Top 10 Best Bimini Tops – Reviews and Buying Guide

Bimini boat tops have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. This is largely due to the extensive benefits that a boat top can bring as well as how they seem to instantly enhance the overall appearance of a boat. 

The Bimini top industry gives you the opportunity to either splurge on your vessel or keep things relatively affordable. To help you find the right top for your boat we’ve made a round-up of 10 competitive boat tops all worthy of a closer look.

1. Leader Accessories 3 Bow
2. Leader Accessories 4 Bow
3. Dolphin Pro2 T-TOP
4. Dolphin Pro E T-Top
5. Navigator 4 Bow Pontoon Boat Bimini Top
6. NAVIGATOR New Pontoon
7. Naviskin 3-4 Bow Bimini Top Cover
8. SereneLife Waterproof Boat Bimini Top Cover
9. MSC 4 Bow Bimini Top with Rear Support Pole and Storage Boot
10. SavvyCraft 3 Bow Bimini Top Replacement Canvas Cover

Here is everything you need to know about the best boat bimini tops and what to look out for when investing in one.

What is a Bimini Boat Top?

A Bimini boat top is an open-sided canopy that is usually made of canvas. 

The canopy is supported by an aluminum frame made out of poles and fits on top of boats &/or Jeeps. Bimini tops can fit onto many different types of boats including:

• Jon boats
• Pontoon boats
• Deck boats

When it comes to personal safety on the water a Bimini boat top is imperative to protect both you and your guests from the harsh rays of the sun. Boat bimini tops can also come in handy should you encounter any rain while out on the water.  

On top of protection, bimini tops add aesthetic appeal to most boats. Boat bimini tops enhance the overall look and feel of the boat & this can definitely add some resale value to your asset. 

Now, which one will you fit on your boat this year?

Here are our picks for the Best Bimini Tops you can buy:

For over 30 years Leader Accessories has been manufacturing top quality covers for patios, boats and biminis. So it’s no surprise that the Leader Accessories 3 bow bimini is durable, lightweight and stylish.

If you’re looking for a bimini that’s easy to install then you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to mount the 3 bow boat cover. When you purchase this bimini you’ll get stainless steel mounting hardware, a color-coded zippered storage boot and an instruction manual.

Additionally, the Leader Accessories 3 bow boat bimini comes in six different sizes ranging from 6'L x 46"H x 54"-60"W to 6'L x 46"H x 85"-90"W. So pick the bimini size that’s suitable for your boat. The straps of the bimini are adjustable so you can tighten the bimini easily.

Overall, this bimini is sturdy because it has a 1" aluminum frame and double-walled bow legs. The quick-release mounts make it easy for you to dismount your bimini when you need to. 

Here’s another Leader Accessories bimini on our list. The coverage is made with marine grade 600D polyester fabric with double overlapped stitching. The fabric is UV resistant and it can withstand high winds. You’ll love that this bimini comes in seven different sizes ranging from 8'L x 54"H x 54"-60"W to 8'L x 54"H x 91"-96"W. Simply look at the size charts to pick the correct one for your boat.

All mounting hardware for the 4 bow boat bimini is made with stainless steel that won’t corrode or snap. You’ll also receive a color coded zippered storage boot and instructions on how to mount the cover. This Leader Accessories bimini has a 1" aluminum frame and double-walled bow legs.

The bow legs optimize the sturdiness and strength of the bimini so it doesn’t sway or cause the boat to move on windy days. Use the four adjustable nylon straps for the front and rear of the bimini to maintain the tension of the cover.

The Dolphin Pro2 T-Top bimini is a foldable coverage that you can easily collapse when you want to get more sun on your boat. The frame is a permanent fixture because it attaches to the floor of your boat, but the cover can be removed easily because it has zippers and Velcro attachments.

This Dolphin Pro2 T-Top is ideal for fishermen because you can attach your rods to it. What’s more, you can attach lights and speakers to the frame. This marine T-Top bimini makes a perfect addition for small boats with limited available space because you can attach items to the frame of the cover.

Since the frame is made with 2" heavy-duty alloy this bimini is extra sturdy on your boat so it’s ideal for windy days. This bimini only comes in one size of 83"H x 47"W x 82"L -60"W x 26"L but it gives you the coverage you need because it’s a center console frame.

Lastly, the cover is made with marine-grade VIII UV resistant material that has a long service life. 

This Dolphin Pro E Economic T-Top bimini is similar to the Pro2 cover. It’s made with 1.5" heavy duty anodized alloy frame and fitting. The cover is made with marine-grade VIII UV resistant acrylic fabric that won’t tarnish, tear or fade in the sun.

Since this is a T-Top for center consoles it only comes in one size of 79"H x 63"L x 43"W but it provides the shade you need on a hot summers day. There are no handles on this Dolphin Pro T-Top because it has a streamlined frame. It’s designed for small and midsized boats and it attaches directly to the floor of your vessel.

The quick-release on the Dolphin Pro T-Top bimini is convenient because you can dismount the cover and put it in storage when you’re not using it. Since the cover is removable it’s easy to maintain. Overall, you’ll love how sturdy this Dolphin Pro T-Top bimini is and how easy it is to install on your boat. 

The Navigator 4-Bow bimini is a lightweight cover with a sturdy anodized aluminum frame that attaches easily to your pontoon boat. This cover comes in one size with the canopy measuring 8' x 10' but you can adjust it to fit any type of pontoon.

Installing the cover onto your boat is effortless because it fits any pontoon railing. The cover is made with marine-grade Navigator fabric that won’t tear or tarnish in the sun. There are eight colors for you to pick from so you can match it to the aesthetics of your boat.

The frame allows you to fold the cover backward when you want to stand or allow the sun to shine on your boat for warmth. This 4-Bow bimini top is large so it will protect your entire body from the elements. You’ll also appreciate that the Navigator 4-Bow bimini has a 3-year warranty. 

Navigator’s New Pontoon bimini is similar to the 4-Bow product by the same brand. The cover is made with marine-grade fabric that won’t tear, tarnish or fade in the sun. This fabric is stretchable so you can maintain the tension of your bimini cover. The top only comes in one size of 8' x 10'.

You’ll love that this cover comes in eight different colors with matching boots to keep to the aesthetics of your boat. There are four bows that make up the anodized aluminum frame, so it won’t rust or tarnish.

The cover is easy to remove so you can wash and store it when it’s not in use. There are quick release clips that allow you to fit or remove the cover easily. Lastly, the shape of the cover ensures that you’re also protected on windy days. You can enjoy a day out on the water without being blown away. 

The Naviskin 3-4 Bow top boat cover has a unique shape that will cover most of your vessel. The heavy duty fabric for the cover can withstand harsh weather conditions. Your bimini comes with stainless steel mounting equipment that won’t corrode or break when being exposed to water.

Based on the 13 sizes ranging between 3-Bow 6'L x 46" H x 54"-60" W and 4-Bow 8'L x 54" H x 91"-96" W, use the Naviskin chart to find the correct boat cover for you. The 10 different color options allow you a vast range of options so if aesthetics are important to you, pick the one you think will work well with your vessel.

Naviskin’s 3-4 bimini top boat cover is effortless to install and it has quick-release latches so you can mount and dismount it fast. Overall, this bimini is lightweight but the structure is stable so it won’t wobble on windy days. The straps help to keep your boat cover in place when you’re on the water. 

The SereneLife bimini top boat cover has a streamlined design with a strong double-walled aluminum frame. Its frame can withstand strong winds when you’re out on the ocean. This boat cover is made with heavy duty marine grade 600D polyester that’s double seamed stitched.

SereneLife’s cover can withstand harsh UV rays so it won’t tarnish or rip easily over time. Additionally, the cover is waterproof so if it does rain it will keep you dry. There are two rear support poles for extra stability and it allows you to fold it back easily when you want to bask in the sun.

The SereneLife bimini top boat cover comes in 13 different sizes ranging between 3-Bow 6'L x 46" H x 54" - 60" and 4-Bow 8'L x 54" H x 85" - 90". Lastly, this boat cover comes with a zipped up boot so you can easily roll up your bimini and store it safely to prevent it from getting damaged. 

The MSC 4 Bow bimini top boat cover is a quality device that will provide the protection you need from the elements. MSC’s cover doesn’t come with stainless steel mounting equipment but the 1" thick aluminum frame can withstand high winds and boat speeds.

Sizes for this bimini range between 4-Bow 8'L x 54"H x 79"-84"W and 4-Bow 8'L x 54"H x 91"-96"W. The storage boot is designed to keep your bimini from getting damaged so ensure you store it correctly when it’s not in use.

You’ll love how easy it is to mount this bimini and how quick it is to dismount it. The MSC 4 Bow top boat cover can fold back too so you don’t have to remove the product when you want to sit in the sun. 

The SavvyCraft 3 Bow bimini top boat cover has a strong frame that can withstand high winds and boat speeds. SavvyCraft’s cover is made with heavy duty UV resistant 600D canvas fabric that’s waterproof. This cover will protect you and your boat from the elements.

If you’re looking for a specific size bimini top boat cover for your vessel then select between 3-Bow 6'L 54"-60"W and 3-Bow 6'L 91"-96"W. Additionally, there are 9 color covers for you to pick from that are stylish and we’re sure one of them will fit the aesthetics of your boat perfectly.

The frame and hardware aren’t included with the cover but it’s affordable to buy it separately. When you purchase this product you’ll get a free color matching storage boot bag to protect your bimini top boat cover when it’s not in use. 

How to Select Your Bimini Top

The proper care needs to be taken when purchasing anything related to your boat, and a Bimini top is no exception. Important factors to consider include the following:

• The materials its constructed with
• The type of frame system that is in place
• It's level of adjustability
• It's color
• And, most importantly, its size

To make sure you choose the correct size for your boat, use a tape measure and take note of the dimensions of different parts of your boat. Also, be sure to consider what happens when the Bimini top is deployed or opened and how it typically rests when it is closed. 

Here are some specifications to keep in mind when looking to purchase the best bimini tops. 

Size:

The size of your top will depend on the size of your boat and how much coverage you desire aboard your vessel. Sometimes people opt to purchase boat tops that are half the size of their boat so that half of the vessel still allows the option of sun bathing. 

Longevity:

Boat covers can last a lifetime if you take care of them properly. To increase the longevity of your boat top, assemble and remove it after every use so it’s not left at the mercy of the elements year round. 

By having a safe and secure storage space for your boat top when not in use, you’ll be able to increase the life span of the unit as it will be less prone to wear and tear. Continuously leaving your Bimini top fully erect will likely result in wear and tear after the first year or two.  

Materials:

Most Bimini tops are manufactured with frameworks made from aluminum or stainless steel. The covering part of the top will likely be made from durable canvas material with UV blocking abilities.  

Bimini Boat Top Parts and Mounting Hardware

The installation of a Bimini boat top requires many parts and mounting hardware to be successful. Every component of a Bimini boat top is important, but the most important components are its frame, support poles, and straps.

The frame needs to be strong and sturdy & mainly capable of withstanding the weight of the Bimini boat top. But also consider the occasional contact with a human body, for example, if a passenger were to bump into it accidentally while out on choppy waters. On top of being strong, the frame also needs to be rust-resistant to prevent it from degrading over time.

Support poles are almost as important as the frame. As the name suggests, support poles exist to provide additional support to the Bimini boat top and reduce the pressure on its frame. In addition to providing extra structural support, these poles also allow you to deploy your Bimini at an angle and secure it that way, which is especially handy when trailering your boat. 

Finally, straps are also very important to make the installation, removal and general upkeep of the Bimini boat top as user-friendly as possible. Without straps, your Bimini boat top is at risk of being blown away by strong gusts of wind. 

Bimini Boat Top Manufacturers

There are many Bimini boat top manufacturers out there and they’re all vying for the top spot of the industry leader. The truth is that there are many great manufacturers that produce products of the highest quality and craftsmanship.

The best Bimini boat top manufacturers include the likes of Leader Accessories, Attwood, Navigator, and Dolphin. All of these brands manufacture Bimini tops that are suited to different boats and boat owners with different needs.

There are many other Bimini boat top manufacturers out there that make products of exceptional quality. The ones we mentioned above are just the cream of the crop. 

Final Thoughts:

Take your boat from average to impressive by making the simple addition of one of these Bimini boat tops. Our roundup of the best six should give you an idea of what to expect from each and where to direct your investment.  

Enjoy safe, protected boat excursions with your whole family. It’s harsh out there - get covered!