Updated August 27, 2024
Time out on the water in the sun can be great fun but you know if you take on too many UV rays the resulting sunburn and long-term effects can be dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable. Adding a bimini top to your boat can eliminate a large portion of that risk and provide a welcome respite to rain, as well.
Finding the right model for your vessel could require substantial research. To help you cut that process down to size, some top bimini tops have been selected as an introduction. Starting with a basic comparison table, each model is reviewed with descriptions, key features, and photos, followed by a buying guide with videos.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of boats, kayaks, canoes, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels Inflatable Dinghies Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing Boat Ladders Kayak Rod Holders Anchor Ropes Boat Anchors Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Motorized Kayaks Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Bimini Tops for Boats
- Leader Accessories 3 Bow Bimini Top
- MSC 3 Bow Bimini Top
- Naviskin 3-4 Bow Bimini Top
- King Bird 4 Bow Bimini Top
- NorthStar Replacement Pontoon Bimini Top
- NorthStar Pontoon Boat Double Bimini Top
- Brightent 3-4 Bow Boat Canopy Bimini Top
- XGEAR 3-4 Bow Bimini Top
- Dolphin Pro2 T-Top Center Console Bimini Top
- Sea Eagle Wide Inflatable Boat Bimini Top
Bimini Top Comparison Table
| Picture | Bimini Top | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Leader Accessories 3 Bow Bimini Top | 4.5 | $ |
  | MSC 3 Bow Bimini Top | 4.8 | $ |
  | Naviskin 3-4 Bow Bimini Top | 4.5 | $ |
  | King Bird 4 Bow Bimini Top | 4.7 | $$ |
  | NorthStar Replacement Pontoon Bimini Top | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | NorthStar Pontoon Boat Double Bimini Top | 4.9 | $$$$$ |
  | Brightent 3-4 Bow Boat Canopy Bimini Top | 4.7 | $ |
  | XGEAR 3-4 Bow Bimini Top | 4.5 | $ |
  | Dolphin Pro2 T-Top Center Console Bimini Top | 4.9 | $$$$ |
  | Sea Eagle Wide Inflatable Boat Bimini Top | 4.6 | $ |
| Picture | Bimini Top | Rating | Price |
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Bimini Top
The Leader Accessories 3 Bow Bimini Top is a high-quality, durable top that uses a sturdy 1” aluminum framework with double-walled bow legs, corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware, nylon fittings for mounting, and a choice of marine-grade 600D polyester canvas or 600D solution-dyed fabric with double-overlapped stitching.
Installation instructions are included that some owners have found to make the process easy. Others have delivered the exact opposite feedback.
This bimini top comes in a choice of 6 sizes and an amazing range of 13 colors with a zippered storage boot as part of the package.
- Choice of durable marine-grade 600D polyester canvas or 600D solution-dyed fabric with double overlapped stitching
- Lightweight 1” diameter aluminum frame with double-walled main bow legs
- Quick-release mounts, and 4 adjustable nylon straps
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware and nylon fittings for mounting
- Includes zippered storage boot
- Installation instructions are included (but a little challenging for some)
- Bimini top can tolerate a speed of 25 mph when opened
- Reasonably priced
- Choice of 13 colors: beige, black, burgundy, dark grey, green, light grey/white, light grey, navy blue, navy blue/white, Pacific blue, solution-dyed light grey, teal, white
Available in 6 sizes:
- 6’L x 46″H x 54″-60″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 61″-66″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 67″-72″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 73″-78″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 79″-84″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 85″-90″W
Rating: 4.5
Price: $
View More From Leader Accessories
The MSC 3 Bow Bimini Top is another high-grade, sturdy top that comes with 600D polyester canvas with double PU coating and a lightweight 1” aluminum framework.
The design includes 2 rear support poles, 2 front adjustment straps, nylon and rust-resistant mounting hardware, and a color-coordinated storage boot.
It comes partially assembled with an instruction manual. Buyers give high marks for easy installation in their feedback.
Available in a range of 9 colors, unfortunately, some buyers have indicated that color fading does occur, which is the only negativity reported.
Maybe the best news is the pricing which is much lower than other Bimini tops in its class.
- Durable 600D polyester canvas with double PU coating
- Lightweight 1” diameter aluminum frame
- Includes 2 rear support poles, 2 front adjustment straps, top fittings box
- Mounting hardware of nylon and corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- 600D polyester color-coordinated storage boot
- Comes partially assembled with an assembly instruction manual
- Bimini top can tolerate a speed of 25 mph when opened
- Low-priced
- Choice of 9 colors: grey, Pacific blue, burgundy, navy, beige, forest green, white, black, seal
Available in 6 sizes:
- 6’L x 46″H x 54″-60″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 61″-66″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 67″-72″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 73″-78″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 79″-84″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 85″-90″W
Rating: 4.8
Price: $
The Naviskin Bimini Top comes in 3 and 4 bow versions with a huge range of available sizes and 10 colors to choose from.
Made from 600D polyester canvas with PU coating that is durable and waterproof it also has a lightweight aluminum frame with double-walled legs that is exceptionally sturdy.
It comes with 4 nylon straps to secure it, corrosion-resistant stainless steel screws, and quick-release mounts.
Pricing is low and it gets high marks for easy installation.
- Durable 600D polyester canvas with marine-grade PU coating
- Lightweight 1” diameter aluminum frame with double-walled main bow legs
- Available in 3-bow and 4-bow versions
- Quick-release mounts
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel mounting screws
- 4 adjustable nylon straps for the front and rear
- Zippered storage boot
- Bimini top can tolerate a speed of 25 mph when opened
- Low-priced
- Choice of 10 colors: light grey, Pacific blue, burgundy, navy blue, dark grey, teal, white, green, black, sand
3 Bow Sizes:
- 6’L x 46″H x 54″-60″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 61″-66″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 67″-72″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 73″-78″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 79″-84″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 85″-90″W
4 Bow Sizes:
- 8’L x 54″H x 54″-60″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 61″-66″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 67″-72″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 73″-78″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 79″-84″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 85″-90″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 91″-96″W
Rating: 4.5
Price: $
The King Bird 4 Bow Bimini Top is a well-made model with double-stitched seams on the 600D/230GSM marine-grade polyester canvas with anti-fading, UV-resistant PU coating.
The frame is constructed with lightweight and durable 1.5mm thick, 1” diameter aluminum with 2 rear support poles and stainless steel mounting hardware.
An unusual feature is the zippered storage boot which is conveniently stitched into the canvas.
It comes in a choice of 3 colors and has a generous 2-year warranty.
- Durable 600D/230GSM marine-grade polyester canvas with waterproof and UV-resistant anti-fading PU coating and durable double-stitched seams
- Lightweight 1” diameter, 1.5mm thick aluminum frame with 2 rear support poles
- Stainless steel hooks, buckles, and saddles
- 2 straps
- Zippered storage boot is stitched onto the canvas
- Instruction manual included
- 2-year warranty with a 60-day money-back warranty
- Choice of beige, grey, or royal blue
Available in 5 sizes:
- 8’L x 55″H x 67″-72″W
- 8’L x 55″H x 73″-78″W
- 8’L x 55″H x 79″-84″W
- 8’L x 55″H x 85″-90″W
- 8’L x 55″H x 91″-96″W
Rating: 4.7
Price: $$
NorthStar Replacement Pontoon Bimini Top
The NorthStar Replacement Pontoon Bimini Top is a high-quality 8-foot-long bimini top for a pontoon boat.
Constructed with sturdy Sunbrella acrylic UV-resistant marine-grade fabric, it has zippers for all 4 bows making putting it on and taking it off easy.
If you have questions about the suitability for your situation, customer service is excellent and will provide quick answers for you, and is willing to make adjustments for an exact fit.
It comes in a choice of 11 colors with a very generous 10-year warranty.
- Durable Sunbrella acrylic marine-grade fabric with anefil poly thread for UV-resistance
- Includes storage boot
- 8’ length
- Zippers for all 4 bows
- Easy installation
- Excellent customer service – just ask them for details
- 10-year warranty
- Choice of black, yellow, burgundy, forest green, turquoise, cadet grey, beige, pacific, captain navy, logo red, medium blue tweed
Rating: 4.8
Price: $$$
NorthStar Pontoon Boat Double Bimini Top
The NorthStar Pontoon Boat Double Bimini Top is a large 18-foot double bimini top made of extra-durable Sunbrella acrylic fabric and 1-inch in diameter anodized aluminum tubing for the frame.
The design uses 2 zipper-connected 8-foot canopies, metal deck mounts and fittings, and a cut-out for a stern light in the rear bimini.
Installation instructions are clear but the manufacturer encourages contact for their quick and comprehensive service if needed.
Currently available in 4 colors, it comes with a 10-year warranty, which offsets a bit the high pricing.
- Durable Sunbrella marine-grade acrylic fabric with anefil poly thread for UV-resistance
- 1” diameter anodized aluminum tubing with metal deck mounts and fittings
- Includes storage boots
- 18’ length with 2 independent 8’ long canopies with a removable zippered connector
- Includes a cut-out for a stern light in the rear bimini
- Quick-disconnect pull-pins on rear struts to lower the bimini, if desired
- Easy-to-follow installation instructions
- Excellent customer service – just ask them for details or advice
- Choice of black, cadet grey, sunflower yellow, logo red
- 10-year warranty
Rating: 4.9
Price: $$$$$
Brightent 3-4 Bow Boat Canopy Bimini Top
The Brightent 3-4 Bow Boat Canopy Bimini Top has a durable aluminum framework with 2 rear poles for extra-sturdy support and a UV-resistant, waterproof PU-coated 600D woven polyester canopy.
It comes with 4 nylon towel clips and a storage boot and is available in navy blue.
The instruction manual is criticized for being none too specific but users indicate it is fairly easily and quickly installed.
Pricing is reasonable.
- Durable marine-grade 600D woven polyester canvas with UV-resistant, waterproof PU coating
- Lightweight 1” diameter aluminum frame with 6 different types/sizes of pole, 2 rear support poles, and aluminum connectors
- 4 nylon towel clips, 2 adjustable straps
- Zippered storage boot
- Accessory kit
- Instruction manual
- Available in navy blue
3 Bow Sizes:
- 6’L x 46”H x 61”-66” W
- 6’L x 46”H x 67”-72” W
- 6’L x 46”H x 73”-78” W
4 Bow Sizes
- 8’L x 54″H x 79″-84″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 85″-90″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 91″-96″W
Rating: 4.7
Price: $
The XGEAR 3-4 Bow Bimini Top, like most of the models here, has durable 600D polyester canvas, this time with high-quality double overlapped stitching, as well as a 1” aluminum frame with corrosion-resistant stainless steel mounting hardware.
It is held in place with 4 quick-release mounts and 4 straps front and back. Take note, though, that there are no rear poles for extra support available on some models.
Users give it high marks for quality and ease of installation and it comes in a wide range of sizes to suit your boat and 10 colors to suit your eye.
Pricing is affordable.
- Durable marine-grade 600D polyester canvas with double overlapped stitching
- Lightweight 1” diameter aluminum frame and stainless steel mounting hardware
- 4 quick-release mounts
- 4 adjustable nylon straps in front and back
- Color-coordinated zippered boot
- Reasonable pricing
- Choice of 10 colors: light grey, pacific blue, navy blue, black, beige, burgundy, dark grey, white, teal, green
3 Bow Sizes:
- 6’L x 46″H x 54″-60″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 61″-66″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 67″-72″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 73″-78″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 79″-84″W
- 6’L x 46″H x 85″-90″W
4 Bow Sizes
- 8’L x 54″H x 54″-60″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 61″-66″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 67″-72″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 73″-78″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 79″-84″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 85″-90″W
- 8’L x 54″H x 91″-96″W
Rating: 4.5
Price: $
Dolphin Pro2 T-Top Center Console Bimini Top
The Dolphin Pro2 T-Top Center Console Bimini Top has a completely different design from the other models reviewed here that is specifically for center console boats.
Made of heavy-duty 2” anodized aluminum with machined alloy fittings, it attaches to the floor with 4 standoffs that lock into the console for firm support.
The UV-resistant canopy is removable and provides a very specific cover over the center console.
Currently, it comes with a choice of 4 canopy and frame combinations.
This is a high-quality accessory that has a pretty high price to match.
- Folding T-top center fishing tower design suitable for center console boats
- 2” heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame
- CNC machined 6061 alloy fitting
- Attaches directly to the floor, 4 standoffs lock into the console
- Removable marine-grade UV-resistant cover
- 85”H, fits consoles up to 47”W
- Canopy Size: 82”L x 61”W
- Easy assembly and attachment
- Choice of anodized frame/black canopy, anodized frame/navy blue canopy, black powder-coated frame/black canopy, white powder-coated frame/black canopy
Rating: 4.9
Price: $$$$
Sea Eagle Wide Inflatable Boat Bimini Top
The Sea Eagle Wide Inflatable Boat Bimini Top is made of lightweight durable aluminum with a canopy of UV-resistant PU-coated polyester.
It has a folding frame design that is easy to store and matches up with several Sea Eagle inflatable boats and some other small boats, as well.
Instructions and all mounting hardware and mounting pads are provided for easy installation.
Pricing is very affordable.
- Durable 322D polyester canopy with UV-resistant PU coating
- Lightweight and sturdy aluminum folding frame
- Hardware and mounting pads included
- Fits inflatable boats with a beam of approximately 5’5” to 6’
- 83”’L x 47″H x 59″W
- Installation is easy with instructions included
- Suitable for several Sea Eagle inflatable models and a number of other small boats
- Reasonable pricing
Rating: 4.6
Price: $
Bimini Tops for Boats Buying Guide
Fabric Material
It is important to use a material in the canopy that has several important features. It has to be strong enough to withstand wind and rain and the speed of the boat as it cruises. High-quality fabrics like 600D polyester and Sunbrella, an acrylic material, are considered good. These also offer UV and mildew resistance, water-repelling qualities, and durability over the long term.
The quality of the seam work is also a factor. Double-stitched seams are reliable.
For additional waterproofing and UV resistance, a PU coating can also be used.
Frame Material
Rust and corrosion resistance are important factors that are provided by aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic.
Plastic is not the most durable or strong and is best avoided.
Stainless steel, especially that has received special treatment against corrosion and saltwater, is durable but tends to be heavy.
Aluminum fills the bill in durability, strength, and corrosion resistance and does not rust. In addition, it is lightweight making it the most commonly used material for the framework on high-quality bimini tops.
Hardware Material
This term refers to the joints, mounts, screws, and other bits that hold the top together and securely mount it.
Stainless steel hardware is usually preferred for its strength, durability, and corrosion, and rust resistance.
Some of these same components can also be made of nylon, but you should look carefully at the build quality of such applications.
Plastic should be avoided even for snap hooks and the eyes of straps due to durability concerns. Stainless steel and nickel-plated brass are good materials for this.
Measurements
If you are getting a custom-fitted bimini top from the manufacturer you may not need to be especially careful to get precise measurements. On the other hand, when buying one online it is pretty important to get them right.
Most of the models are offered with a broad range of sizes available to suit you, so it is possible to get a good fit. If you have concerns, most of the manufacturers expect questions, are ready to respond to emails, and also publish a lot of materials to clarify sizing, as well.
The best mounting point is in a position to cover any expensive equipment like a VHF radio, GPS, or fishfinding gear. The height and the length measurements should look at this as the point of reference.
You’ll need to get a measurement of the widest area where you plan to mount it. Usually, this is the widest section of the boat, but not necessarily. The bimini tops offer a range to fit into for the width.
Installation
All of the manufacturers provide instructions for installing your bimini top, some better than others. Installation is usually pretty straightforward and simple if you have some basic skills in measuring and the use of a drill.
For questions, you can contact the manufacturer or consult feedback and questions at Amazon or whichever online vendor you use. There is typically quite a bit of info easily available.
If you are truly challenged mechanically, I suggest getting a friend to lend a hand. It is not a major construction job.
For more reviews of boats, kayaks, canoes, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels Inflatable Dinghies Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing Boat Ladders Kayak Rod Holders Anchor Ropes Boat Anchors Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Motorized Kayaks Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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