Adding a wakeboard tower to a boat comes with many benefits, such as more hang time and space in the cabin, but it does have one drawback. The factory shade cover that came with the boat is usually sacrificed for the tower fit. Wakeboard bimini tops were designed as the solution for the shade needed when on the water.
Pictured: Big Air Super Shadow by Wake Essentials
A Customized Look
Bimini tops are designed to be easy to install, without requiring drilling or special tools when mounting. They are adjustable so they work around racks, lights, and speakers. Bimini tops come in a variety of styles to fit different towers and complement the boat style. The fabric is high quality and weather resistant to sun, wind, and water exposure, so it lasts for many seasons. It’s also designed not to fade in the sun or stretch out. Pictured: Big Air Super Shadow by Wake Essential
Measuring for a Bimini
The tower measurements are very important when purchasing a bimini top. Typically, you won’t be looking at fitting the tower to a pre-existing bimini top, but it can be done. A professional retailer can help you understand the precise measurements to take when ordering. Once the measurements of the tower are available, they can be used to determine the choice of tops that can be adjusted to fit. Your tower should be fully installed before measuring. A dealer or professional can install the top, but many boat owners can install a bimini on their own.
Biminis Developed for Wakeboarding
Bimini tops were named after the Bimini Island in the Bahamas. They were first used by fishermen to protect them from the harsh sun. Wakeboarders developed the tops to work with wakeboard boats that need more speed.
For wakeboarding, most bimini tops are tested on speeds up to 50 mph on the water. The top should not interfere with the fun on your boat or create drag. There should still be plenty of head room for standing and sitting. For evenings or days without sun or for storage, the top will fold out of the way in a convenient boot to protect it from damage.
A bimini top is another customizable piece of the wakeboarding experience that makes sure that you and your passengers are comfortable on the water. When you don’t have the sun pounding down on you, it’s more enjoyable to be out riding your wakeboard. You’ll spend more time on your boat and on the wakeboard. Your investment should not languish in your garage because you aren’t using it.
Sun exposure day in and day out can be dangerous. A wakeboard bimini top can save your life by protecting your skin from too much damage. It doesn’t block visibility, and it cuts the glare from the overhead sun, making it safer when you’re driving on the water. Once it becomes part of your boat, you probably won’t notice the top at all.
You owe it to yourself and your passengers to add a customized bimini top to your wakeboarding boat. Don’t try to do it yourself. This is one instance where you need to have the correct equipment designed for the sport. The risk of damage to you or your passengers is too great.
