Bimini tops are a great way to protect your boat from the sun. They also provide shade for people in and around your boat, which is essential for comfort on hot summer days. This article will discuss 4 different bow bimini top styles: traditional, oval, round, and curved bows. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each style so you can make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
Traditional Bow Bimini Tops:
Traditional bows are the most common type of bow bimini tops. They attach to your boat in a triangular manner and have an open front, providing ample shade for people sitting around your boat on hot days. The traditional bow is also one of the cheapest types available, but they typically only cover 50% of the top surface area when installed correctly.
Pros: Inexpensive; provides good shade coverage; easy installation Cons: Front opening can obstruct viewing from inside or outside the boat if not aligned properly with windshields; doesn’t provide full protection against sun and heat damage to vinyl seats
Oval Bow Bimini Tops:
Oval bows offer similar benefits as traditional bows with some improvements. The oval shape provides more shade coverage than traditional bows, as well. They also have a fold-down front panel which allows you to close the entire bow when it’s not in use and keep your boat cooler inside on hot days.
Pros: Larger surface area covered for sun protection; easy installation Cons: More expensive than traditional bows; only covers 50% of top surface area with closed panels
Vented Bow Bimini Top: Vented bows are designed to provide maximum cooling during extended periods at high speeds by allowing air flow over the top surface through strategically placed slots or openings. While this type of bow does offer excellent ventilation, some people find them less appealing because their open fronts may obstruct visibility from either side of the boat.
Pros: Maximum airflow for cooling during long periods at high speeds; open front panels allow better visibility Cons: Open fronts may obstruct forward vision from either side of the boat.
Solid Bow Bimini Top: Solid bows have an opaque, solid fabric that covers all surfaces when in use to provide maximum sun protection and UV ray blocking. They are also designed with a fold-down panel in the middle which allows you to close them down completely so your boat is cooler inside on hot days. These types of bow biminis can be used by themselves or as a canopy extension off another type of cover (i.e., canvas). Pros: Excellent sun & UV ray protection; easy installation Cons: Less ventilation than vented bows because fabric blocks air flow; can obstruct forward vision from either side of the boat.
Stowaway Bow Bimini Top: Stowaways are easy to use and install, as they come with all hardware pre-installed for quick installation – simply attach it to your windshield frame using the included brackets. This type is also designed with a Velcro opening in the bow so that you can fold each panel back when not needed. Pros: Quick & simple installation Cons: Less sun protection than solid bows because fabric is see-through and does not cover surface area
Mesh Bows : Mesh biminis offer great ventilation due more surface area coverage but less UV ray protection (although still good) or just visibility depending on which style you choose since mesh is see-through. Pros: Ventilated biminis Cons: Less UV protection than solid bows
Solid Bows : Solid, or “full,” bow bimini tops are designed to protect you from the sun and provide more shade on your seating area without sacrificing ventilation. These top styles offer better visibility since they are not mesh fabric but constructed of a durable PVC material which is also what most boat manufacturers use for their OEM installs. Pros: More coverage (sun & viewing) with great viewability – less water spots! Cons: Costlier and heavier due to being made out of rigid materials like PVC
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding the right type of bow bimini top that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for something that’s more “solid” or mesh in the fabric, there are 4 options to choose from.
We’ve outlined some of the pros and cons of each top type so that your decision can be an informed one.
Whatever option works best for you, we hope this article has helped answer any questions you had about bow bimini tops and how they work!
Pros: Ventilated biminis Cons: Less UV protection than solid bows Solid Bows : Solid, or “full,” bow bimini tops are designed to protect you from the sun and provide more shade on your seating area without sacrificing ventilation. These top styles offer better visibility since they are not mesh fabric but constructed of a heavier fabric.
Pros: More UV protection than ventilated biminis Cons: Less ventilation Ventilated Biminis : These tops offer more ventilation, which can be helpful in keeping you cool but not as much shade or visibility. However, they do provide better sun protection and are cheaper than solid bows to purchase.
choice is yours! And with 4 different types of bow bimini top styles available on the market today, your decision has never been easier! Keep scrolling for some helpful buying tips that will help you find the right one for your needs.”
