Whether you’re anchored in the middle of the ocean or floating in a small cove on a lake, most boaters can agree that a reliable Bimini top is a lifesaver on a hot summer afternoon. Regardless of how much SPF you apply (and how often you reapply), sometimes the only escape from the beating sun is a cool, shady area onboard. If your boat doesn’t have a t-top or a hardtop in its construction, the next best solution is a Bimini top.

If you’re in the market for a Bimini top for your boat, you’ll need to decide what type of hardware is ideal for your boat type.

Bimini top hardware comes in three main styles:

• 2 bow Bimini tops
• 3 bow Bimini tops
• 4 bow Bimini tops

Let’s take a closer look at these three options.

Comparing 2, 3 and 4 Bow Bimini Tops

The primary Bimini top parts to be aware of are the bows, the tie down straps and the canvas covering. The bows, in particular, refer to the frame that connects directly to the sides of your boat. These frames are generally made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic.

A 2 bow Bimini top is the smallest option available, and therefore, is generally ideal for smaller boats. The 2-bow style can typically be found on skiffs, jon boats and RIBs (rigid inflatables).

Going up in size, the 3 bow Bimini top is the most popular and commonly used hardware on boats today. You can find the 3-bow style on everything from medium-sized runabouts and bowriders, ski/wake boats, center consoles and even some go-fast boats.

The largest hardware option is the 4 bow Bimini top. This style is perfect for larger pontoon boats, deck boats, and models that have a wider beam.

Functionality & Materials

At the end of the day, deciding between a 2, 3 or 4 bow Bimini top really depends on the overall size and style of your boat. Larger boats require a sturdier bow system, while small boats can get by with just a 2-bow style.

Another important factor to keep in mind is material choice. While most bows are made of stainless steel or aluminum, you’ll find different options when it comes to secondary Bimini top parts like deck hinges, jaw slides, top caps, and release pins. Most of these supporting pieces are also made of stainless steel, but often you can find plastic options available.

Most boatowners put their Bimini tops to good use on almost every outing, so it’s natural for a little wear-and-tear to happen overtime. Both deck hinges and jaw slides are critical components in the functionality of a Bimini top—assisting in putting them up for use and folding them down for storage. With that in mind, opting for a stainless steel deck hinge or jaw slide is normally the more reliable choice—although, if price is your overall determining factor, plastic components are generally lower in cost.

If you're in the need for some Bimini top hardware yourself, why not check out our selection? If you have any questions, you can always get in touch with us for some helpful information!

What kind of bimini top do you have? Share with us in the comments below!

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