T-top or Bimini???

prenier · 14 July 2021, 15:36

Need a top to keep sun off. I am curious if most people prefer T-top or Bimini? I have attached my boat and the same make / model with T-top.

Thank for your opinions.

Limecc · 14 July 2021, 17:11

I was considering the same.
T top looks best no contest, especially at Haulover.

However I went out jumping big waves which were really pounding the boat and was glad I didn't have a comparatively heavy T top ripping away at it's fixtures. My poor knees. I continued with the bimini up but could have folded it all the way down if needed.

SimonCh · 14 July 2021, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by prenier

Need a top to keep sun off. I am curious if most people prefer T-top or Bimini? I have attached my boat and the same make / model with T-top.

Thank for your opinions.

I love the look of a T-Top, but like the versatility of a bimini - it doesn't hinder when towing on the trailer, wouldn't stop me putting the boat in a garage etc. I think if I was to have a larger boat i'd go T-top but for anything under 6m a bimini, but it's ultimately down to preference.

paulbrown22 · 14 July 2021, 21:55

My Ribtec 9m, which admittedly was sold and towed away today, had a T-top which I absolutely loved. Combined with the high windscreen it was great in sun, wind and/or rain, and gave a very protected helming position without actually being a fully enclosed cabin.

If they are properly designed and fitted, there should be no issues with the mountings in rough sea conditions - I've done plenty of very long rough passages on my (ex) RIB without any problems. Some of the aftermarket jobbies that are randomly bolted on to mounting areas not designed for it though can obviously fail fairly quickly when it gets rough.

pagick · 15 July 2021, 19:09

Bimini's give far more shade, easily left at home when not needed and are cheaper, but I think we all can agree what option looks better. That said, If you look at the T-Top pic you included it looks to have been taken mid morning or mid afternoon by sun location. Only the far aft tube section has any shade on it. if you were sitting in the pilots seat perhaps your head would also catch shade but that probably it for shade.

prenier · 16 July 2021, 14:05

That's a valid point, I keep thinking the same thing about the one in the picture I included. I've just never been a big fan of the bimini look, but since having some shade is the goal, it maybe best to look more at them.

jonp · 16 July 2021, 14:18

like mentioned T tops don't actually give much sun protection apart from the middle of the day when its overhead and you are driving. Ive had both but both get in the way of fishing and flicking lures etc, so I now stick with sunblock and a cord around my hat here in sunny Australia.

Limecc · 17 July 2021, 00:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonp

like mentioned T tops don't actually give much sun protection apart from the middle of the day when its overhead and you are driving. Ive had both but both get in the way of fishing and flicking lures etc, so I now stick with sunblock and a cord around my hat here in sunny Australia.

Here in sunny?

Britain, biminis and T tops can give much better protection against showers and squalls than they do for the sun protection. Have to be slow moving or stationary I guess though. Good for us on the river, rain or shine.

jonp · 17 July 2021, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Here in sunny?

Britain, biminis and T tops can give much better protection against showers and squalls than they do for the sun protection. Have to be slow moving or stationary I guess though. Good for us on the river, rain or shine.

Slow moving, stationary or traveling at the exact speed and direction of of the rain, squall, then yes well worth the investment rather than buying a decent set of wet weather gear!!!....Yes I know the weather there well, that's why I emigrated and possibly why Im now bold, from over watering for so many years!!

Striker · 21 July 2021, 08:29

I love my T top. Not seen often in the uk though.

I love the added benefit it gives if having a frame to hold onto when moving about the boat or when passengers stand next to the helm. Pretty useful to grab onto when hauling yourself into the boat at a beach too.

Not gonna keep you fully dry when on the plane in the rain though, and also because then are fairly flat they drip randomly at the edges rather than following then domed shape of a Bimini