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Bimini tops are an inexpensive way to protect yourself from direct sun and rain while enjoying your recreational boating experience. Tops are available in a variety of materials, including vinyl, cotton, polyester and acrylic. Which Material? Cotton Duck -Inexpensive, but won't last as long as other fabrics due to UV degradation, and tends to leak. more info Vinyl- The most popular choice because it's waterproof and will divert water to the sides of the top for runoff. Vinyl bimini tops range in quality from low to very high, and are easy to clean. More info "Solution-Dyed" Polyester- We feel that they offer the best value for colored bimini tops Polyester that is solution-dyed has an extremely rich color and holds up very well to UV-rays for less fading. Polyester tops are very strong and resist stretching so they retain their shape. They're more water repellent and abrasion resistant than acrylics, but will fade faster. More info Acrylic- This top-of-the-line soft woven fabric looks and feels terrific. It holds up well to UV rays and has exceptional fade resistance and strength. However, it has a tendency to stretch and sag, and is prone to leaking. Acrylic tops are usually more expensive, but not as abrasion resistant. More info Bimini tops are an expensive investment to your boat. Water and moisture can break town the material ad threads in any type of bimini top. Although untreated canvas is most susceptible, even acrylic and vinyl bimini tops will eventually break down. You can extend the life of your bimini top by using an inexpensive fabric waterproofing treatment. One brand that performed extraordinarily well in product trials is Heller Glanz Fabric Waterproofer. It is one of a number of premium-quality products available in this new line of marine maintenance products. Heller Glanz Fabric Waterproofer comes in an environmentally safe pump bottle and offers exemplary protection from moisture, mildew and the deteriorating effects of ultraviolet rays. Heller Glänz Fabric Waterproofer and Stain Repellent was developed to protect and extend the life of marine fabrics including acrylics, Sunbrella, nylon, cotton, canvas, polyester, vinyl, and leather. Helps prevent damage from moisture, mildew, oil and grease stains, bird droppings and airborne pollutants. Perfect for boat & sail covers, dodgers, boat shoes, bimini tops, vinyl seats & cushions, carpets, tents, awnings, patio furniture. Most mills, including Sunbrella,
apply a fluorocarbon polymer to the cloth at the
factory for waterproofing and stain repellence.
This is the most durable and effective
waterproofing technology currently known. (A
polymer is like Teflon for cloth.) Heller
Glänz’s Fabric
Waterproofer uses virtually the same
fluorocarbon technology as the mills do and is UV
Resistant and Mildew Resistant. Woven acrylic material is
considered the premium quality for bimini tops. The
material is silky smooth and wrinkle resistant.
Caution is in order, however, if the material is not
solution dyed as it has a tendency to sag and
leak. Cotton duck is a canvas-like fabric. Cotton duck fabric is used for everything from director's chairs and tote bags to artist's canvas and bimini tops. The fabric is sold in various grades of thickness and can be purchased dyed or unbleached (the "natural." Oyster color). Cotton duck biminis are generally inexpensive but they often lack the durability of other materials. If treated with a quality waterproofer, however, cotton duck fabric will last longer. Cited as the "best value" by the Boat Owners Association of the United States, solution-dyed polyester is known for its resistance to stretching and ability to resist fading. Make sure to use a good waterproofing treatment at least once every season as it is susceptible to moisture breakdown. Usually a vinyl coated reinforced fabric is 100% waterproof, ultraviolet and mildew resistant. Vinyl biminis are made of a durable, waterproof plastic fabric that allows rainwater to cascade from the surface, and not leak though the material. Easiest to keep clean. Can crack and become brittle over time, also lose it's original color. A waterproofing treatment at least once every season will product the threads that hold the panels together. The type of fabric, the length of the bimini, the material of the support poles and the width of a vessel determine the price of a bimini top. Generally, you can equip a 20-foot vessel with a 5-foot bimini for less than $250. Mounting hardware, deck mounts and aluminum support tubing is usually included. Stainless steel poles and hardware are more inexpensive, but will last a lifetime. Chrome and brass-coated fittings are also popular and long lasting, but in time they tend to corrode. Nylon fittings are both durable and inexpensive. Most companies offer a one-year manufacturer's warranty on the tops and a 3- to 5-year fabric guarantee. Remember the
purpose of the bimini when measuring for height. The
purpose is to protect bridge occupants form sun and
rain … but if a bimini top is mounted too high
it will not block the sun adequately. The top should
be high enough to stand under. |
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