Tallest Boat Top I've Seen | Installing a Boat Bimini Top

Tallest boat top I've seen is one good way of describing my new bimini boat top on my Chaparral bowrider. I've done some digging and come up with what I thought was going to be the best option for shade for my older Chaparral 180LE. Installing a boat bimini top is my plan on today's episode and after standing back and looking at the end result, you may decide that this top is just too tall for your application. I"m a bit on the fence in terms of what I think about this boat top, I'm hoping with a bit of on-the-water testing I"ll know for sure whether this top is too tall or just right. Watch as I go about unpacking and installing this boat top today as an aftermarket accessory. With some careful measuring for correct hole placement, I try to eliminate the need for repositioning of the bimini brackets once in place. When all is said and done, I end up having to drill 12 holes in the fiberglass of this bowrider to secure 6 brackets for this monster-sized boat top. Surely having 12 screws for this boat top will hold this thing in place. Then again, this could turn out to be a big sail and practically lift this boat off the water while underway haha. Glad you're all here, here we go!
Boat shown in video: 1999 Chaparral 180 LE 3.0 Mercury engine
Boat Top Shown: North East Harbor Boat Bimini Top - Gray with Rear Support Poles and Zippered Boot Fits 54" to 96" Width Beam (purchased from Amazon)

[@mrbibstoo]

At 6'3", I too can readily appreciate the height. Although, when installing an item like this, I find that using a good quality, double stick, foam tape, works great and if you like the location, just drill through the tape and insert the screws. If not exactly where it needs to be, pull it off and relocate as necessary, using a fresh piece of the tape. The tape will not only make it easier to locate the correct position, it will also act as a gasket and seal everything against water infiltration.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like a good idea. Thank you

[@lumberjill6598]

When I saw you pulling the boat with your tractor in your last video, I thought there's a country music video in this! 🚜 The sun can be pretty brutal on the water (from above and below) Great idea and install! Take care Sandy! 👋

[@brucestmartin777]

Looks like a lot of fun.

[@nealtubbs9608]

Good install video. Another set of hands does wonders but I had to dig the same as you and install it by my lonesome.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yep a second set of hands would be helpful in this case for sure

[@donmacdonald7758]

On Georgian Bay the sun is punishing at 30 C or 90 F. I like that Bimini. Thanks for the review from Georgian Bay of course.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good to hear from you Don. Sure is a warm one out there today

[@johnbourgeois1414]

I enjoy watching all your videos and I think I finally caught you making a mistake, you said you drilled 6 holes but I think you drilled 12 ! LOL great job

[@sawingwithsandy]

Haha you’re absolutely right! 12 holes with 6 holes on each side. Glad you’re liking the videos John, good to have you along for the ride

[@larrywalden626]

Do you have a update review on this bimini top now since a year ago? How did it do? How has it held up and any issues with going fast in the water?

[@TheFlatlander440]

Nice install. Thing is, not so sure about motoring at higher speed while the bimini is deployed as it will act like a parachute, lol. It's good when you're just floating around and hanging out to keep the sun off for sure.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah I think you’re right. I’ll likely put it down when going fast just to be sure

[@judd_s5643]

Will get on plane faster! 😉

[@stigmartinrnning6751]

You certainly won't bump your head. Looks great .

[@sawingwithsandy]

That’s for sure.

[@waynedungey5491]

looking good

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Wayne!

[@hunny.bfarms9284]

It's funny. I was going to write the other day and tell you I have the exact motor and out drive in my 17' bow rider. Had it ten years almost and they been nothing but reliable! No I'm telling you I have the exact same Bimini top. Had it five years and no issues at 40 mph. Got it off Amazon, came from an outfit in Pickering. Hope you didn't get another tornado today! Enjoy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Haha it’s quite the coincidence. Good to hear about the Bimini top. I’m looking forward to getting out and trying it on the water. All the best! Thankfully I wasn’t impacted by the tornado today, hope you weren’t either

[@nando6053]

Great video. When you removed the rivets did your placement move after collapsing the bimini to stow it ?

[@sawingwithsandy]

The placement didn't move fortunately and the top rests nicely on the back of the rear seats out of the way

[@darronlemell224]

Looks crazy af

[@railroad9000]

Nice and high. I'm 6 foot and hate to have to bend in two to walk under the bimini. You will get plenty of ait flow.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I can imagine I’ll get used to the height and grow to like it’s

[@railroad9000]

@@sawingwithsandy I would rarther have it tall than feel like I'm in a cave.

[@sawingwithsandy]

You’re right about that one

[@pristinecarpetcleaning]

How's the top holding up? I'm just in the stages of shopping for one for my old boat.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video! The top has lasted really well

[@dansSawfish5604]

Nice job on the top now you wont get burnt on the lake. You showed me something new the wire on handle of calking gun thank you ..

[@sawingwithsandy]

Right on! Thanks for watching Dan

[@midcoasttractorservice9182]

I'm going to install one of these on my boat and i am short so i don't like how its so tall

[@rajpersad177]

Do you have a direct link for Amazon?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Unfortunately I don't have a direct link anymore.

[@isaacmontoya9365]

I bought a used it was to tall the shade was always on the side of the boat

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah can imagine that wouldn't work in that case

[@bluethunder1951]

I had a Bimini top on my bow rider it was a great investment, it wasn’t as high only 36” off the gun rails, so had to duck a bit but it kept the sun and rain off. I had it set up so it just fit under the wakeboard tower and cleared the tow line. Yours looks great, hope you have fun on the water this summer, and stay cool. drive.google.com/drive/folders/19pC87SOLf1pHwNW_5fFjONaGhJY-VvFk

[@clausb.2032]

sandy-technical man??????

[@sawingwithsandy]

I certainly wear different hats depending on the day

[@TheWrena440]

Yeah, no...sorry. Hope it works for you!

[@exotictones1054]

Look see maybe but I think walk see is all yours buddy.beats being in the sun for sure.skin cancer sucks.