I also think there is the "look" of the top on the boat.. When people look at your boat do the focus on a colored top that gets their attention or a nice boat?
Choosing Bimini top color
- Thread starter Donald
- Start date
The Goldilocks Factor
I went in and talked to the lady at boat canvas shop. I asked if I could have her sew new "glass" in the section just above the windshield assuming the "glass" is what shrunk. She said it would not work. I need a new top that is properly made.
One issue she says is there should be Sunbrella on both side (outside and inside) where the "glass" is sewn to the Sunbrella. Says my top is cheaply made and has it only on outside. Can other boat owners comment on how those pieces are constructed on their boats?
She will use 40 gauge glass. Said some canvas shops use 20 or 30 gauge as they do not have a heavy enough sewing machine.
The lady is a Chinese lady who built a shop behind her house. About the last person who would give me a "sell job".
One issue she says is there should be Sunbrella on both side (outside and inside) where the "glass" is sewn to the Sunbrella. Says my top is cheaply made and has it only on outside. Can other boat owners comment on how those pieces are constructed on their boats?
She will use 40 gauge glass. Said some canvas shops use 20 or 30 gauge as they do not have a heavy enough sewing machine.
The lady is a Chinese lady who built a shop behind her house. About the last person who would give me a "sell job".
Was just going to say a lot of shops cut corners. One example is to use automotive-grade window material, which is much thinner.
The fitting and labor are usually most of the cost, so premium materials are a good value. SunBrella is good stuff but by no means your only choice.
https://www.sailrite.com/shop/fabric/marine-fabric
The fitting and labor are usually most of the cost, so premium materials are a good value. SunBrella is good stuff but by no means your only choice.
https://www.sailrite.com/shop/fabric/marine-fabric
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Seems RV tops are white - go figure …
On white hard hats - a darker brim liner helps …
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A pervious comment to this thread claims a dark color adds to the heat while you're under it.
In the past I have had white, light grey, maroon and now a black Bimini.
I can self attest the color makes zero difference in the temperature while under it.
I will also add the benefit of a darker color actually makes you feel like you have "more shade" vs a light color like white gives the feeling of "less shade" if that makes sense.
Go stand under a white canopy then go stand under a dark colored canopy and you will understand exactly what I mean.
I suggest, pick the darkest color that matches your boat or stripe or color scheme.
In the past I have had white, light grey, maroon and now a black Bimini.
I can self attest the color makes zero difference in the temperature while under it.
I will also add the benefit of a darker color actually makes you feel like you have "more shade" vs a light color like white gives the feeling of "less shade" if that makes sense.
Go stand under a white canopy then go stand under a dark colored canopy and you will understand exactly what I mean.
I suggest, pick the darkest color that matches your boat or stripe or color scheme.
I thought I would only get a few basic color choices. Now how to choose??
That's actually a nice problem to have. Better use your discretion and let the "better half" decide!
What about a chrome or silver top? Reflects alot of heat and shouldn't fade. If it's a fabric you should be able to get a uv inhibitor for the fabric, then treat with scotch guard. Are you looking at a top that covers the entire boat?
Men picking out colors need a note from their wife
There will be no stern section. Boat is on inside rack storage and top needs to be collapsed down to store it on the rack. So top is mainly to protect us from getting blasted by the sun while boating.
Then definitely a chrome or silver top. Maximum reflection of waves and heat.
Well my boat is inside the canvas shop. The trailer sticks out the shop door a couple of feet. Decided on a tan that's lighter than my old cover. Actually the shop owner suggested the color after I picked one that was close.
Light pink? I guess it is resurging in the mid 2020's.
No.
So here is the top in the color lady who made the top suggested. Wife and I were at shop and we all agreed with her suggestion.
I should have figured but putting the top down flat is a royal PIA. And takes time. Likely to scratch the boat as some of the frame needs to be removed from the fittings. So I paid the extra few hundred for a rack where the boat has lots of room for the top to stay up all the time.
I should have figured but putting the top down flat is a royal PIA. And takes time. Likely to scratch the boat as some of the frame needs to be removed from the fittings. So I paid the extra few hundred for a rack where the boat has lots of room for the top to stay up all the time.
