View Full Version : Bimini Tops for a Walleye Boat
rjfishermi
10-18-2001, 06:24 PM
Need some info on the height of a top. My boat's 17'8" Sylvan. Low profile side console. Want to add a Bimini Top for sun protection. Cabelas have 6' tops in three heights. They show 36" 46" and 54" heights. I'd be able to stand behind the top to handle rigging and fish. Would I lose sun protection if I went to the tallest top? I would be able to walk under it, but would it give me much protection? Any ideas?
j Stevesnon
10-18-2001, 07:08 PM
I have one on my Ranger/Crestliner 238D. I got one that I could stand up under, don't remember what size but I also got the short one and I do lose some sun coverage. My recommendation is get one that you can stand under and the longest, fore to aft possible. Mount it so you have room at the stern to stand in open air with no canopy over you.
Jeff
Gary B
10-18-2001, 07:10 PM
Bimini tops are great under some conditions and terrible for others. Analyze how you fish. Sometimes the angle of the sun renders the bimini top useless. At other times, no bimini top means calling it quits. If money is not a huge factor and you like to troll in less than ideal weather, you might look at adding windows on three sides to a bimini top. You get shelter from sun, wind, and rain.
Tom P
10-18-2001, 07:34 PM
Look at the biminis in the Overton's catalog, they have alot more to choose from. I had a 6 ft bimini on a 16 ft Sylvan. Then bought a 17.5ft Yar-Craft. The 6 ft bimini was too small. I bought a 8 ft top from Overton's It was just right.
RANGER
10-19-2001, 10:53 AM
As "j stevesnon" said I like them high enough to stand under and as long as possible with free area at the stern to go with no bimini over you. I also get the FOUR sides with Top Gun cloth material and plastic windows to completely enclose the boat (mooring cover). Works out REALLY nice for foul weather, cold/rain/snow, and having a dry boat in the morning to fish in. Plus, if it is COLD I use a coleman catalytic tent heater inside - wonderful!!!
If you were in the area of eastern Ohio or western Pa. I could give you the name of an Amish family that has a business making tops and their workmanship is OUTSTANDING! And their pricing is right, too.