How to Measure Your Boat for a Shademate Bimini Top

Choosing the dimensions that best accommodate your boat and your requirements is the first step in determining which size Bimini Top is the best choice for you. Consider the coverage area when the top is open and also where it falls when it’s closed and folded down at the rear of the boat. Ensure that there is enough space in front of and behind the deployed top to mount eye straps to secure the hold-down straps or braces.

How to measure for a standard bimini top

For Standard Bimini Tops

Using a tape measure, decide which length top provides the desired amount of shade coverage for your boat. To find the width, determine the pivotal mounting point located on each side of the boat. The pivotal mounting point will be approximately at the center point of the top on each side of the boat. After determining where the pivotal mount location will be on each side, measure the distance between these mounting points to determine the width of the top needed. To find the desired height, measure straight up from the pivotal mounting point while standing inside the boat. This measurement should be the minimum headroom clearance desired. Note that the height of the top is not the distance from the boat floor or the length of the frame arms.

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For Pontoon Bimini Tops

Just as you would for a Standard Bimini top, use a tape measure to help decide which length top provides the desired amount of shade coverage for your pontoon boat. To find the width, determine the pivotal mounting point located on each side of the boat. The pivotal mounting point will be approximately at the center point of the top on each side of the boat. After determining where the pivotal mount location will be on each side, measure the distance between these mounting points to determine the width of the top needed. Finally, measure the diameter of the railing on your pontoon boat to determine whether you need a 1" or 1.25" frame to match your railing.

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Shademate Bimini Top Frequently Asked Questions

What if my boat manufacturer or model isn’t listed in the menu?

If your boat’s manufacturer is not included in our drop down list, you can still search by Bimini type. We offer universal Bimini tops to fit a wide selection of boats.

If you have any questions about your Bimini type, please give us a call at 1-800-334-6541, and one of our friendly customer service specialists will be happy to assist you.

What is the difference between a standard Bimini top, a pontoon Bimini top, and a tower Bimini top?

Shademate Standard Bimini Tops are made with 7/8" dia. round tubing, while Pontoon Bimini Tops are made with square tubing to match the square rails that come on most pontoon boats. Tower Bimini Tops are designed for mounting directly to your wakeboard tower.

Can I purchase replacement parts for my Shademate Bimini Top?

Yes. You can purchase replacement fabric, frames, and hardware for your Shademate Bimini Top. Our replacement fabric is designed to easily zip onto your Shademate frame.

What mounting hardware comes with the Bimini top?

If your boat’s manufacturer is not included in our drop down list, you can still search by Bimini type. We offer universal Bimini tops to fit a wide selection of boats.

If you have any questions about your Bimini type, please give us a call at 1-800-334-6541, and one of our friendly customer service specialists will be happy to assist you.

What is a matching storage boot?

All of the Bimini tops we offer, except the 2-bow tops, come with a zippered storage boot made of the same material in the same color as the top. This boot protects your collapsed Bimini top by keeping the fabric and straps neatly stored out of the way when not in use. This storage boot should also be used when trailering your boat to protect the Bimini top from wind damage.