

True very true.

[Driller]

Owners manual says you shouldn’t exceed 25mph with the Bimini up. Lol, 50mph with the Bimini up, it would be a tattered rag.

Interesting, mine says 35mph.

Dealer told me 35 mph also, but sometimes I forget.