T-Top or Bimini Top

[Joey]

Which do you prefer and why?

Personally, I like the look of the T-Top better, give a boat nice lines.  You can also add storage solutions to it.  But all the ones I have seen sacrifice overhead shade to the front of the boat.  As in the passenger seating in front of the CC does not have as much shade from the sun.

A Bimini covers more area, so your passengers have more space out of direct sunlight.

I need to replace my Bimini canvas, but I don't want to lose the shade for seat in front of the CC, as that is where my wife likes to sit.  

What do you think?

Joe

[slvrlng]

This might be a viable solution.

http://www.canvasusa.com/Performance-Sh ... _info.html

[wingtime]

A t-top will cost a bunch more than a new bikini skin will!

[CH Jr]

With a Bimini you can drop it down or remove it any time you want to create less drag, not as easy with a T-top.

[CLM65]

It is largely personal preference.  I have a  t-top on my 205 and will be putting a t-top or more likely a tower on my 22-2.  If you do much fishing, it is nice to be able to move up and down the sides without the interference of a bimini.

[Georgie]

Gotta create a priority list so you can actually evaluate what matters to you.

Simply:

Biminis are cheaper, lower profile, and more in-the-way (less fishing friendly), but fold or remove for travel or alternative type trips.

T-tops are larger, much more expensive, generally more valuable for resale, friendly to fishermen, but not flexible or easily removable, and suck extra fuel when trailering.

Shade location for each is honestly more a factor of the sun angle and square footage of canopy than anything else.

[Joey]

Ryan, that was a great post.  You did a good job of pointing out what I should have already been looking at.  Thanks.

Joe

[Georgie]

Glad to be able to help, Joe.  Specific questions will help the group give you more specific feedback...i.e. kids/no kids, do you have trailer/boat storage space, what's your trailer vehicle, how do you typically use your boat, how far do you live from the ramp, etc.  All must be considered.

[icemanbryan]

My last few boats have all had a T top or I added one.
My Osprey 25 has a T top, I personally would not be without one.
I am in the process of adding a small tower to it, I just received
some drawings back and am deciding the route to go.

[pzart]

I pick Bimini, I have been places with my 17AS for fishing and pleasure that even a windshield would have prevented me from getting there......love those types of places.

My Signature picture below is one of those places, had to duck behind the console a bunch, and powered through a couple spots that were 1 foot deep.

[GoneFission]

I pick Bimini, I have been places with my 17AS for fishing and pleasure that even a windshield would have prevented me from getting there......love those types of places.

My Signature picture below is one of those places, had to duck behind the console a bunch, and powered through a couple spots that were 1 foot deep.

The Fishmaster T-top folds down...  

http://www.fishmaster.com/

[MrWesson]

T-top
Looks
Ease of use(always up)
extra storage

Limited shade
Can get in the the way(going around and casting)
If you have to buy a cover can be big money and a pain in the butt


Bimini
Removable
extra shade
Cost

Get in the way while fishing unless you have a casting deck
Can be flimsy while underway
Drag(both I guess)