How to Raise and Lower a Boat Bimini Top | BoatUS

BoatUS Magazine's Lenny Rudow shows you how to put up/open and stow/close/lower a bimini top for boats. If you get caught in an unexpected squall while out for the day on the water, you'll want to know how to raise or open your bimini top -- and fast! Likewise, once the rain has stopped or before towing your boat home for the night, you'll also need to know how to stow it. Lenny takes you through the steps needed to raise and lower this accessory that can double as your boat's sun shade. Your own boat's bimini top might be a little different, but you'll get the basic idea. We recommend going through the process on your own boat a few times before you need to. Do make sure to put your bimini down or lower your boat bimini before towing as it is not made to withstand the buffeting winds. And also ensure it's dry before storing to avoid mold and mildew from forming. Learn more about boat bimini tops at www.boatus.com/expert-advice/... or how to install a bimini at www.boatus.com/expert-advice/...
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[@pmdkowen]

It's harder than you think to find such a basic tutorial. Thank you .

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Paul! Glad you found it useful.

[@Captdal]

Great tips as always! Thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks as always, Dal!

[@timothyodonnell5767]

Good information in a proper length of time.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Tim! Glad you found it helpful.

[@thegunnut221]

Amazing!

[@LanceStevens]

Short and on point.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Lance! Glad you found it helpful.

[@ralphdekemper3055]

Any videos on the larger 6 pole extended top?

[@dancindavey1515]

Sure did find it helpful. I was ready to take the whole thing apart. That’s old age for ya. Saved me big headaches.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Dave, and glad we could help you out!

[@ralphdekemper3055]

Any videos on using the 6 pole Bimini extended top? Quite a challenge! Sundeck 260 thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Ralph. Unfortunately we don't have anything that specific in our library. Perhaps contact your local Sea Ray dealer to ask?

[@doolittlegeorge]

And the dread mice. Love those white taylormade bow tops. Don't know why anyone would make a black sunshade.

[@boatus]

Dead mice? Ick! Actually, interesting tip: The pigments in the darker color biminis (and stitching) help it to last longer than lighter colors. You can learn more about that in our companion video on signs of a quality bimini: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2XFfKiLos92p6s

[@chrisb321]

Black only matters if the area below is enclosed like a car. If it is open you wont feel any heat difference sitting a foot below it no matter whatever the color

[@aomadison3891]

Don’t wrap it or put the boot on it until it’s dry!

[@boatus]

Great tip! Thanks for that. Definitely don't want mold or mildew to develop and stain.

[@vincentzito3933]

I live in Florida and need the top for Sun more than rain...

[@boatus]

💯 Definitely a nice feature no matter what weather you have to deal with. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, they're critical for sun protection and sudden squalls. Thanks for watching, Vincent!

[@Adrenaline-fishing.21713]

Where to buy it

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question, Boston. There are many, many options available, and you'll need to do some research to figure out which is best for your needs and budget. First you'll need to narrow down whether you want an OEM replacement, off-the-shelf top, or fully custom (and there are probably variations of each of these categories, too). We do recommend buying the best quality you can afford in terms of the frame, hardware, and fabric materials -- it will be cheaper (and less frustrating) in the long run. Here's a video we did about signs of quality in a boat bimini top: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2XFfKiLos92p6s Hope this helps!

[@mr.smiley4263]

So you don’t get wet hmmmm obviously this guy never been in the rain under a Bimini

[@boatus]

Valid point. How about "wetter"?

[@catfishstalkeroutdoorswith530]

What make is that Bimini top? Thanks!

[@boatus]

Hi Greg. Not sure what make it is, but it's the one that comes with the Chaparral H2O. Hope that helps!

[@georgea0731]

If you were actually out boating with this set up, the rear poles would be already up. You probably wouldn't have the bimini on the rear seats where your family would be seating or getting in or out of the boat from the rear. All bimini's should have a boot.

[@boatus]

Thanks for the input, George, but we're going to have to disagree. When fully stowed, the bimini is not blocking the rear seats (that would be a pretty bad design flaw). Instead, it's sitting on the sunpad, where it wouldn't be safe for anyone to sit while the boat is running anyway. Someone might want to have it in the full down position to reduce windage while underway or to ensure full sun.

[@amiabledave50]

@@boatus George never said for people to sit on the sun pad or when it is moving. George has a valid point which I agree. The way you have the top stowed, people getting in/out of the boat would stumble over the top. Even in calm waters and when is there calm waters in the day?. At best, the top is in the way. even for the passengers sitting in the rear seat. Now at the end of the day and home, I see nothing wrong with is stowed like you have it. And all tops should have a boot. Talk about a parachute when trailering.

[@boatus]

@@amiabledave50 Thanks for adding to the discussion!

[@dustinheylmann3030]

I dont have a pin to fully lower. Any idea how to get it down?

[@br5498]

If you don't know how to open and close a Bimini top then you shouldn't be behind the wheel of a boat let alone be on the damn water

[@boatus]

Tony, we agree that this is somewhat simple, but we have boaters of all experience levels coming to our channel looking for information. No one is born knowing these things, so it's important to encourage new boaters by teaching them the skills they need. That makes boating better for everyone.

[@br5498]

I still stand on my statement. If you don't have the runemetric skill to fold a piece of canvas then you don't and should not be operating a boat ... That would be like driving a car but ya don't know how to roll down the window..now would you let a person like that on a highway ?..

[@M4tt1mus]

@@br5498 Since rolling down the window has nothing to do with driving. I would. Personally, I'm looking at these videos before looking to purchase a boat in the future and find them very useful.

[@jgwentworth5237]

Boat US, bimi top on Bennington S series. How to put in tow position?

[@therosses5]

Then why did you watch the video? Move along.