What Types of Bimini Tops Are Best for a Wooden Skiff?

A Bimini top is a type of light awning for boats consisting of a sheet of flexible material stretched across a metal or wooden frame. It is primarily used to provide shade and protection from rain. Bimini tops can be made from a wide variety of materials, and they can be sized and designed to suit boats of all sizes and types. Choosing the right Bimini top for a wooden skiff depends on the size and construction of the boat and how you use it.

  1. Attaching the Top

    • Usually, a Bimini top can be easily added to a wooden skiff by attaching the mounting brackets to the boat using wood screws or bolts. If the skiff has fiberglass cladding or metal scantlings, a Bimini which clamps onto the sides may be required. Tops that are screwed or bolted into place are more secure than those that are clamped into place. Clamps may also cause damage to painted or varnished surfaces if they rub against the sides.

    Materials

    • A Bimini top should be constructed from the most durable materials your budget will allow. Urethane-coated polyester is durable, waterproof and resistant to fading and stretching. Acrylic tops are durable and fade resistant, but they can stretch and sag over time. Vinyl is available in a variety of qualities, the best of which provide exceptional durability and waterproofing. However, low-quality vinyl can be prone to tearing, cracking or stretching. Canvas is one of the least expensive materials, but it does not stand up well to extended UV exposure and is prone to leaking. Aluminum is the most common material for Bimini top frames because it is cheap and lightweight. Stainless steel frames are heavier and more expensive, but they are also stronger and will last longer.

    Folding vs. Fixed

    • Most Bimini tops are designed to fold down into a compact bundle, although some inexpensive tops may be fixed. A fixed top may be suitable for a skiff that is docked at a lake house or marina, but a folding top is highly recommended for any skiff that will be transported on a trailer. A Bimini top should always be folded down when the boat is being transported, as well as during high wind conditions, to avoid damaging the fabric, the frame or the boat.

    Measurements

    • The Bimini top should be just tall enough for you to move and work comfortably underneath it. Avoid purchasing a top that is taller than you need, as lower tops will provide more shade. The top should be long enough to fully shade the most heavily used areas of the skiff. In a rowing skiff, this is likely to be the rowing bench. If the skiff is primarily used for fishing, you may wish to shade the seat you fish from most often.