Boating Hints & Tips - Fitting a Bimini

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A bimini or boat canopy is an important accessory for any boat as it provides cover from the weather and most importantly, creates shade to protect you and your family from dangerous UV rays.  Most biminis on the market are made from a rigid anodized aluminium frame adjoined to a canvas or marine grade vinyl hood. These materials are designed to withstand the effects of salt spray and harsh sunlight; ensuring the longest possible lifespan for your bimini.

The following hints and tips are designed to make fitting your bimini a whole lot easier.

• Once you’ve purchased your bimini, ensure you have all the components you need within the package. Do this by cross checking the contents of your bimini package with those listed in the instruction manual.

• Remove the plastic sleeves from the bimini arms; these are simply there for protection.

• Lay out the bimini and remove the bolts from each bow arm.

• Most bimini packages will have numbers on each bimini arm which correspond to the numbers on the bow arms on the bimini top.

• Simply match the numbers on the bimini arms with the numbers on the bow arms of the bimini top and connect them together.

• Insert the bolts back into each bow arm and ensure the bimini arms are connected firmly to the bimini top.

• Repeat the process on each side and the bimini is ready to connect to your boat.

• Fold the bimini and position it accordingly on your boat. Things to consider when positioning your bimini are shade areas, fishing room and folding room.

• Once you’ve selected a location for the bimini, unscrew the deck mount pieces from the bimini and mark their positions on the gunwale of the boat making sure the measurements on each side are equal.

• Simply drill appropriately sized holes (depending on the size of the screws for your bimini) and attach the deck mounts on the gunwales of your boat.

• Insert the bimini arms into the deck mounts and connect them with the thumb screws provided.

• Most bimini packages will come with saddles/stays which are used to keep the bimini in the desired position. Position the saddles accordingly on the gunwales of the boat and connect the fully adjustable straps.

• Tighten up the straps to ensure the bimini is tight and stable and you’re ready to go fishing and enjoy the shade!

A range of biminis and accessories are available at your local BCF – Boating, Camping and Fishing store.

For more information on fitting your bimini, check out bcftv.com.au.